I may not be the best person to be replying to this right now, as I guess I'm going through a manic state right now, and was just diagnosed this month. but... I have that happen, relatively often. I hear single words usually though. But it's definitely a voice that's not my own/my thoughts, but something distinct, if that makes sense. It's never been voices telling me to do things or putting me down, like I know some people can get. Sometimes they just say my name, or hello. It's a very bizarre sensation; I can sympathize with you. Try not to panic, I'm sure that just will make it worse. I'm glad you get to see some people about it soon. Let us know what happens. It might help me knowing what they told you, you never know :P We're all in this together, I feel like! All the best!

M.

Grr.. sorry.. above reply was meant to be for a different topic, sorry! :S

that's a difficult question to answer for a number of reasons. How long have been seeing the psychiatrist who recommended this?

Taking a semester off could well be prudent if you need to stabilise & are currently fairly incapacitated (very depressed, say). I would say, with luck, of course that a semester sounds good.

I took time out from study with my own my diagnosis (years ago) & then confidently got back in the swing of things once I was on a more even keel & had come to terms with the whole idea of having a mental health label. You are not alone..in case you haven't checked it out, most campuses would have mood disorder reach out or support group outfits these days, I think? It's a common diagnosis in young people so seek others in a similar situation, I say

Best luck.

oh wow, you had me confused there.

the disability question I can't address. I don't know. Would it be short term disability? Maybe others have thoughts about whether that's a good idea.

I have mixed feelings about disability. I was placed on SSDI within three months and was hospitalized when I first received it. For 4-5 years, I was so dysfunctional I could not work or go to school But once I started to finally improve, I found myself dependent on the disability. It wasn't enough to live on, but I was terrified to let it go in case I fell a part again. It became a cycle for me that I thought would always be my life. I found out that vocational rehab would put me through school and I took advantage of that. As soon as I graduated I went back to work and got off of disability. I think if you need it it is a great thing, but it doesn't have to be a lifetime of being unable to work or educate yourself. If you need it for a little while, then you should apply. Once you find the right medications and a good psychologist, you will find a way to get back to school and work. I know some with more severe cases than mine really cannot work. So, the length of times for everyone varies. In a nutshell, there is nothing wrong with getting the help of disability when you need it, but don't give up on your dreams of finishing school or having a career just yet :)