Overcoming Academic and Personal Challenges: A Mental Health Journey

During my educational journey, I faced numerous challenges that tested both my academic capabilities and my mental resilience. I started my undergraduate program with the goal of receiving an A in every class, driven by the pressure to excel in my province’s cégep (college) before university. However, once I entered university, the challenges became more complex and personal.

Falling into Depression and Overworking

In December 2010, I experienced a significant mental health crisis. Waking one morning feeling inexplicably depressed, I turned to the only coping mechanism I knew: overworking. I believed that studying more and watching movies would bring temporary pleasure and mask the depression. I spent the next months immersing myself in Oscar-winning films (from 1950 to 2010), studying intensively, and indulging in movies as a form of escapism. Although I managed to survive until the end of the semester, the stress of keeping up with academic pressure began to take its toll.

Internship and Medical School Acceptance

My academic path was interrupted in the summer of 2011 when I secured an internship. Despite the rigorous schedule, I struggled to complete the internship and manage the increased workload. On May 15th, 2011, I received an acceptance letter to medical school. However, the abrupt change in circumstances was too much to handle, and I experienced a mental breakdown. On June 15th, 2011, I was hospitalized for one month, marking the beginning of a series of mental health challenges.

Recovery and Return to Studies

After leaving the hospital, I spent time away from academics, focusing on therapy and personal development. During the year off, I learned essential self-care skills such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and household cleaning. Re-enrolling in 2014 proved to be challenging once again. In a virology class, I stood up in front of the teacher, mistakenly perceived as a threat, which led to police involvement and charges being dropped. Despite these setbacks, I continued to struggle and was eventually expelled from the university in 2015.

Final Struggle and Graduation

My journey culminated in 2016, where I faced the most significant challenge: the decision from the dean, rector, and several high-ranking officials to have me expelled. With only one year left to graduate, I had to fight, appealing the decision to the ombudsman and securing legal representation. Through perseverance, I managed to complete my undergraduate degree with a 4.24/4.30 GPA.

Lessons Learned and Personal Growth

The key to overcoming these challenges was regular therapy and counseling. These sessions helped me continue and find purpose amidst the trials. The most valuable lesson I learned was the importance of a balanced lifestyle. I had pushed myself too hard, working 10 hours a day, six days a week, without realizing the risks of mental health issues such as depression and mania. In my 20s, I believed I was invincible, but now I understand the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.

My experience has transformed me into a testament of resilience, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Perseverance and self-care have been my guiding principles, and I am now committed to helping others navigate their own mental health journeys.