Title: Feeling Overwhelmed by School Support
I’ve been struggling a lot lately with my school situation, and I feel like the administrators are not doing anything to help.
After sharing my family issues, financial stress, and struggles with depression and anxiety, as well as advocating for ADHD screening and dealing with a persistent mold problem in my student accommodation, I’ve seen little to no action taken.
I’ve reached out to various student advisors, staff, and teachers, but the recurring issue is that I have to keep repeating my circumstances. All they offer is sympathy or redirect me to other resources, which isn’t what I need. I’ve expressed that I’m not looking for sympathy—I just want my concerns to be acknowledged and addressed as soon as possible. I’ve been dealing with these issues for over a year now. Instead, I often hear, “You’re doing so well academically,” which feels like a way to downplay the difficulties I’m facing.
Academic success shouldn’t negate my emotional and mental struggles. I’ve experienced the toll it takes on my grades when my personal issues overwhelm me, and I’m trying to stay proactive. Just because I may not show my struggles outwardly doesn’t mean I’m not having a tough time managing everything.
It seems like no one understands the weight of the issues I’m handling. I want to resolve my financial problems so I can afford food and not feel the need to cut back. The mold issue in my accommodation has persisted for months; I cleaned it up, and it just came back a week later. My existing struggles with depression and anxiety, along with suspected ADHD, are aggravated by this mold situation. The ADHD screening process alone will take weeks.
Instead of receiving practical support, I’m met with bureaucracy and empty reassurances, all while preparing for exams in about 63 days. I feel like I’m expected to shoulder everything on my own.
What’s the point of having a support system if it’s ineffective? Whenever I talk to staff, they seem concerned but then schedule follow-up chats every few months without taking actual steps to help.
I’ve recently hit a breaking point from the pressure to advocate for myself and bear all these burdens alone. When I’m wrestling with financial and health issues, along with the fight for an ADHD diagnosis—something that’s been dismissed in the past because of my previous depression—how am I expected to continue to manage my academics?
I’m just feeling exhausted and frustrated. I’m at a loss for what to do, and I’m tired of reaching out for help.
If anyone has advice or if you’re going through something similar, I’d appreciate any insights or a space to vent.
I’m really sorry to hear about what you’re going through. It sounds incredibly overwhelming and frustrating to feel unheard and unsupported by the very people who are supposed to be there for you. You deserve to be recognized not just for your academic achievements, but also for the struggles you’re facing.
It’s understandable to feel exhausted when you keep having to repeat your story without seeing any tangible support or solutions. It sounds like you’re juggling an enormous amount, and it’s completely valid to want more from your school, especially in terms of concrete actions rather than just sympathy.
One thing that might help is to document everything. Keep a detailed record of your communications with staff, the issues you’re facing, and any steps you’ve taken to address them. This could serve as a useful reference when you’re speaking with administrators or advisors, so they are fully aware of the context each time you reach out. Additionally, it might be worth bringing a trusted friend or a family member to meetings with you, as having someone there can provide emotional support and help advocate for you.
If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to external organizations or mental health services that specialize in supporting students with similar challenges. Sometimes they can offer resources or guidance that school administration might not.
It’s also worth exploring if there are any student advocacy groups at your school that could amplify your voice. Sometimes collective action can lead to more significant changes and support.
Lastly, remember that it’s okay to take a step back when you need to. Prioritizing your mental health is crucial, even if it means letting some academic responsibilities slide temporarily. You’re clearly being proactive in trying to manage everything, and it’s okay to lean on others for support during this tough time.
Hang in there, and don’t hesitate to keep reaching out for help—your struggles are valid, and you deserve to be heard and supported.