Where do I go from here?

[Supersenior97]

So let me fill you in, I am a 18 year old male student doing my 5th year in highschool. I never made enough credits my freshmen through senior year because of learning disabilities revolved around anxiety and depression. I often missed school due to being hospitalized and day treatment programs for my self harm and depression and anxiety. I am trying my best to work at getting my highschool certificate but my mental health has been getting in the way. I have been seeing a therapist for 5 years now and have been prescribed multiple medications to help me cope. I work at job that is a passion of mine working with animals. But I am confused with my life as far as what is next for me. I am overwhelmed with finishing highschool and then getting a post highschool education. And even being in the workforce is a lot for me to handle even doing something that I absolutely love. I have an amazing support system (family, long term girlfriend, friends) but I just can't seem to swallow the idea of post highschool education or going to work full time. I feel as if I am trapped.

[lea_cattel]

Hey

I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through. Mental health problems can significantly affect a person's life. I know, I've been there as well. The key is to never give up. You're still very young and you still have your future ahead of you. You've been very strong so far, you're almost finish with high school so don't give up. If you're having trouble with your education I believe that there are some learning programs out there that specializes or focuses on people with mental health problems.

You should really be careful with medications. Some side-effects can actually do more harm than good. It would be better if you continue with your therapy. Fortify your meds with counselling and a healthier lifestyle. It's good that you already have a great support group, what you need to work on is your mindfulness. CBT can help you prepare your mindset for your post-highschool adventures.

[Paxiled]

If you don't know what you want to do, here are two options:  take a year off and travel, read, work, do something with the purpose of figuring out the things you're struggling with.  You're not in a race, you're living.  Or, move on to higher education if you can because that's another way of experimenting and delaying entering the work force when you're not sure what you want to do but do want to be productive.  Learning is always productive.  Worrying about it isn't learning, so that's the main thing you have to learn to do without, though I know it's a hard thing to do.  Life isn't a contest, though many like to make it seem like it is and we often feel like it is.  It's just life.

[Bubulous]

I am not sure what your main concern is but I want to let you know that having a support system means you do not have to do it alone.  I am very happy for you that you have one.  I see so many people going at this life alone.
I promise it will all work out.  
Change is a difficult thing for anyone and the best thing we can do is prepare for it.
Do you know if you are going onto college or going straight to work?  The choice is yours.  You can still be a part time college student and a part time worker.