Petition Letter
I am submitting an appeal based on the extenuating circumstances of a psychological challenge and a harassment charge. I also wish to have the 21 day time limit waived based on my lack of knowledge of such a period until the time I met with an academic advisor who instructed me to proceed with the appeal and due to the additional month required to obtain documentation from my doctor. In October of 2013 I first visited the LaSalle building on campus to receive help for some mood trouble, I could not get out of bed in the morning, focus during class and was absolutely uninterested in school, daily life or any social or familial activities. I was soon diagnosed with severe depression by Dr. Biederman and treated with antidepressants and counselling which I also received at the LaSalle building. In November a past house mate began stalking and harassing me, in conjunction with my depression and lack of interest I was now terrified to leave my house, use the internet or my cell phone. Without the internet I could not research for papers, check Moodle or my e-mail or get notifications from the university. Every paper I handed in felt like a cop-out, knowing I could have done better if things were different. My depression worsened and Dr. Biederman no longer felt comfortable treating me in my delicate state, she referred me to Dr. O'Brien of the Adult Mental Health centre in January for more intense help. Not knowing if I would or could ever feel like myself again made me lose hope in everything I did, school work, social activities and my employment outside of school. Dr. O'Brien and I met as soon as possible once Dr. Biederman informed him about my mental state, he changed my medication to a much higher dose and we began meeting on a monthly basis. Over the next few months and into April and exams my mood was unchanged and I began to feel suicidal and withdrew further, the thought of exams and especially end of the year presentations terrified me, I had a couple panic attacks and called Dr. O'Brien earlier than our scheduled appointments knowing that I kept getting worse. It wasn't until the last weeks of June did we find a medication and dosage that is beginning to show signs of improvement. All I want is to do better, I want to graduate and I want to be successful. I want to be in control of my life again. I am withdrawing from my currently program of the BAH and changing to the BA, so that I may graduate this year within the four year time span I have allotted myself here at Queen¿¿s University. I believe this will relieve some stress this year, knowing I have an end goal for April 2015.