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Give yourself some time
You may need to take some time away from school completely, either
because you’re getting treatment in the hospital, or because
you just need to focus all your energy on getting better.
Just because you take a break from school doesn’t mean you
can ‘t go back when you’re ready – even if you’ve
left on less than great terms. Keep in touch with teachers and guidance
counsellors when you’re out of school so that they know how
you’re doing, and so that they’re in the loop about
your plans to return.
Lighten your load
Lightening your load may mean the difference between being able
to stay in school and having to leave because it’s all gotten
to be too much. You don’t have to take on a full course load
- three courses might be lots right now, and that’s OK.
Mix it up
Think about taking a mix of subjects instead of straight academics,
like English and Math, that require lots of homework. Some classes,
like music and Phys Ed aren’t usually so homework-heavy.
Give yourself a break!
Lots of people, whether they are dealing with mental health problems
or not, take more than four years to get through all their credits
and finish high school. Think about spreading out your required
courses over a longer time frame, like a five-year plan instead
of four.
Investigate alternatives
If continuing to attend classes in a regular school setting is not
working out, there are a number of alternatives that may be available
to help you maintain your studies. While the educational services
and supports available vary greatly depending on your school district,
it’s worthwhile to speak with the Principal, your guidance
counsellor, and the Director of Special Education Services in your
School District/ Local School Board about the alternatives available
in your area. These include correspondence courses, General Educational
Development (GED) equivalency diploma, alternative schools, specialized
programs within mental health facilities, etc.
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