sauvignon1: I'm bipolar, and whenever my parents call me I tell them I'm fine because it's easier that way. I'm not doing fine. For one I switched majors to economics, but I can tell the math is going to be overwhelming. To switch majors a second time would just be a waste of money and at that point I might as well drop out to avoid the debt. I went to a therapist for about a year and told my parents it was helping because that's what they wanted to hear, but in truth I never really got anything out of it. I've been deeply unsatisfied since I've had to drop out of Air Force ROTC due to my disorder, and running into old friends from it who are ready to commission has made it even worse. I'm convinced I'll be dead from suicide before I'm 30 (turning 22 this month), but once again it's easier to just say what my parents want to hear. My upper left arm is covered in scratches and cuts because, as cliche as it is, it helps. I'm just overall burned out and know I'm a failure. My brother is a math whiz and is going to become an astrophysicist, while meanwhile I'm the mentally ill member of the family. At least my screw up rebellious cousin managed to get married and join the National Guard. I'm more like my mentally unhinged great aunt who attempted suicide when she was young and made my WWII medic great grandfather cry for the first time in 20 years. In other words, I know I'll end up a disappointment if I'm not dead before that sets in.
I want you to listen very carefully. You aren't worthless, and you aren't a disappointment to anyone.
I have Asperger's Syndrome, Social Anxiety and Chronic Depression. I'm all too familiar with feeling helpless and burned out. All my life I've struggled with these three symptoms. Never compare yourself to others because there isn't a single person alive today that doesn't have problems. Life isn't a race and by no means are you coming in last place.
There have been times when I thought about giving up, just letting the world move on without me. At 22 years old I'm still prone to these thoughts. If it wasn't for my family I would have nothing. I've completed school, and a diploma of professional writing. Had it not been for my mum, who encouraged me at all times to follow my passion and never doubt myself, I would have most likely ended up in prison by now.
Honesty is the most important thing. Friends come and go through the years, some stay and some don't, but the most important people in your life will always be your family. The people you can lean on for advice, for shelter and maybe even hope, will always be with you. If you aren't happy with what you are doing or which direction you're taking, I'd say that the best thing you could do is to talk to your parents straight away.
I'm sure you have a passion in something, and I'd like to you look for a course or job that's built around this passion in some way. I remember the career ladies at school always asking in our final year, "what we want to do next", and most of us couldn't give a straight answer simply because we had no clue.
Be as honest as you possibly can with your parents. Take a deep breath and have a chat with them about a plan, maybe over a cup of tea/coffee? ^^
Right now I'm preparing to sign up for a bachelor in media communication, which will be easy because of my history with screenwriting which I learned during my time studying for my writing diploma. You can branch off into many different pathways. I can convert my interest in writing into a fairly well paying job.
I want you to stand up with fire in your eyes. Look at the world with a straight face and say to yourself that you can achieve anything. Keep that thought in your mind at all times.
Remember, "perfect" and "permanent" are words that shouldn't exist. You have a lot to look forward to. I believe in you! Be strong!