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TheOneRaven1
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12 Jun 2014, 1:00 am

I've come a long way to get to this point in my life, my depression isn't anywhere near as bad as it used to be, and I made it through high school. I have also gotten an associates degree and finished my first semester at a university. Yet, I am being challenged by my parents for desiring to take this summer off to pursue personal interests.

They want to know what my plan is for doing something, they're pressuring me to dwell on the far future and worry - which is not good for my depression. After the big step I took going to university and the transition I went through, I am burnt out on structure. Plans are not helping this feeling pass and its making me feel unmotivated and indecisive.

Given my past social phobia, severe depression, and my aspergers diagnosis - I'd think that my request to focus on my own personal interests and enjoy the summer is not unreasonable. I just...I don't know what I need to do to feel free to do what I want or need to. Any help, please?



btbnnyr
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12 Jun 2014, 1:45 am

What is it that they want you to do for the summer?
Like a job?
I think that it is fine for you to pursue your personal interests after first semester of university.
You can get refreshed for next school year.


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kirayng
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12 Jun 2014, 11:18 am

It seems like parents are in such a hurry to see their kids be responsible adults. You're 21 years old, you're at the prime age to really do what suits you best because later on, you'll regret not taking the time for yourself. When I've taken such breaks I've always gained valuable insight into how to cope better, learned more about a topic I like, enhanced my art hobby, and started reading books again. These vacations are 're-charging' you so take them when you feel you intuitively need it.

Someday your parents will appreciate that you have found a good balance in your work/personal life and you cope well with stress. :)



TheOneRaven1
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13 Jun 2014, 1:58 am

A job was one consideration, but there aren't too many in the area that don't involve physical labor or working as a cashier of some sort. My anxiety doesn't let me take on jobs like those. Now they want me to consider volunteering and I'm just not interested in grunt work. I'd love to do something, anything, remotely creative in the arts.

Thanks for the words of support, I appreciate it. I agree, parents don't give their kids time to develop their interests much anymore.

I feel miserable, stuck, drained, and lonely - I need to take this break to find myself again. I need a sea of my interests and hobbies to swim around in, but I need to be sure the parental sharks don't try to get me.

Not having a future career isn't worrying me, it's not being content and engaged with a future that's getting to me. If that makes sense. Any ideas on how to persuade them to back off?



muna
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21 Jun 2014, 4:31 pm

What about getting out of the area? Even if you can't drive there are usually options like Greyhound or other buses. And you can travel and try new things for little money if you find the right situation.

Some ideas to look for something to do or somewhere to go are:

ic.org
backdoorjobs.com
http://www.wwoof.net/

You might be able to find some creative project that will suit your desires and get you out of town for a little while?



Redstar2613
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23 Jun 2014, 4:14 am

Have you told them what you've told us? I dont really see how they could hear that and still be pressuring you.
Do you live with them? If they're not going to listen to your perfectly reasonable decisions in your own life, then you have to do something about that. Maybe they just need to see that you're fine on your own. Don't let them push you around just because they're your parents. Politely remind them that this is your life and you do know what you're doing and then say you're not going about it anymore and if they bring it up again, tell them that you aren't discussing this anymore.