Am I Struggling with Mental Illness or Just Lazy?

  • Thread starter Thread starter physicist1985
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on an individual's struggle with mental health issues and career dissatisfaction, particularly in the context of pursuing a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering. The participant experienced paranoia, depression, and a lack of motivation, leading to multiple withdrawals from graduate school and a series of unsatisfactory jobs. Despite a desire to return to academia, they face significant barriers, including parental opposition and personal doubts about their capabilities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of seeking professional mental health support for those experiencing similar feelings of hopelessness and confusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mental health concepts, particularly anxiety and depression.
  • Familiarity with the academic structure of graduate programs in Electrical Engineering.
  • Knowledge of career paths in academia versus industry for engineering graduates.
  • Awareness of the importance of mental health resources and support systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mental health resources available for graduate students, including counseling services.
  • Explore flexible graduate programs in Electrical Engineering that accommodate varying schedules.
  • Investigate career counseling options to assess interests in academia versus industry.
  • Learn about coping strategies for managing anxiety and depression in academic settings.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health issues, graduate students in STEM fields, and anyone contemplating a career in academia versus industry. It provides insights into the challenges faced by those with similar experiences and emphasizes the importance of seeking help.

physicist1985
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Am I mentally ill or just lazy? For the past 3 years of my life I haven't been able to accomplish anything. I graduated college in 2008 and went to grad school in EE. I got paranoid thinking I wasn't doing a good job and that I was going to lose my funding and started thinking the other grad students were spreading rumors about me. I ended up losing my mind which lead to me quitting, basically. I went back home and looked for a job. Couldn't find a job for about a year so I went back to grad school (the same school I dropped out of) but I wasn't fully funded this time...only partially funded. Well, I got really depressed and started sleeping 18 hours per day and wasn't doing any of my homework. I ended up leaving about 2 months later. When I left I was able to find a lab technician job at a semiconductor company but I hated the work. I stayed at this job for 6 months and I ended up going back to the same grad school (yes, dumb, I know) with no funding and I funded myself with student loans (paying out of state tuition) and brought my student loan debt even higher. The classes were way over my head and I ended up dropping them and moved back home. I found another job (electrical engineering), but the pay was really low and it was just a contract job. I stayed here for 6 months and then about 3 weeks abo I starte da new job as an engineer. I thought this would be a good opportunity so I took it. So far I have just been told to read stuff all day for the past 2 weeks. Pretty boring, but I think it could become interesting in the future. However, I can barely bring myself to get out of bed in the morning and I am usually about a half hour late every day. Not good, I know. I recently moved about an hour from home and I have no friends out here (not that I had any friends back home either though).

I want to go back to grad school but I want to try a different school. My parents are opposed to the idea since I have screwed up in grad school so many times before. I just can't handle the structure and schedule of the "real world". I need a more flexible schedule where I can wake up when I feel ready to wake up. I just have no interest in industry, really. I want a job as a professor. Sometimes I feel like I chose the wrong field altogether.

I feel a lot of regret for leaving grad school the first time. I was actually doing well now that I think of it. My advisor actually assured me that I was doing well. I was in good shape (now I am a fat slob) and I was getting good enough grades. I also had some publications and some good accomplishments. I also had a crush on a girl and I was about to get her I think but then I left school. I haven't had a girlfriend since or much of a life at all, actually.

I thought maybe someone here could provide some insight. What am I missing in life? Sometimes I just want to end it. What is the point?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you think you might be mentally ill, you need to see a mental health professional. We cannot diagnose you here.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 80 ·
3
Replies
80
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
908