Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: Name: Ziyan Zhou
Student No.20406718
Date: 12/26/2024

I am writing this letter to demonstrate details regarding how my mental health has impacted my academic performance in Phys 115. I hope that the contents of this letter will provide context for my request to late withdraw from Phys 115.

My name is Ziyan Zhou, and I’m a student at Queens University since Fall, 2023. I’m an overseas student came from China, experiencing the first long-term departure from my parents. Prior to coming to university, I struggled with severe depressive disorder for over two years since 2020, with receiving regular medical treatment (mainly fluoxetine) and counseling. Although my condition stabilized before starting university, after two months, I feel my depression returning. I was experiencing insomnia and I constantly battled with negative thoughts such as suicidal thinking and feeling of meaninglessness.

In addition to insomnia, I experience various somatization-related health issues such as constant dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting, feelings of suffocation, and a rapid heart rate.
Due to these difficulties with my mental and physical health, I struggled to maintain basic daily routines such as attending lectures and laboratories. The recurrence of depression has been unexpectedly severe, I felt powerless toward my situation.

These circumstances made it impractical for me to complete Phys 115. In Fall 2023, I’ve completed Geol 107 and Biol 102, receiving passing grades for these courses. I have a fine foundation in biology and chemistry from high school courses and a long-standing interest in geology since middle school. However, I did not have any prior coursework in physics before taking Phys 115. Furthermore, under the influence of depression, my capability of analytical thinking decreased evidently which Physics is a subject that requires a lot. Therefore, despite my special circumstances significantly impacting my studies in Phys 115, they did not strikingly affect my academic performance in other courses.

I would like to provide details regarding my medical condition and the treatment I have received since the recurrence of my depression, which has impacted my ability to complete the Phys 115 course.

• In November
I began to experience homesickness and difficulty falling asleep. Insomnia disrupted my daily routine and made it challenging to maintain focus in my studies. I visited the Student Wellness Center for advice on managing my insomnia, but I was hesitant to acknowledge the possibility of my depression reoccurring.
Despite my efforts to attend all the lectures and labs, persistent drowsiness and fatigue made it nearly impossible. As a result, I missed most of my lectures, including Phys 115, and received a poor grade on the midterm exam.

• In December
December marked the beginning of the exam session, which intensified my anxiety and further exacerbated my depression. My sleep was limited to less than five hours per night, leading to a deterioration in my health.
I attended the final exams, but the result of my exams was poor, especially Phys 115.
I delayed seeking help until after my exams ended. Felt embarrassed and unsafe discussing my long-standing mental health issues with a new psychiatrist, I didn’t seek access a formal psychiatric treatment.

• January and Beyond
On January 1st, my mental state worsened significantly, and I had thoughts of self-harm. I called 911, and emergency services transported me to Kingston General Hospital (I can request documentation if needed). The psychiatrist there prescribed Zopiclone for me.
I was prescribed both Zopiclone and Fluoxetine with the help of psychiatrist in Student Wellness Center, but unfortunately, my condition showed little improvement. My parents became increasingly concerned about my situation. On January 31st, I made the difficult decision to return to China for treatment with my psychiatrist and applied for temporary withdrawal from my studies.
Since February, with receiving continuous treatment in China and the support of my family, my condition has improved. In May, I decided to resume my studies and enrolled in three summer courses to compensate for my absence during the 2024 Winter session.
During my most recent appointment, my psychiatrist confirmed that my condition has stabilized. While I will still require ongoing medical treatment and counseling, I am now in a manageable state and fully prepared to fulfill my academic requirements.

I hope the above explanation provides context for my difficulties in completing Phys 115, and I hope that the school will consider my special circumstances in evaluating my request for withdrawal from the course. Thank you for your understanding and consideration. I greatly value my opportunity to study at Queen's University, and I’m willing to put all the necessary effort in my future studies.