Anna5,
I know you probably prefer current university students, but here is my 2 cents anyway.
I am 40 and a teacher now. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and PTSD just 2 months ago. I have been dealing with both since grade school, however.
I excelled academically in high school and college, but outside the classroom was a wreck. Had sleep difficulty starting at age 11. Made the first attempt on my own life at 14, the next two attempts at 18 (first semester of university). Had sleep problems living in the dorms, was diagnosed an alcoholic at 18, went through several major bouts of depression, was assaulted my junior year, was hospitalized my senior year, only went to just over half my classes throughout university, and still managed to double major, spend a year abroad, and graduate on time. I am good at getting the job done, even if it means destroying myself in the process.
At school I felt disconnected, like Scrooge visiting his past. It was as if everyone else was able to speak a language I could not. I wandered about at night with insomnia, was bored out of my mind in most classes, only got through my majors because of my writing skills and ability to retain info, I think, and burned through one brief, passionate, dysfunctional sexual relationship after another, desperately seeking a connection I could not sustain.
I am still writing checks each month to pay for a college education that is somewhat of a blur, except for a few good classes, a very educational year in France, and a lot of fascinating young women.
I wish I could do it again, knowing what I know now.
