Question:
How can you deal with the loss of a loved one during a packed school term while making sure that academics do not slip in the process? I feel like there is no time to grieve properly, but I feel like it's also impacting my focus on school work.
Response 1:
I’m so sorry to hear that you have lost a loved one recently. My condolences to everyone involved. It is definitely hard when life circumstances start to affect academics.
My first recommendation would be to be kind to yourself and let yourself grieve. Seek out close family and friends to provide support and grieve together. Ask classmates for notes (they will be more than happy) and take a couple of days away from the classroom. Schedule small times for yourself. Go to your favourite restaurant, call your best friend, lose yourself in a book - whatever it is you enjoy doing. It is more important to take care of yourself than worry about your academics in the long run. If a few assignments or exams suffer, then let it be. That being said, if you are feeling overwhelmed with the workload - there are many options for you to pursue.
Speak to your professors about the situation - many of them will be understanding and may provide you with extensions on assignments or extra time on exams (to let your concentration fade in and out).
Access the services provided through the university: counseling services has in-take counselors available on a daily basis at Needles Hall and Health Services (https://uwaterloo.ca/counselling-services/node/1).
KW Counselling Services provides walk-in appointments on Thursday afternoons from 12-6. They are located just down Charles Street (http://www.kwcounselling.com/walk-in-counselling-clinic/)
Peer support through RxPRN mentors. Just send us an email (uwrxprn@gmail.com) and you can choose a specific mentor (profiles are available in the lounge - or we can provide a digital copy) or be matched with one. RxPRN mentors are available via email, phone, Skype or in person.
It is okay to take time for yourself to grieve. You will bounce back. Take care.
Response 2:
Sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to you and your family. The pharmacy school curriculum is knowingly challenging. The loss of a loved one will understandably make it tougher. I personally had to deal with this experience during my first year of pharmacy school.
My first recommendation is to remember the good times that you’ve had with the loved one; if they’re in your thoughts, they’re not truly gone. Don’t suppress the thoughts that you have about them. If you’re attending a lecture and you happen to think about a happy moment that you shared with them, crack a smile. It’s not good to bottle up your grief. Express it in ways that you find work best for you. Take some breaks from the academics and hang out with friends, spend time with family, or watch a movie. If you plan these breaks into your schedule, it will allow you to be more productive mentally, physically, and academically.
If you’d like to talk with someone about managing your schedule during this tough time, feel free to email RxPRN atuwrxprn@gmail.com to be matched up to a mentor, or choose a specific mentor that you’d prefer to speak with.
I know it feels terrible when a loved one passes, but believe me, it will get better!