Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am requesting to appeal CLST 205 Ancient Humour beyond the drop deadline due to psychological challenges.

I have ADHD and suffer from anxiety and depression. I am medicated and periodically work with a therapist either in my hometown or at Queen's Student Wellness Services. During the summer of 2022 I was experiencing a depressive episode that resulted in a severe lack of motivation to be productive in this course followed by extreme avoidance of addressing the problems I was experiencing. I was not living in Kingston with housemates or my hometown with family, so my usual support system was not made aware of the reality of my mental health. I did not seek academic or mental health help as often as a should have. I recognized I should have dropped CLST 205 or asked for an extension for assignment deadlines, but due to my mental health I felt paralyzed and unable to take action. My downturn in mental health was not presenting as I had previously experienced depressive episodes in the past, so this further perpetuated any internal justification that I was worthy of seeking help. I typically have a plan to manage depressive episodes, but in this case I was unprepared. This issue with depression resulting in lack of motivation and avoidance has carried on since the Summer 2022 semester into the Fall 2022 semester. I met with my Queen's SWS counsellor Roger on Thursday, December 8, 2022. I am in the process of building a plan to respond to the academic effects my recent psychological challenges have caused. I am currently recovering from a concussion, so that is my top priority. I plan to continue to work with Roger throughout the Winter 2023 semester to build on my coping skills with ADHD, anxiety and depression. In addition, I will be including my support system in how to assist in supporting me during psychological challenges.