Finding Energy To Study When Depressed?

[Confused 20]

Thank you.

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[Caesar]

I am currently attempting to prepare for Physics I and Organic Chemistry I, which I will be taking in 70 days. My problem is that I suffer from severe depression and am finding difficulty finding the motivation to study. I also have very little energy as a result of my depression and often feel enraged and suicidal because I potentially suffer from bipolar disorder and as a result go through a myriad of emotions each day. Furthermore, I am petrified of Organic Chemistry and Physics because I believe my lack of intellect coupled with my severe depression will prevent me from passing. Can anyone give me any advice on anyway in which I could find the energy to study 10 or more hours a day for Organic Chemistry and Physics? What food and/or drink would be ideal to provide me with the energy to study a great many hours each day? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

You should speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

 

[BluePhoenix]

Well...I would suggest that first you work on getting your depression and other mood issues under control first. You need to have control before you can really expect to study and retain things.

Secondly, are you just studying before the courses start? Because 10 hours a day for just pre-studying seems really excessive. If you're really concerned, I'd suggest simply reading through the textbooks and perhaps brushing up on your algebra skills for physics (or calculus depending on which version you're taking). There's really no reason to try to teach yourself the whole course before you take it, and drilling something incorrect into your head can make it that much harder later on. Perhaps arrange for a tutor from day 1 to go over what you learned in class, and most importantly do not let yourself fall behind. Don't burn yourself out on the material though before classes even start or waste your summer studying before you're able to fully focus on the material.

 

[jka0067]

I had undiagnosed PTSD my freshman year of college, and it seriously ruined my life for a while. My biggest mistake was allowing myself to spiral downward--don't let this happen to you.

Talk to a professional. It can be a therapist, counselor, or a psychiatrist. Talk to a member of your family with whom you feel comfortable. Bipolar disorder is something that can't be solved with food or drink, but with therapy.

 

[rowerlauren]

I am currently attempting to prepare for Physics I and Organic Chemistry I, which I will be taking in 70 days. My problem is that I suffer from severe depression and am finding difficulty finding the motivation to study. I also have very little energy as a result of my depression and often feel enraged and suicidal because I potentially suffer from bipolar disorder and as a result go through a myriad of emotions each day. Furthermore, I am petrified of Organic Chemistry and Physics because I believe my lack of intellect coupled with my severe depression will prevent me from passing. Can anyone give me any advice on anyway in which I could find the energy to study 10 or more hours a day for Organic Chemistry and Physics? What food and/or drink would be ideal to provide me with the energy to study a great many hours each day? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am not going to attempt to provide any medical advice to you since that is outside any realm of expertise I have. I am just worried about you.
1. Have you received proper care for this condition? I know how difficult it can be to get motivation to do everything with severe depression. I suffered for years with depression in both severe and moderate forms and am finally mentally healthy.
2. Don't say "lack of intellect" the first thing you need to do is believe in yourself. Yes Orgo and Physics can be difficult, but don't let them get the best of you. Just take things as they come. This can seem like the hardest thing to do with depression, but if you allow yourself to believe in yourself and get the help you need, academically and medically, you can get through.
3. Study 10+ hrs/day? That's intense! Is that really necessary? You need to take breaks to enjoy life, or at least try to. That's the only way for you to get through everything. As for foods stay away from simple carbohydrates and lots of refined sugar.

Please feel free to PM me.

 

[HumidBeing]

I am currently attempting to prepare for Physics I and Organic Chemistry I, which I will be taking in 70 days. My problem is that I suffer from severe depression and am finding difficulty finding the motivation to study. I also have very little energy as a result of my depression and often feel enraged and suicidal because I potentially suffer from bipolar disorder and as a result go through a myriad of emotions each day. Furthermore, I am petrified of Organic Chemistry and Physics because I believe my lack of intellect coupled with my severe depression will prevent me from passing. Can anyone give me any advice on anyway in which I could find the energy to study 10 or more hours a day for Organic Chemistry and Physics? What food and/or drink would be ideal to provide me with the energy to study a great many hours each day? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

First, and most important, talk with your both your regular health care provider and a mental health professional. If you are already under their care, PLEASE bring these issues to their attention.

SDN is not an appropriate place to seek or give medical advice. Members who respond to this thread are requested to avoid giving any advice that would be construed as medical advice.

OP, I'll respond more fully to your question in a following post.

 

[MiraCheskis]

You should speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Seconded. Very, very strongly.

Caffeine may help, in the short-term, but it does increase anxiety...and self-medicating is _never_ a good idea.

And yeah, cut the simple carbohydrates! Speaking from personal experience, that rush-crash _will_ mess with your emotions.

 

[p30doc]

GO SEE A DOCTOR NOW NOW NOW. Also don't study orgo/physics 10 hrs/day, please.

 

[HumidBeing]

Studying 10 hours a day for the summer before class is likely to be counterproductive to your goals. It is likely to not just wear you out, but to also add to your stress level. Set reasonable goals and expectations that you can easily meet. As you succeed, one step at a time, your confidence will, hopefully, grow. Along with that, so will your prospects of success in the courses.

Since the math aspect worries you, you might brush up on the trig. I did NOT have trig prior to physics, and did not pre-study. So, the course was tough, but I still did very well by taking it one step at a time.

Don't try to conquer the courses before you start. If we were expected to know the material first, there wouldn't be any reason to take the classes. I think it would be a good idea to first read through the first chapter of each book, one section at a time, work the problems, and get really comfortable with just the first chapter of each. That's enough of a goal. If you have time, gradually work your way through the next, but don't try to get far ahead. Just try to be at the point where you will be able to follow the first lectures without feeling lost. That will get you through those first classes and the time when we all adjust to each professor's style.

The very best things you can do for yourself to have energy to get through each day are to develop and maintain a normal sleep pattern, to eat a well balanced diet, get regular exercise, and set aside time to relax and enjoy something each day. Keeping a healthy, well nourished body helps our minds to be sharper.

Do discuss your concerns about mental health issues with a professional, or team of professionals.

This is not a race. If you decide that it is too much to handle by taking both courses together, spread them out. It is better to take the time to do your best than to push yourself and not do as well.

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[Caesar]

Studying 10 hours a day for the summer before class is likely to be counterproductive to your goals. It is likely to not just wear you out, but to also add to your stress level. Set reasonable goals and expectations that you can easily meet. As you succeed, one step at a time, your confidence will, hopefully, grow. Along with that, so will your prospects of success in the courses.

Since the math aspect worries you, you might brush up on the trig. I did NOT have trig prior to physics, and did not pre-study. So, the course was tough, but I still did very well by taking it one step at a time.

Don't try to conquer the courses before you start. If we were expected to know the material first, there wouldn't be any reason to take the classes. I think it would be a good idea to first read through the first chapter of each book, one section at a time, work the problems, and get really comfortable with just the first chapter of each. That's enough of a goal. If you have time, gradually work your way through the next, but don't try to get far ahead. Just try to be at the point where you will be able to follow the first lectures without feeling lost. That will get you through those first classes and the time when we all adjust to each professor's style.

The very best things you can do for yourself to have energy to get through each day are to develop and maintain a normal sleep pattern, to eat a well balanced diet, get regular exercise, and set aside time to relax and enjoy something each day. Keeping a healthy, well nourished body helps our minds to be sharper.

Do discuss your concerns about mental health issues with a professional, or team of professionals.

This is not a race. If you decide that it is too much to handle by taking both courses together, spread them out. It is better to take the time to do your best than to push yourself and not do as well.

Best wishes and good luck!

LISTEN TO THE FROG. Keep your head up OP and get some help if you need it. Best of Luck!

 

[Tryonetic]

I am currently attempting to prepare for Physics I and Organic Chemistry I, which I will be taking in 70 days. My problem is that I suffer from severe depression and am finding difficulty finding the motivation to study. I also have very little energy as a result of my depression and often feel enraged and suicidal because I potentially suffer from bipolar disorder and as a result go through a myriad of emotions each day. Furthermore, I am petrified of Organic Chemistry and Physics because I believe my lack of intellect coupled with my severe depression will prevent me from passing. Can anyone give me any advice on anyway in which I could find the energy to study 10 or more hours a day for Organic Chemistry and Physics? What food and/or drink would be ideal to provide me with the energy to study a great many hours each day? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Congratulations, you are taking the first excellent step to treat your depression. Talk to someone, even in cyber space can reduce your depression and pull you back into your life. As for your so self described "lack of intellect," those are the words produced by your depression and are probably not true. Talk to the health center of your school and seek support from your friends. Everything will be alright!

 

[brianmartin]

First you won't need to study for 10 hours/day for organic and physics, maybe 2 hours at most. That should help lift some of those blues

 

[CHINGchongDING]

im sorry for your depressions. im is was like that when i first left my homeland near angkor.wat helped me alot is music from celine dion andpatrick swayze song from dancing movie. she like the wind. makes me feel better. maybe you has good music you can listen for?

 

[wannabmd09]

I am currently attempting to prepare for Physics I and Organic Chemistry I, which I will be taking in 70 days. My problem is that I suffer from severe depression and am finding difficulty finding the motivation to study. I also have very little energy as a result of my depression and often feel enraged and suicidal because I potentially suffer from bipolar disorder and as a result go through a myriad of emotions each day. Furthermore, I am petrified of Organic Chemistry and Physics because I believe my lack of intellect coupled with my severe depression will prevent me from passing. Can anyone give me any advice on anyway in which I could find the energy to study 10 or more hours a day for Organic Chemistry and Physics? What food and/or drink would be ideal to provide me with the energy to study a great many hours each day? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Are you on any medications? If not, you should look into that. If yes, I find eating comfort food makes me feel better. It's not healthy, but it's soooo comforting. For eczample, I eat: fresh baked cookies, McDonalds every now and then, and a tall glass of chocolate milk to lift my sprirts.

 

[Excelsius]

If you are scared of any subject, you may want to get familiar with the book before the school starts. As you said, you have 70 days. That's more than two months. If you just read 5 pages from each book, after 70 days you'll be almost done with the course.

One piece of advice: do not think that you can't do it because you are not intelligent. I have seen many people who I thought can't even understand how a hole-puncher works, yet they successfully continued their studies in engineering: A's in higher level math and calc based physics. I have since radically changed my opinion about certain things. If you spend enough time, you can study any subject you want. Someone who's intelligent but doesn't like to do the work is worse off grade-wise.

Another suggestion: do NOT be limited to the textbook. If there is a concept you don't understand well enough, get your arse online and into the library and read what other authors say about that subject. I understand things pretty easily, but sometimes books are not well written and they omit important information that can help you deeply understand the concept rather than brainlessly memorize futile information. I have found secondary sources to be remarkably valuable. Sometimes it leads to very interesting discussions with your teachers. On one occasion we were talking about details that were omitted in the book but were only implied. The teacher told me: "you know, that would be a great question for the test." Sure enough, it was on the test. Many people missed that question. The point is be proactive. It is completely up to you whether you do well or not in the class.

 

[Hyperstudyosis]

First of all, I would suggest that you consult with your doctor regarding your condition.

Second, I would suggest that you supplement your diet with omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as fish oil, as research has shown that they can help with brain conditions such as the one you mention.

Third, try to change your attitude about physics and ochem. If you tell yourself you are not smart and you are going to fail, then your belief may well become your reality. However, if you have the attitude that anything is possible and that you are capable, then I think you will have much less of a problem.

 

[MichiganEMTInt]

Seek therapy for your depression. You do not want to wait until you are actually taking the classes and have upcoming exams, etc. I have found through experience and talking to many people that the best thing for organic chemistry and physics, if they seem intimidating to you (you're not alone there, believe me) you need to have the right mindset. I have been tempted more than once to pre-study over winter break/summer for classes that I know will be hard. You have to realize that by pre-studying you will not only make yourself stressed, but you may potentially be trying to absorb material that won't be expected of you in the class. Also, there is no guarantee you will retain the material all the way until the first exam. I'd strongly advise against pre-studying especially for organic. If you have no previous background in organic chemistry and nomenclature, it is like learning a different language.

I have never met you but I know that you do NOT lack the intellect to pass either class. If you go into the class with confidence and use resources available to you, you will do well. Talk to a professional about your feelings and that will help you gain confidence. Study with people in your class and help each other learn the material. Good luck.

 

[metalhead1023]

This is serious advice. Buy some porn.