You seem to have a Diagnosis, which is a little unusual for a 16 year old, do you see a Pdoc (Psychiatrist) and are you on meds to help with your symptoms?

Online School would probably be a good idea if you're having trouble coping in an everyday classroom situation. But you need to be careful not to isolate yourself or let yourself give in to the depression symptoms. Depression tends to make you want to do that, stay in, away from others, the outside world....and that's not really a good thing. Also giving into the depression can make you sleep more, not eat well, throw your whole routine off and the more that happens the worse it can make things.

So if you do switch to Online School, try to keep a set schedule during the day, just as if you had to get up and go to school. Set a time to be up, set hours to do school, then a break, maybe go outside take a walk, soak in some sunshine, natural Vitamin D which fights depression, then a few hours of school again, lunch time break, then a few hours of school, then have a stopping time.

See what I'm getting at? You can't just let yourself have lazy haphazard days with no routine just because you're not going outside the house to go to school. That will most likely make your symptoms worse and make it hard to succeed at Online School. Make sure you make time to see friends and go out, don't isolate yourself. Once you start doing so, it gets pretty easy, pretty quick. Maybe find an activity like a Volunteer job a few hours a week or on the weekend, sometimes just helping others, helps get you out of the constant funk of your depression. If you like animals, shelters are almost always looking for help. Or there are tons of other opportunities.

Also if your seeing a Pdoc and are on Meds and your symptoms are not getting better you may need to see about adjusting your meds. At your age its hard to manage a Mood Disorder like BiPolar as your brain is still growing and constantly changing, which means the brain chemistry is constantly changing. Brain growth stops around 19 - 21.

Take care,
Kat

I think Kat said it all. Isolating one's self is a major problem with depression and online school may not be the answer. When I was getting my degree I had a lot of online classes and it took discipline to do the work daily in order to stay up to date and have the work in when given a due date.

I recently started having depression even though I am on meds and have been stable for a long time. The depression hit for no known reason. I saw my pdoc and he adjusted my meds a little and I think I'm starting to come out of it---not isolating at home, not hating going in to work, etc...

I'm a lot older than you, but staying on top of your illness is important no matter what your age. Are you seeing a therapist(tdoc)? That may help. Therapy can help you get through these hard days.

Big hug for you blank.... I'm sorry that you're struggling right now..... I agree with what others have said and I would see your medical professionals before making any huge, life changing decisions about school

Online is hard.... it's not easier... In school you have a teacher right there if you're having any problems with work

Don't lose site that we have a treatable disorder.... Sometimes we do get sick however there's help for us.... Another hug.....xo

Hey blankfeatures, like everyone has said, evrrything has been stated really well in the previous posts. I guess i just really wanted to stop by and say i feel you. Man, it cam be so hard sometimes, absolutely awful, just terrible. But we come out the other end alive and okay. Cause we are strong and we are survivors. I really hope you find some comfort, stability and the help you personally need.

Working with a good psychiatrist and therapist can help immensely. A mental break in online school may be good for you. Not a bad thing.

I admire you for thinking about positive changes to make and reaching out for help. You sound very knowledgable about your own needs. Depending on your online school, it might be teach yourself type of classes. Some people like this and some can't handle it. It also can be very isolating. It sounds like you need to talk to your psychiatrist and get the meds straightened out. Maybe journal every night about your feelings to help understand them and make them not so overwhelming. Maybe pay attention to your cycles and what makes you better or worse. Can you get your Vitamin D level checked as low levels can cause depressed moods in older adults (I know you said you were a teenager, but maybe this is something to consider). Eat healthy, fruits and veggies, real foods not processed or man made. Get outside daily for exercise. Make a written plan to eat right, exercise daily, go to bed on time, etc. Force yourself to stick to that plan and see what is helpful. My son has bipolar 2 also and his depression is way worse than his mania. This time he is on a antipsychotic instead of an antidepressant and boy, what a positive change in him. I thought he might end his life before this new med and I was shocked frankly when they did not keep him on the antidepressant. But this is working better for him. He gets worse in winter so he has already been making plans to do things over the Thanksgiving holiday so he doesn't get isolated and more depressed. So sometimes it takes a bit of detective work to figure out things. And making our wellness plan the priority. I know someone who schedules their life to the max to make sure their wellness is the priority. He has to exercise daily, he has to eat super super healthy, doesn't drink alcohol or smoke, and goes to bed at a certain time every night. Otherwise he feels himself sliding down. You are a smart guy and I know you will and can figure out what works best for you.

The Poster is a female.

Some of my closest friends, to this day, came from high school and uni. It's such a crucial time. Even though my homelife was a living hell, I'd never change those days.

If there's a way to maybe get some meds to help with the depression, I'd recommend that over home schooling.

I didn’t read all of the massive response you’ve received. I just read your message, and I wanted to give my opinion. I am bipolar 1, Tourette’s, the list goes on. I started getting my master’s online. I love it-as much as you can love school. It’s great for when I’m manic cause I can do homework whenever I want as long as I meet the deadline. I also did online homeschooling 2.5 years of high school. I’m sure you do love your school, but do what you think is going to serve and fulfill you- if you choose homeschool, maybe you can visit your school friends at different school events. IDK. I graduated high school with a 4.0 and never thought that would happen when I was in public school. Weigh the pros and cons- don’t forget- you can probably do a semester or two at home- then maybe go back to school after a nice break when you’re feeling better. Wish you happiness :)

Thank you guys all so much for your help! I posted an update :)