Depression and ill - uni dissertation due in a week - can’t get out of bed

[cantgetmyselfup]

I’ve got support services in place, I’m under a CMHT.

I can’t get out of bed, I can (physically) but mentally there’s a block. I keep dissociating and I’m exhausted, so unhappy and worried and so much going on in my head. I’m panicking about this dissertation, it’s due on Monday 15th and I’m nowhere near done with it and I don’t know what to do.

I’ve emailed uni who reopen tomorrow but I’m panicking. Head is going to horrible places.

Absolutely speak to your tutor/dissertation supervisor and the admin for your course. They are there to support you. I’m a lecturer and diss supervisor. It’s very, very normal for students to struggle around the time that dissertations are due and we are very used to supporting students who need some extra time to take care of themselves before they can submit. Your health and wellbeing is more important and there is a lot of flexibility, so please don’t panic. Do just email as many different people as you can - head of course, admin person, tutor, supervisor - because it’s a tricky time when lots of us are on leave or still catching up from Christmas so emails can be missed.

More than anything though, rest and try to focus on getting better. All of the rest can wait.

Great post mindutopia. OP, I delayed mine several times due to bereavement and depression. You being okay is definitely more important. It will be alright. Sending you a hig

And also a hug 🤗

Great post from @mindutopia there. Do as she's said- ask for help- draft an email and send it to everyone you have a link with.

There are long and short term extensions. Usually it's the program lead who will grant the short term one, so email them.

Don't lose hope. Many of us hit peak anxiety in the run up to deadlines.

For me, I applied and was granted a short term extension, but the day before it was originally due I just had this 'fuck it' moment and worked on it for 13 hours straight, and submitted it on time. It was nowhere as finished as I'd have liked and I know I could have done better but it was in, a pass was a pass and it didn't have to be perfect.

If you can't do that, that's ok! Your mental health is the absolute most important thing here. Get an extension, then focus on getting well.