Help... should I defer? Forum

[shep33]

Hey everyone. I got into a t3 with a massive scholarship and decided to take it. School hasn't started yet, but I just don't feel like I am physically or mentally ready for law school. Here's my story...

A few months ago I was diagnosed with ibs (gastrointestinal issues ) and I lost a significant amount of weight (still around 20-25lbs lighter than normal ).

I then suffered a neck injury that has resulted in chronic neck and shoulder pain. I am also a pretty anxious person who suffers from a tmj disorder that has caused my jaw to have some serious issues. The combination of everything has also caused me to be severely depressed....

As the summer went on my pain has gotten more manageable but still causes me significant discomfort.

It's my dream to go to law school... but I don't feel confident in my ability right now. On top of everything my family is pressuring me into staying.

I feel that if I were healthy I could excel... but I worry that the situation I am in both physically and mentally will limit my ability to perform well enough to keep my scholarship.

I have nobody to talk to about this... my family is telling me to basically suck it up and take a chance but I just don't feel ready or even capable of giving this thing my best shot... not even close.

I still feel depressed and my neck pain makes it difficult to sit for long periods of time (45 min's or more). My jaw still bothers me and the pain keeps me up some nights....

What should I do?

[haus]

Deferring may well make sense in your case. If you are not in school this year, how do you envision occupying your time?

[akg144]

Before making any decisions based on either physical or mental health please do 3 things: 1) Go to a Doctor and get an thorough exam. If necessary see a neck specialist. FInd out what needs to be done, if surgery is necesss. etc. 2) Go to a pschologist or psychiatrist (depending on the severity of your depression) you may need to get the neurological/chemical balance corrected vis a vis prescription drugs (anti-depressants, anxiety pills w/e) 3) Talk with a trusted mentor or advisor you have a long relationship with and fill them in on your circumstances. Most likely they will be able to steer you in the right direction and determine whether your concerns are valid or perhaps the result of something auxillary to the substantive issues at play.

If you do these three things -- get a good idea of your physical, mental health in addition to life-coach guidance and advise I think you'll have a much better idea what direction to go. Until then stay away from Top Law School forums before trolls make things worse...your in the drivers seat, gather all the information you possible can and make the most informed decision you can given the incomplete information you acquire...

Good luck and God Bless

[shep33]

Thank you for the replies. In terms of spending my time I would focus on getting healthy while perhaps picking up an easy part-time job. I will definitely seek therapy for my mind and body.

[shep33]

Before making any decisions based on either physical or mental health please do 3 things: 1) Go to a Doctor and get an thorough exam. If necessary see a neck specialist. FInd out what needs to be done, if surgery is necesss. etc. 2) Go to a pschologist or psychiatrist (depending on the severity of your depression) you may need to get the neurological/chemical balance corrected vis a vis prescription drugs (anti-depressants, anxiety pills w/e) 3) Talk with a trusted mentor or advisor you have a long relationship with and fill them in on your circumstances. Most likely they will be able to steer you in the right direction and determine whether your concerns are valid or perhaps the result of something auxillary to the substantive issues at play.

If you do these three things -- get a good idea of your physical, mental health in addition to life-coach guidance and advise I think you'll have a much better idea what direction to go. Until then stay away from Top Law School forums before trolls make things worse...your in the drivers seat, gather all the information you possible can and make the most informed decision you can given the incomplete information you acquire...

Good luck and God Bless

Thank you for your help and thoughts. I will definitely give your advice a try

[NYstate]

Defer. Law school isn't going anywhere. 1L is very stressful and will make your anxiety worse. You have to get the anxiety under control. You also need to recover from your injuries.

You don't need a life coach, whoever suggested that.

You should take advice from people who have been through law school. The anxiety level of law school takes a huge toll even on people who don't have depression issues.

[shep33]

Thank you for your advice NY. I feel like it is best to defer after reading some of the comments. Classes start Monday so I'll speak to the Dean of students asap.


My family is basically telling me to not come home if I go through with this decision... they don't really believe in anxiety or depression or anything about the rigors of law school


Thanks again.

[oxie]

I wanted to chime in and say that I agree that deferring sounds like a good idea. I had a chronic pain issue pop up during undergrad and I was initially very resistant to taking time off. After struggling through a few weeks, it became clear that I needed to take a medical leave of absence. Taking time off turned out to be the best thing I could've done for both my academic record and my health.

Given how important 1L performance is, I think it makes a lot of sense to defer if you're worried that the pain, depression and anxiety might prevent you from doing your best. I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this and that your family is being less than supportive. You should feel good about having enough self-knowledge to realize that now may not be the right time to start law school. Best of luck and I hope you start feeling better soon!

[shep33]

I wanted to chime in and say that I agree that deferring sounds like a good idea. I had a chronic pain issue pop up during undergrad and I was initially very resistant to taking time off. After struggling through a few weeks, it became clear that I needed to take a medical leave of absence. Taking time off turned out to be the best thing I could've done for both my academic record and my health.

Given how important 1L performance is, I think it makes a lot of sense to defer if you're worried that the pain, depression and anxiety might prevent you from doing your best. I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this and that your family is being less than supportive. You should feel good about having enough self-knowledge to realize that now may not be the right time to start law school. Best of luck and I hope you start feeling better soon!

Thank you for your kind words, they are truly appreciated. Yeah I wish they were more supportive... my brother is basically the only one who understands my situation. My mom is worried but has a tough time with understanding anxiety and depression and what I've been going through.

Seems like everyone outside my brother is extremely upset for just asking for some time off...

Thank you for your insight... honestly your words of support have helped so much. God bless and thank you again

[bp shinners]

Just wanted to hop in to agree with the chorus. I know many people who had mental illnesses reach a head because of the stress of law school. You don't want to start off in a bad place. Get your health issues, both mental and physical, under control first.