Withdrawing from physics 2 for mental health issues?

[SavoirFaire87]

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Hi, everyone. I'm a non-traditional student (graduated college a few years ago) who is finishing my pre-med courses this semester. Well, I hoped that I was. I have a history of depression and anxiety, was hospitalized for suicidal ideation, am in outpatient treatment regularly, etc. Over the past two months, I have struggled with increased anxiety and depression. I have seen my psychiatrists for this, and they currently are tweaking my meds to help me get this under control.

These past couple months have been disastrous for me. I currently have a C in physics 2--and only thanks to lab and homework grades. I failed the first exam. This is unlike me. I had to get a note from my psychiatrist stating that I was mentally unfit to take the second exam when it was scheduled a couple days ago.

At this point, I am considering withdrawing. How bad will this look? I have a couple Ws from college but none recently. Explaining a mental health issue will be difficult in applications, although I suppose I could always say that I was also preparing for the MCAT and working (which I am). If I stay in the course, I risk doing poorly. Help. 🙁

 

[change4med]

I would withdraw unless your GPA can take a C and it's your last pre-req or something?

More importantly I'd try to get the anxiety and depression under control and not apply until you feel it is adequately so. I feel that's much more important than a grade in a class... wish you lots of luck!

In your applications, I wouldn't mention the mental health issue, and I wouldn't write about it, if they asked about in interview about W's then I would bring up how you had difficulty with time management, but from what I've heard it might be a potential red flag if you talk about depression and anxiety since the workload is much greater in med school and can trigger these lows.

 

[Goro]

Very sorry to hear of your woes, and several Ws won't kill your chances, but you might very well be asked about them at interviews.

I strongly suggest that you think hard about this path because med school is a crucible, and the #1 reason my school has students fail out, take LOA or get dismissed is due to mental health issues.

Lie about things in interviews and you might as well set your app on fire or punch the Dean. A consistent record of academic excellence will allay any fears about your health.

Hi, everyone. I'm a non-traditional student (graduated college a few years ago) who is finishing my pre-med courses this semester. Well, I hoped that I was. I have a history of depression and anxiety, was hospitalized for suicidal ideation, am in outpatient treatment regularly, etc. Over the past two months, I have struggled with increased anxiety and depression. I have seen my psychiatrists for this, and they currently are tweaking my meds to help me get this under control.

These past couple months have been disastrous for me. I currently have a C in physics 2--and only thanks to lab and homework grades. I failed the first exam. This is unlike me. I had to get a note from my psychiatrist stating that I was mentally unfit to take the second exam when it was scheduled a couple days ago.

At this point, I am considering withdrawing. How bad will this look? I have a couple Ws from college but none recently. Explaining a mental health issue will be difficult in applications, although I suppose I could always say that I was also preparing for the MCAT and working (which I am). If I stay in the course, I risk doing poorly. Help. 🙁

 

[DingoPingo]

As someone who's had mental health issues throughout college, I want to say that your health is more important than your grades right now. Please take some time to make sure you can make a safe recovery. Once you can do so and your academics reflects your readiness, you can worry about medical school then. Personally, I would withdraw unless I'm confident I could finish my class.