Petition Letter
During the fall 2022 semester, I experienced a significant resurgence of mental health symptoms which made it impossible to complete my course requirements. I was in the beginning stages of getting help for my newly diagnosed ADHD, and was experiencing a recurrence of depressive symptoms which made it incredibly difficult to function and leave my house often enough to attend classes on a regular basis. I was also struggling significantly with Statistics due to my Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, and these struggles negatively impacted my ability to focus on and complete the work for PSYC 333 as well. I have since discussed this difficulty with Meghan Norris and she advised that I switch into the Joint Honours program with Gender Studies so that PSYC 301 is no longer a requirement for me. This change in program, as well as adjustments to my medication and work with my occupational therapist to implement coping skills and routines, has been hugely beneficial. In the past year, I have worked with my occupational therapist and psychiatrist to get to a place where I am doing very well with regards to my health and schooling. I took four classes in the fall 2023 semester (more classes than I have taken at a time in many years) and I am confident I did well in all of them, and my attendance and participation were excellent. These have not been simple quick fixes, but the learning and implementation of vital skills which I am continuing to hone so that this does not reoccur.