My name is Salman; 21 year old I have been suffering from depression from last four years. My treatment of medication is continuing from last two years. I want to ask how can I restart my education, which is discontinuing since last two years. I have great problem especially with my concentration and memory. I have only passed my first ten classes. Please suggest comprehensive solution.

Hi Salman, I used to work at a community college as a counselor and I met with many students who had been diagnosed with depression. There are several things that you can do, including taking fewer courses when you initially return to post-secondary. You are still considered a full time student when you take three courses. Most post-secondary programs have a Learning Skills Department that is staffed by learning specialists. They offer support through small group appointments or one on one appointments. They offer a variety of workshops including such topics as note-taking, strategies to enhance learning skills in class, techniques to improve memory and concentration and preparing and taking tests. They also train students to become peer tutors. These are students that have achieved at least a B+ in the course that they tutor in. Post-secondary counseling departments also offer individual and group counseling and workshops to students that are suffering from depression. So there is a lot of academic support available at all post-secondary institutions to people that are experiencing a range of mental health issues. Having depression does not need to keep you from pursuing your desire to complete your degree.

You might want to browse the website of the particular institution that you are considering attending and/or talk to someone from each of these departments to check out their various services.

All the best to you Salman,
Lisa Little