"I don't want to die, I want to live easier" man that hit so hard

I don’t want to die, I want to live easier. Every time depression hits I have to remind myself of this🙃

It's so hard when you know you can do it academically but emotionally you can't. It makes me feel less guilty I didn't finish my masters degree because I was in a really bad place emotionally and I don't think I could have finished the course let alone handled the career I was going into (teaching) Your videos are great.

I am 72 and autistic and I have dropped out of 5 universities. But I have also graduated 4 times, so I have mixed feelings about the my journey. I just wanted to let you know that you can do whatever you like when the time seems right. Thanks for the great content; I wish you well. .

When she said not studying or doing school makes her feel guilty and like a failure, I almost cried. That is so me!!!!

I’m going to tell you something I wish someone told me when I took time off “I’m proud of you for dropping out and listening to your body ❤️”

I think it’s wonderful you’re speaking about this! I work at a university and It’s amazing how we say eating bad, not sleeping, and just generally not taking care of our bodies is part of the “college experience.” It shouldn’t be! Proud of you for doing what’s right for you.

my 3 year program was the worst 5 years of my life haha.

I ended up taking 7 years to finish my 3 year degree.. I changed my major 3 times, switched universities, dropped out of several classes because of anxiety. I also only attended the bare minimum classes because being at uni gave me severe anxiety. I was finally able to finish only once I switched to 100% online classes. It was such a relief to finish but honestly I don't think it was worth the amount of stress it put me through.. I only finished because I felt obligated and like I was too "smart" to fail.

What a powerful post, normalizing that people shouldn’t feel like they need to go to school especially over their mental health. Thanks for sharing!! ❤️

She looked so much happier after she talked to her academic advisor and dropping out became real... that’s how you know it’s the right thing to do.

I’m 33, suspect I’m on the spectrum, and have dropped out of university twice and had 10 or so different jobs over the last 15 years. We all have different journeys and some of them look pretty twisty turny . Keep doing what’s best for you :)

"Former Gifted Kid Syndrome" is a big part of my life too.. I lowkey gave up on my GPA even though I keep withdrawing and going back... but it sucks because being smart and having good grades used to be a huge part of my self-esteem. I hope you're feeling better nowadays. 🙏💕

as a college drop out my family still doesn't fully understand that it saved my life

I’m about to graduate, but every single day in university felt like hell. It’s a traumatizing experience for me, and I feel like a loser when all the uni friends around are so comfortable at school. I didn’t have the opportunity to just drop out for my sanity, my university didn’t allow dropping out nor did my parents. I got my thesis done, but I’m a mess right now.

Life is larger than any school and any job. Whatever we do we will end up underground in the end. It's really crucial to look after ourselves and prioritise health over ANYTHING else.

I feel like I’ve let everyone down. I moved to a really good university. I haven’t even started the course yet but I’m already dropping out. I’ve been in student halls for 13 days and have already had 2 suicide attempts, one which resulted in me almost dying and spending a night in hospital attached to syringes and machines. Last night I tried to hang myself but survival instincts kicked in and I just couldn’t let myself do it while having an opportunity to save myself. Bipolar is awful, I literally can’t have a normal life like everyone else my age. I am transferring to a university much closer to home, surrounded by family and all the support in the world. I’m also taking up a different course as I’m not in the right frame of mind for such an intense and emotionally challenging career. I just needed to rant to people who understand. Good luck

I have never found anyone to relate to so much. This is exactly what I’m going through right now and I don’t know what to do.

University and the trauma that came with it, nearly killed me. It left me completely burnt out and even less confident than when i began my journey. in the end it wasnt worth it, but my aspie brain told me there was only one way to do thing. Uni was a life line out of poverty and trauma. It is great that you made that difficult decision. I hope it worked out:)

Yeah, man, I tried to stay in school and push through my depression. Wasted a lot of money. Get out swiftly and cleanly, be on good terms and financially stable, and focus on health. Get a dog. School isn't going anywhere.

Mental illness and university don't mix well. I'm 46 and graduated from university 25 years ago. I enjoyed my time there, but the social side was hell. As you say, you're not dropping out never to return, you're taking time out to improve your mental health. I hope your mental health improves and if you want to return to university, you can and do.

You will figure it out eventually! I'm 31 and finally dropped out for good. 3 different colleges, 5 or 6 attempts over nearly 15 years. So many withdrawals and failed classes that I retook. I'm so much happier now that I've made my peace with not having a degree. My quality of life was always terrible when I was in school, and the ableism was wiiilllld. Don't let anyone devalue you because you make choices that are different than what they think you should.

I dropped out 3 times in 2 different universities due to severe depression. I wish I'd known earlier that education doesn't have to define your life.

Thanks for being so authentic and sharing your journey! You are so right - pausing school (or deciding to stop) doesn’t put your life on hold! Love this message!

I can completely empathize with how difficult this must’ve been for you being the valedictorian of your high school. I had to leave my program after tormenting myself far too long. I eventually went back and was so proud to finish my program but it was the most difficult thing in my entire life. So proud of you for doing what’s best for Paige.

Paige- as a person who dropped out during my sophomore year in college, please know that I believe you made the right choice for yourself. Try not to beat yourself up, there is life without a degree and you have so much time to figure this out. I turned 28 this month, and have managed to find success and happiness over the last 9 years without a degree. If I had never left, I wouldn't have found my true calling. I wish you all the success in the world! ❤️

I dropped out of graduate school this past semester for really similar reasons. It made me tearful watching this video, both because I related to it so much, and also because I’m happy for the decision I made and the decision you are currently making. It was incredibly hard to do, but I feel like it was the right thing for me. With that in mind, I truly applaud your decision. It took a lot of strength to do, I’m sure, but you recognized that’s what you needed. I’m sure that a lot of people are benefiting/will benefit from your words - from all your videos, but this one especially. Looking inward, disregarding the “standard,” and doing what, in the long run, is best for you and all aspects of your life - that’s an incredibly motivational thing to do. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and it makes me happy that you’re going to take some time to fill your cup back up again. You’re going to go so far in life.

Definitely listen to your gut!!! I stuck it out and was so f’in miserable....!!! Senior year I had three to four panic attacks a day. Awful, crazy!!!!

I went to the same school as you and I don't know what its like now but the mental health support used to be absolutely atrocious. I remember not being granted an extension on my essays after my bf passed away AND I was in the middle of pressing charges against someone. They absolutely did not care

Thank you for uploading this, it's exactly what I needed to see. I am taking a pause on my uni course because I have just been burnt out and depressed and I just need a break, but I have been feeling awful about it because I just feel like I'm running away from my problems, when I'm not, I'm trying to fix my problems and get better, so thank you! x

Good for you! This must of been so difficult. I was diagnosed with adhd during college and had a really bad time dealing with it. It’s so wise to step away when it’s affecting your will to live. I like your perspective in this video.

I dropped out two years ago! Best thing I’ve done. You can build a platform through KZfaq and Instagram. Your going to so far! I personally have asperbergers.

Paige, I’m so proud of you. I’m autistic, and can for sure relate that it seems like everything has to be black and white. And it’s a challenge too not have things go to plan. I love how you are so transparent with everyone. Sending love girl, and you have made life better for so many autistic girls. It’s amazing having someone to relate too. Your life has so much worth !

This is about the EXACT time I brought my son home from college but only in 2020. I told him it is just a bump in the road. He started a few classes from home. We wrapped our arms around him and are figuring it out. It will be ok.

Thank you that your channel exists. I've been searching for content about this subject - from someone who is being informative rather than emotional.

This video is so important. I applaud you for all your efforts to share honestly and help end stigma for a variety of conditions. Such a mature and vital message for everyone.

Hi Paige, I'm proud of you for being so brave in posting this. I think a lot of people need to hear how it's NORMAL to have these kind of issues. First step in solving these issues is acknowledging. Next step is acceptance. Finally last step is doing something about it. Wish you best of luck! Don't give up!

Paige! I found your videos on TT. I work with elementary special ed students, on the spectrum, and who have suffered trauma. You are AMAZING! I finally figured out to look for you elsewhere, so I can share your experiences with some of my students. The short, informational and personal experience videos you post on TT are fana-freaking-tastic. Please, please, PLEASE do more of those here where they are accessible to a wider audience! I don't feel comfortable sharing TT with the little kids, if you know what I mean;) Your message is SO FREAKING IMPORTANT!!!! I really hope you read this. I haven't watched this video yet; I was so excited to find you here, but I'll watch in a minute; but honestly, I think it's probably good you dropped out of college. You have clearly found a calling here, with the video inspiration you create. Thank you for your efforts. Thank you for your knowledge. Thank you for the risk you take posting these videos. You are def a terrific motivational speaker, and I believe if you pursue such a path, speaking to the community about neuro-difference, you will be a hugely positive force for understanding and acceptance. You don't need college; you need a course in public speaking and speech writing. Thank you thank you thank you! (I know this is weird; I hope I didn't put you off; there's a distinct possibility that my toes are dipped in the spectral pool... but I'm old now, and they didn't worry about such things when I was a kid.)

wow ... it was like you were literally describing my own drop out experience . like spot on . whats even crazier is that it was the same time last year , literally the same month , that i had to do the same thing in order to heal from a lot of shit i had been ignoring to the point that i became extremely depressed/drained and suicidal ... starting flunking my classes and lost more than one job, etc . I know that this is a bold statement but i truly feel like i know what you had to go through mentally and emotionally , much love to you ! i know how difficult it was to be in that position in life and even tho i dont know you im proud of you for doing what you had to do to begin healing

I put off taking time to work on my mental health for 3 years for the same reason. I eventually was forced to take a semester off when I sank into alcoholism and lost my financial aid due to my grades slipping. If you need to take time off, do it. Otherwise you’ll end up with someone else making that choice for you.

I am going through the exact same thing and THANK YOU so much for this. This speaks to me beyond anything.

I finished my BSc in 6 years after struggling my way through but too stubborn to stop something I had started. I'm 31 and was literally diagnosed with ASD today (yes, in the middle of a pandemic on top of everything else). I wonder what I would have done at your age had I been diagnosed earlier in my life. I don't know what this news means for my life going forward but self-knowledge is power I guess...Keep listening to yourself.

I know this is a year old, but it’s good to see. I’m almost 35, realizing now that I’m likely autistic and have adhd, and pushing through college, through abuses and trauma, was one of the worst things I did. Though graduating despite all that is still one of my proudest achievements. It took me years to heal, and when I first returned home I couldn’t function for months. Then more stuff happened and ultimately I became too sick to work and needed multiple surgeries, I couldn’t do anything but try to heal, but some of my health I may never regain. I just want to encourage everyone to take care of themselves.

This was amazing! So proud of you! Stalked your Instagram a bit and it looks like you’re doing so much better and look so happy!! Certainly gives hope to people who are struggling! There’s a silver lining yet!

I honestly love hearing someone speak so openly about suicide and not wanting to be here anymore. On another video where you talked about your mom asking you one day if you wanted to/may take your own life, it reminded me of when my mom asked me the same thing and it was the first step on my journey to improving my mental health. It's so important not to shy away from these topics! Bringing up suicide to someone you think may be suicidal will not push them towards it, but may save their life! You're not putting suicidal thoughts in their head, as they're already there

Thank you so much for sharing Paige. I am so glad you made the decision to drop out of university. As someone that has diagnoses, just different ones, I also have struggled a lot with doing what is "normal" like going straight from grade school to university. You matter more than school and you can always decide to continue on later. Loved this video!

The more I watch your videos the more I realize that I relate to you a lot. I dropped out of a university before I even had my first day of class. I was also having problems with my mental health and wanting to live. I got the help that I needed, but I didn’t enroll in school again and decided to just take a break for now and honestly I don't know if I'll ever do school again. I’m glad you did what was best for your mental health even though it might have been hard. I'm so glad I found your page and I'm able to follow you on your journey ❤️

You inspire me so so much. Mental health is far more important than education. Take care of yourself, get back on your feet, do therapy and heal. And once you’re ready, do whatever you feel is right. This video is helping to normalize mental illness and needing to take a break from schooling so you can come back at your best! University isn’t for everyone. Thank you for sharing your story. Your transparency is inspiring ❤️

this video make my cry, there is nothing i can do to help you, but my heart is with you. Get well, the most important thing is health, and mental health is a much more powerfull thing than people imagine i love you and admire your courage

I just dropped out of college recently. I'm getting my autism assessment done on September 3rd. I'm not doing well and I hope I've found out why I am the way I am. Thank you for sharing your experience. I can really relate.

Hey paige. Really wish the best for your mental health. Its really true that life could get really stressful sometimes and we cant avoid that fact. I may not be much but i would be here for you at your trying times we're gonna make it through the path of healing. 🙌🙏

Hang in there Paige. It doesn’t have to be permanent. I dropped out for three years - and ended up going back after I was in the right place to do it. Do the right thing for yourself!

I honestly can't express how much this video means to me. I was in such a similar situation around the same time and even seeing this retroactively feels so good. Gonna rewatch this video when I feel down.

Thank you for this video. Made me feel relieved from the choices I made, that I knew they were the right ones for me, but I felt so judged by others because of them. Is good to find somebody that get it, how difficult life can be...

Also, I’m so proud of you 🥰 mental health is important!!

New to your videos and I just want to say you’ve helped me so much in my journey to discovering my ASD diagnosis and also finding my true self. As many women and girls do, I masked my entire childhood and adolescence, it wasn’t until starting therapy for depression and anxiety stemming from PTSD and researching ASD in girls and women did I realize that I am autistic and the lack of diagnosis and proper support during my childhood caused my trauma. I still have a LONG ways to go, but everyday I feel I step more and more into who I truly am, thank you for helping me and others on this journey of self discovery. PS: girl your eyelashes are gorgeous! You’re just gorgeous in general but your eyelashes really caught my eye! Take care

I follow you on TikTok and you have helped me so much. I’m an autistic woman and you were capable of explaining things I want to explain to people and can’t manage to. Thank you so much for raising awareness. I couldn’t message you on TikTok so it goes here...thank you for being you! You have helped me.

Just thought I’d let you know that I literally last week I got my autism diagnosis and you’ve inspired me so much in getting through school and stuff because I can see you’re a successful young woman. I’m glad you are doing what you want to do. I hope to be like you one day

SO proud of how far you've come!!

❤ I've been struggling with my mental health too and I think you've made a good decision for yourself

Good on you. I’m severely depressed, but I just keep working on assignments to stay afloat :(

Hello Paige! I recently found your KZfaq Channel! I turn 26 this year and I was diagnosed with Autism at 7 years old. I have checked out a few of your videos and I don't feel so alone anymore as well as I feel less like an Alien! Your videos have helped me alot and made me see alot of traits I didnt know I even had! This is one of my fav KZfaq Channels! Thanks for all you do and being yourself!!!! Also in the school area my grades were okay but I struggled so much with them... I had a hard time keeping up and focusing and some of my teachers didnt seem to even care! I graduated from High School in 2014 and I have wanted to go to college or Uni but I have huge seperarion anxiety and I cant afford it at all. I have so many things Id try to study for if I could find a way to do college.

I hope you find a safe and healthy place for yourself. Thank you for being real girl. Wishing good things for you. Lots of love.

I can already see that weight dropping from your shoulders after you dropped out. Seeing this from the perspective of knowing future you gives me hope.

thank you for staying. you've saved so many of us already.

I am literally in the exact same place at the moment, I'm dropping out of uni as well because I don't want to be here. This is insane. Thank you for sharing this video paige!

As a neurodiverse person myself (ADHD) I can completely relate to this! I actually had to take a break from last semester due to needing a mental health break. I’ve been in school since 2015, earned my Associates at my own pace and now I’m halfway finished with my Bachelors. It’s taking me a while but I’ve found that I do best when I take less credits. Slow and steady wins the race :)

I am austistic and dropping out of university or college is the best thing you can do to yourself

Good on you for putting this up, really brave. I believe in you.

The 4 year path is not right for everyone! I went into my first school intending to do the 4 years. It was a lot more rigorous and demanding than my high school, and I had only been diagnosed with ADHD since my junior year. I struggled much harder than I ever had in my life. I got D's in a few classes. Still, I pushed through a year and a half because a lot of other people were dropping out or transferring and I didn't want to give up. But by the end of my first semester sophomore year, I realized it no longer felt like home and I was only there for my friends. My roommate that semester transferred out at the same time and they left about a week before I did. That time alone gave me a lot of time to think. I ended up transferring to a local community college back home. Because the schedules were different, I had a full month off. That still didn't stop me from being burned out most of that first semester. I had a few bad grades again, but I ended up re-taking one of the courses later on and doing much better. I graduated from the community college after 2 1/2 years, then went on to a different 4-year for two years to finish my undergrad. Finally, I spent 3 years on grad school (2 years of classes and the final one was my internship & masters project). I started college in fall 2009 and got my Masters degree in May 2018. I'm glad I allowed myself to refocus my efforts instead of pushing through the stress. I believe that if I had fully quit during some of those moments I questioned myself, I would have had a very hard time going back to school later on. But that's just my brain and my experience! Listening to your brain and your body is one of the most important things you can do.

Its always been hard for me to understand depression and anxiety because its something i just dont struggle with, and ive alway thought that people with depression can just choose to be happy, but the more people i know that commits suicide or just never gets better the more i understand its actually basically uncurable. Hopefully your videos can help a soul or two, and most importantly may it help you get better, Miss Paige

I had to drop out of college because of my PTSD. I took time to heal and now, years later, am going back to get a degree in social work to help other people who suffer like I did. Take care of yourself first! You are so strong and valuable to this world.

This is a year old and I've seen more recent videos, so first, I'm so glad you got through this and made it to where you are. 2nd, you're amazing for sharing your struggles and for following your heart and instincts to do what's best for you. It's your life--gotta do what's best for you. Self-care is vital. 3rd, I hope more people can understand that University is not the only option in life. For so long kids are taught that college is everything but it's not. For some careers it's necessary but definitely not for all. I never went away for school. I got my Associates at a community college while living at home. Took 4.5 years cause I worked and took my time. (My mom died a few years later. Didn't know it was going to happen, but boy am I glad I had those extra years that I would not have had if I was away.) Then I did a 10 month program in graphic design, fell in love with it, and have spent the past 15+ years pursuing that passion and interest. Luckily for me, that career journey has many paths. I'm both self-taught and have taken classes from different places whenever I needed to learn a specific skill. In my profession, (now as Senior UX/UI designer) you need to keep educating yourself and evolving. Some workplaces require a degree but many don't (the reasonable and less biased companies don't.) I still have not completed a Bachelor's degree and at this point I'd be lying if it wasn't partly to prove a point. The other part is there is always some other kind of training or certification that seems more relevant. But to anyone out there considering applying for or dropping out of college, please remember one thing. College should not be a destination or a goal, it is one possible path to a goal (depending on what your goal is.) And your goal should be based on what you want to do with your life. If when you reach college age you still aren't sure (which is totally expected) then do whatever is the cheapest to try things out and find out what you want to do with your life. Don't invest tens of thousands of dollars to experiment and find yourself. I guarantee you there are cheaper and more meaningful wats to do that without the years of college debt. Take care of yourselves, your wellbeings, and your journeys. And always think outside the box.

you are so naturally pretty!!

I love that little laugh when you said you were going to do it, I feel like that was such an autistic 'I'm breaking the rules' laugh. I do that every single time I do something that you're 'not supposed to do'

I would love to see more videos from you.

Keep being true to yourself Paige, you got this!! Sending prayers your way! 💛

Omg girl you are so strong, I love your personality! I wish you all the best, I'm on my year off right now and idk if I'm going back to my law school I did that because I was feeling so depressed but right now I'm worried that I ruined my life 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ but being at home helps me so much

I’m so glad you dropped out. I kept going in (from as far as I can tell) a somewhat similar situation and I so easily might not have made it through, but my brain was like no, you can’t drop out, you can’t fail, you must continue suffering even if it kills you. You have to prioritise your health, college will be there later. I finished my degree but I’m still a total mess, as I didn’t have the option of mental health support at that time and it’s so important ❤️

Did anyone else see the orb in the upper lefthand corner of the video at 2:01-2:03? You’re protected, Paige 💗 I hope you’re feeling way better these days

This video really hit me hard; I can relate to those feelings of depression and feeling guilty for not being able to do something that you feel like is almost required of you (like finishing school). I also went off to university literally 2 weeks after graduating high school just to get out of my parent's house, which wasn't a great place to be (to say the least). I had so many mental health issues and trauma that I never addressed. My parents didn't believe in therapy. I was self harming and made multiple attempts on my life. I ended up self medicating with hard drugs. I dropped out after 2 years and eventually was able to finish my degree online a few years after that. But even that took me 2 tries because I got pregnant at 23 and couldn't manage school and a new baby. After I finished undergrad, I went to grad school. Had a mental breakdown in year 2 of that, failed a course, got dropped from the program, was told I could return after a year. Now a little over a year has passed and I am constantly beating myself up because I know I should be trying to get back into school but I can't and I don't feel ready and I'm terrified. I'm not autistic but I have pretty bad mental health issues and a lot of trauma that I still haven't dealt with, including years of abuse. I'm also a single parent. And I always blame myself and I sink into these deep pits of depression that I can't seem to crawl out of for months and months. I honestly only hold on because of my son and I don't think I'd be alive if not for him; he's all that matters to me in the world. I am sober and in therapy for a few months now. I think it's so important to get the help you need and do what is best for your own health and your own sanity. Everyone's journey looks different and that is not a bad thing. I know this is an old video but I just found your channel and I saw this and I felt compelled to comment because I've been going through deep depression for months now and it's hard sometimes just to keep going. Sorry this comment is so long. I've just subscribed and I'm going to go watch the rest of your videos. Hope you're doing well! Take care of yourself, stay safe and healthy. Much love!

So much love and respect for this honest video. I'm also concerned for my own mental health and its feels amazing to know I'm not the only one feeling this way. Seeing the happiness on your face as you were dropping out was so beautiful🌹 I hope you are in a better state of mind now❤️

Thank you so much for this...going through the same thing. Learning how to just be again.

I dropped out too a few years ago... I´m still fighting. It felt like the end of the world and sometimes it still does... but well... maybe the world needs to be kinder to people... we shouldn´t have to feel that way. I thought I could change and help but the world and people in it proved me wrong. So now I´m kind of lost. I hope you have a better experience and that you feel better now.

I almost dropped out in 4th year. Had a manic episode and called my mom at 3am crying about how I’m leaving for Ireland. I ended up finishing my degree but I was a manic and depressive yo-yo. I dropped out of my honours to be able to finish on time. Thank you for expressing your struggles. 💕

This is literally how college went for me, I graduated high school in 2016 and waited to go to college until fall 2019 because I was certain I was a ‘bad’ student. Then I did great in the first 2 quarters of my freshman year, then COVID hit and I did sort of ok in the 3rd quarter online, but after that it was a huge downward spiral in terms of my motivation and mental health. I took 2 quarters off after fall 2020 started, then I came back in fall 2021, thinking I was ready to return, despite having a sudden traumatic family event occur over the summer. So the same thing happened again, and I put myself in a second leave of absence because financial aid won’t cover me at this school anymore until they approve petitions from me, but they need to see that my mental health has improved drastically (turned out I have depression, anxiety, and Other Trauma or Stressor Related Disorder, on top of the diagnoses I got when I was 8 years old: ASD and ADHD). The reason that’s important is I can’t just take a class at a time, I’m only covered with financial aid if I take a full course load (and I can’t afford school without it). so in the meantime I’ve been just going to therapy and working. I don’t know if I’ll come back to the college I’ve been going to because I moved with my bf who is finishing college here in 2 months so we will move out of this area, and I don’t know what to do after that because the area we would move to doesn’t have the same programs for my major to do what i want to do (Japanese and Asian studies). So the future is uncertain but I can’t worry that much about it rn

I'm way late on this, but I'm proud of you for doing what you needed to. I almost killed myself forcing my way through college. I had to be hospitalized, and I ended up signing myself out even though they wanted me to stay but I was panicking about the coursework I was missing. Can attest that it doesn't get better if you don't work on it. I really hope that this decision helped you.

I was never diagnosed with autism, (I have severe depression and that's my only diagnosis). I'm 21 now...I dropped out of uni two times already, now I am back at uni in uk for the third time, (to a completely new major). I thought it would make a change as I left my country to study here. But nothing changed. And with every video of you that I watch, I see more of me in you. I'm so happy that you are happy now! I completely get the "failure" thing. I want to have an education cause that's the only trait you get credit for right?(I still don't know what the answer is) . My family were never hard on me, like never! But I am hard on myself all the time, so yeah...I guess I'm trying to say that I get you and you're not alone

I did the same at 19. I didn't fit in and the pressure was just too much. I cried all the time and I just couldn't cope. I thought the people were cruel (and they were) but I think they also thought I was strange. I took some time. Moved home. Went to the gym and swimming every morning and had a nice lunch and read. I worked a part time job. It was all hard I didn't want to do anything but I am intelligent and I knew that allowing myself to spiral would be a bad thing for me. Later, I went to another university and studied law and taxation. I made a couple of friends. I generally had a quiet time, continued to work part time, went home often. I'm 33 now and a chartered Tax adviser. My journey has been slower than some, and often has difficult times. I've recently established that I have asd and adhd and that'll explains so many struggles over my life and why I never felt like I fit in. I watched the video you did more recently with your mum and she could have been talking about me too. Thanks for creating the videos. You'll go far whatever you do. And just 'being' is OK too. Simple pleasures are often the happiest times. Take care x PS. I literally have no memory now of dropping out of university,like who I spoke to or what I had to do, my brain has erased it!

im autistic and i didnt end up going to college when i graduated high school in 2019. im currently enrolled in a vocational school and im studying equine science and management (horses). its honestly the best decision ive ever made. idk what im gonna do once this school year is over (its a 2 year program) but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it lol. rn im just happy to have found something i love with my entire soul. 😌💖

My kid’s only a high school freshman, but we talk about college and I had to reassure them several times that a four year degree away at school is not the only way to do life well.

I’ve literally took my time to sit and watch all of your videos, I’ve literally just told myself that if your trying, I have to try too. It’s so hard feeling like everyone else has support with autism except the people with autism. We’re in the same boat girl & we’ll figure it out on this journey together 😢💖💖

Watching this in December 2022 wanting to quit my job and change my entire life....

I wish I could have seen this video while I was still studying at the university, instead I got a severe autistic-burn-out without knowing I was on the spectrum at that time, I was forced to go back home and got into a psychotic episode it's never been the same since. Looking back at it now, I wish I could have had the strength to drop out before losing my mind and crashing hard like I did. It wasn't healthy at all and it took me a long time to recover! You did the right thing!

It's ok if you're unable to "fix" it quickly. It took me decades to realize I'm also learning just how broken everyone else is. God's original design for you is to accomplish something only YOU can. Find out who you are.. your innate (born with) gifts, your unique personality, your deepest passions/desires and find where those meet. I mentioned decades... stil discovering myself... still learning... but now I'm making a difference.

Yaaay so glad you took the path of self-care! Please make more youtube content. :) You're super inspiring

I really needed this because last week i dropped out of Uni. I just couldn't handle the stress, my anxiety, depression, crying everyday. Uni gave me zero support with my autism and right now I feel so ashamed, so useless... it is a very hard path mentally and emotionally 😭

I’m 22 I pretty much went through the same feelings you describes the feelings I went through my first semester. I’ve decided to go back and peruse things that find interesting.

I finally made this decision in September, thank you for sharing this video

I'm a new subscriber to your channel & I want to thank you for sharing this! ❤ I'm 26 and I just graduated from Community College for an Associate's Degree in Business Administration last year in December. It took me 6 years to complete it because I was facing some rough challenges in my life to where I had to take semesters off time to time, so I can focus on my mental health, work, & my personal life. Self-care is beyond important amongst everything else! ❤ I'm actually happy that I chose to not continue furthering my education at a University because it's already stressful as it is just to apply to one! So, I've decided to do my photography hobby as my top notch career choice & do classes at an online photography school! 😊❤ You do you, girl! Do what makes you happy! Love you! ❤❤