Megan is an 18-year-old female living at home with her parents and older brother She is in her first year of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science: Masters of Counselling Essay, SUSS, Singapore

Megan is an 18-year-old female living at home with her parents and older brother She is in her first year of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree. Megan is part of an accelerated student program.

Her academic mentor has been worried because Megan was at risk of failing her semester and has made a referral for counseling.

Megan reports having had a low mood since the end of last year which has
progressively worsened. The onset of depressive symptoms began soon after Megan found out she did not receive entry to her first choice preference of Medicine.

She developed symptoms characterized by sadness, crying, social withdrawal, and severe self-criticism. In the last 6 months, it has become increasingly difficult for Megan to engage in her studies.

Megan had always been a bright student throughout her school years but is now at risk of failing her current semester.

Megan had been close with a group of good school friends who also attend the same university. However, recently Megan has been declining social invitations from her friends and now no longer receives many invitations to social gatherings.

“I didn’t want to go out, putting on a fake smile when I felt so rotten inside. After a while, my friends stopped asking me to come out so I don’t think they really care anyway.” Megan reports recent comfort-eating and has gained a few kilos and is now slightly overweight.