Thank you for all your advice.

I'm afraid I've left it a little too late. I did spend three years forcing myself to work and hiding the majority of my problems. I just wish I had taken time off throughout when the low periods were really bad. But hopefully with one final push I'll get through this year!

I did see my supervisor yesterday and she was very understanding and supportive, she even lent me a book written by an academic who suffers from bi-polar about academia and manic depression.

I'm just going to take my time now, it really helps to know others are in/have been in the same boat and come out the other end. Thank you so much :)

I have been there yes. I stuck with it and am still struggling (I'm in my write up year) but I'm fairly confident I will at least finish this.

Have you considered going part time? At one point that was recommended to me as I was working at such a slow pace. Or you could request a break, how long could be discussed between you and your supervisor, to have a think about whether this is what you really want to do.

Try not to think about it in terms of whether you are cut out for it or not. The fact you have reached PhD level, and have passed the first year, shows that you are intelligent, diligent, and determined. Unfortunately life, timing, clash with supervisors, can get in the way of things. If you decide not to continue now does not mean you cannot go back at some time in the future.

As the above poster said, you really need to talk to your supervisor. If they are not being supportive then go to your second supervisor, you should have been given one. If not, contact your department's admin and ask them who you can turn to for academic advice. Most of all, don't keep this all to yourself. Speak to people, you've done nothing wrong and have nothing to be ashamed of. xxx

Hello,

I'm in my write up year and to be honest don't know how I got here. But because I seem to be only able to work approximately 2 weeks out of every month when you take away the days where mental health problems block my ability to concentrate/leave the flat/wake up etc I'm very much behind.

I'm going through a blip, yes, but it happens rhythmically. Although I am on medication which helps a great deal, it cannot prevent these cycles of ups and downs.

I'm looking for advice on breaks, allowances for mental health problems, switching to part time after you've already registered for your final year etc. If anyone has any wise words it would be much appreciated.

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Hey Vthebee,

First of all it sounds like you are doing a lot more work than I did in my first year! For you to be able to focus 6 hours a day is fantastic so I wouldn't be worrying about that area of things.

I don't think I know anyone who had an alright first year. It is always so difficult making the step from a masters to a phd, so the step from an undergrad to phd must be even harder. I think it's important to allow yourself these feelings and know that you are not alone in them.

Do you not have a second supervisor? Often it can be easier to talk to them as they are not as much invested in your work. It could be a case of either your first supervisor really does know what is best, and it is difficult for you to come from an undergrad setting to a phd setting, or he is being unreasonable. No-one on here can really tell you which one of these it is. It might help you to talk to others who have/have had him as a supervisor, and also talk to other members of staff in his department.

It's your first year so don't expect to have a fully formed argument and blueprint for your thesis. Don't take it to heart when your supervisor forgets what you've told him, most of them are forgetful at the best of times. And, although I know that this is nigh on impossible, try not to worry about 'what ifs.' Always have a plan b and remember that doing and having a phd is not the only way to enjoy a happy and successful life.

Best wishes xx