Posted by Deneb on December 23, 2011, at 20:15:02
In reply to Can't get through school- what to try next? (long), posted by grapes on December 23, 2011, at 18:13:56
You story sounds almost like mine. I used to be a star pupil in high school. I was right up there competing with the other kids with the highest grades.
I did have anxiety issues though, but somehow it did not affect my intelligence much yet.
Then last year of high school I got some sort of mental breakdown. I've never really been the same since.
I went to university, but my IQ was dropping dramatically. I struggled. Once in a while I was able to concentrate and when I did I got A's, but most of the time I had to drop classes. I also skipped a lot of exams and failed a lot of classes that way.
I got kicked out of my honours program and switched into a non honours general 3 year science degree, but I still had trouble. I was in university off and on until I was 28. I think the university took pity on me because one day they changed the requirements of my program and that allowed me to get my degree. Previously I did not have all the required courses yet. I was missing one or two. I had a whole bunch of other ones that didn't apply to my program though.
Now I am working in a call centre. I've been promoted but I'm still making very little money. Also I'm having a lot of cognitive difficulties. I too have the dazed and confused look most of the time.
I'm a very slow learner now. I make up for it with my eagerness and positive attitude though. I am happy to say that my depression is totally gone now. I don't notice much in my surroundings and I can't think on the spot anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if my IQ has dropped 20 points.
I used to be above average, but I know I'm below average now. Other people are so quick. I'm totally lost in most conversations. I can't keep track of anything.
I really hope you'll be able to get your degree. I wish I had better news, but I don't. I'm barely making minimum wage now. But well the good thing is that I'm still relatively happy. My anxiety is much better now and I'm not depressed. Oh well, I guess I traded my intelligence for happiness.
I know all those years of mental anguish somehow damaged my brain.
I'm hoping maybe I can exercise my brain and regain some abilities or something. I've read the adult brain is more plastic than people have thought.
poster:Deneb
thread:1005462
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20111208/msgs/1005466.html