Is an engineering degree worth going into depression for?

[SNRote]

Keep seeing your psychiatrist and keep talking about your feelings. I am seeing a Portland psychiatrist for depression as well. I am going through a divorce and it has been a long, sad road that got us to this point. I have found that talking to someone (non family) has been extremely helpful so keep going!

 

[deRham]

lisab's statement makes no mention of her opinion as to whether or not medication is appropriate or not, yours does. No double standard.

I'm not sure about this. In particular

But it seems obvious where your problems are stemming from if you say your parents will think you are a failure unless

is the only actual case where I see there is a definitive statement as to where this poster thinks the problems are coming from. Still, the poster says it's where the problems seem to come from, leaving room for individual verification.

Note the following:

The way I see it, there are two independent issues here.

But if you choose not to, you should recognize you're making a difficult task (earning an engineering degree) much, much more difficult.

The first statement is certainly an opinion concerning the diagnosis of depression being valid or not.These two posters express opinions on two different topics. The first expresses an opinion that the parents' reaction seems to be at the heart of the problems. The second expresses an opinion that the depression issue is an independent problem, and that not treating the depression will make things difficult.

Neither really states whether the medication should be taken in an absolute sense. In fact, johng23 is merely suggesting that taking the medication will not solve emotional issues, but is technically leaving it up for opinion whether or not the medication should be taken.

I don't think either poster is really especially in the wrong here. And I don't think there's something wrong with what either of them said, unless they take their opinions to be facts.

I am sure you mean well here, but it might not be appropriate to advise someone regarding medications.

Is it clearly better or worse to advise someone on whether or not they have depression?

 

[deRham]

If you know in advance that you should not be giving advice, again, why advise? The intent of this forum is clearly to receive advice from persons who are in a good position to give it

With due respect, who IS in the position to give advice on psychological issues? It is almost always a judgement call for the individual based on various opinions. Whether someone with a degree in psychiatry or not, the key is to give various possibilities rather than trying to make the conclusion for the person involved.

If your intent is to stop people who don't know the answer from making definitive claims, perhaps nobody should be making definitive claims whatsoever on a topic like this.

 

[deckoff9]

To be quite honest, like others have said, this does not really seem like the right forum to ask. This isn't really an engineering specific problem, and more like a psychological issue. But I think the general advice that if you think engineering is what's causing your depression, obviously you shouldn't do it. It's only going to get tougher after school. Don't think your life is over just because you can't be an engineer. The correlation between happiness and money earned is very very low.

Just one person's experience, but I used to have a pretty good paying job as a poker player. However, I reached a point where I hated doing it and eventually quit. I am now much happier as a broke student again. If you think you would have happier doing something else obviously do that.

 

[victor.raum]

I just read the topic here on this thread. I didn't even read your post or any of the responses (though I'm about to have a look). But before I even start reading, my knee-jerk response is "no."

(Just had a read. I think if you strongly suspect that the school situation is the root of your problems, I'd suggest getting out of there ASAP; be that getting out of the program, or getting out of school completely. And damn what other people think, always try to put your own needs far [very far] above the expectations of others).

 

[teito klein]

I would like to tell you that I'm also experiencing almost the same thing as you are.. I'm in first year of engineering, no major yet, and I'm quitting on Monday. I can't handle the mental pressure that I'm getting from school. The workloads are so heavy and I totally don't know what I'm doing.. Though I'm quitting on Monday, I'm not actually quitting the whole engineering thing.I tried thinking about getting some other courses but it doesn't work out.. I still want engineering so I'm going to try again next year by God's grace.
What I'm saying is, it is important to search within yourself if you really want it. If you're sure about engineering but you're getting depressed because you're unsatisfied with the grades you're getting then it might be a good idea to stop for a moment. Go to someplace, have a vacation, discover whatever things that may help you get back your interest and passion for engineering again :) It's important for a person to enjoy what he's doing.

I'm not good in physics, nor chem nor math and English (not really my first languange) but I love challenges. it may sound weird coming from a person who's quitting but if you really want something, you wouldn't let yourself get broken from this situation.. you got to get yourself back in shape :)

Be yourself. be positive. Don't just pour your whole life in engineering. have some fun too. spend time with your family or friends. get a new hobby. Distract yourself sometimes :)

Never ever consider yourself a failure.. you're a learner.. not a failure.

I hope this helps.
Praying for your success in engineering :) and I'm sure you will succeed.

*hope the smileys won't freak u out and say that I'm gay.. I'm a gal just to let u know :) haha.

 

[Atoweha]

I decided to stick with engineering, I Transferred schools, which was a really good decision on my part.
Now I am only about 1.5 years away from graduating and my grades are improving, even though I still am uninterested in the material.

 

[jimmyly]

1) if your not happy with something in YOUR life, change it

2)Don't let how other people think of you influence you

So, if you Don't like engineering then stop. It's not giving up, or failing. I don't get why people think if you do something and change your mind, then automatically you fail.

What's wrong with quitting something if your not happy?
(btw I only read original post)
I think the number one thing is to not be afraid of how people will look at you. Don't base your decisions on the judgment of others ESPECIALLY parents. It is YOUR life. Just remember that, don't let other ppl live it for you

 

[Octans]

(btw I only read original post)

It's understandable to not read the entire thread, but at least read the post directly above yours.

 

[bhobba]

I decided to stick with engineering, I Transferred schools, which was a really good decision on my part.
Now I am only about 1.5 years away from graduating and my grades are improving, even though I still am uninterested in the material.

Great to hear.

I would stick it out. When you are finished you can look for some kind of graduate degree that interests you. Engineering and a graduate degree in something else is a good combination - knowledge of Engineering is always useful because even if you don't use it; getting a job in a firm that does that type of thing will give you a better appreciation of the business.

I did a combined degree in Applied Math and Computer Science but did it part time while working in a public service agency. I went to work as a programmer, again in the public service, but the feedback I got is the users simply loved me - and evidently that was very unusual. I put it down to my background in knowing where they were coming from.

Thanks
Bill