Failing at Uni

[Angrboda]

I would suggest taking some time off and doing other things until you figure out what is right for you.

My second year of college, I lost all interest in my classes. I would sign up for them, attend a few, and then just not go. I spent several years racking up F's and incompletes and worrying my family, and frustrating myself, before I was forcibly ejected because of my grades. Now, because of all the unfulfilled coursework, I can't get any financial aid (they cut you off after so many credits), so I couldn't go back even if I wanted to do so.

You have a motivational problem of some sort, or other barrier, most likely. At the time I was in college, I didn't know anything about depression the mental illness, but that's a likely explanation, as I've had a serious mental illness since childhood and had my first episode of major depression at 17. When you don't feel motivated to try, being told to "try harder" is doubtful remedy. And despite what you and your family may have worked you up to, college isn't the only good thing to be doing at this time in your life. Many people learn lessons about life at that age without ever going to college, and many because they chose other paths.

Change your mind, and your body will follow. Until you figure out how to do that, banging your brain against a wall is probably one of the least productive approaches.

Sometimes, you have to climb down the mountain, to discover a more feasible route to the summit.

(And I think I'll stop before I start channeling Taoist sages of antiquity....)