Psychology talk: A new direction – Life as a student at Lincoln University. (Overcoming mental health issues)
I’m no stranger to mental health, I’ve lived and breathed it, so no wonder that I chose to study psychology, this is my journey so far…..
If you're anything like me, the COVID-19 pandemic shook you up a little (Wait, how was that 5 years already!) So, anyway, onwards with my story – it’s spring 2020 and the world has shut down, so had my photography business and we are in lockdown – I, like many other people, contemplate my life in the midst of chaos. I did some volunteering during this time for the bearded fishermen, even though I fought my own battles during that time. But I wanted more for myself, so it was time to dig deeper!
But first ,we have to go back in time:
In 2007, my father killed himself, and according to family members ‘he wanted me to go to Uni’, So, I set out to be an art therapist (Another dream career of mine; I like a lot of things!) by doing an undergraduate degree in Fine art – but even though I had good intentions, me, myself was sick! So sick that I had to drop out of my degree. But by 2010, I’m healthier, have become a parent, and started a business, and I am thriving until 2015.
However, I still have this inner drive to better myself, and I want to expand my little business, so I apply to go to Lincoln Uni to do Commercial photography, and I get accepted, whilst I’m taking a break from my work, due to my mental health. But that August, I was hospitalized, and I didn’t go. It will have to wait; I have to get well again, it’s ok, I’ve done it before.
It’s 2020 – were in lockdown – shit man, its all pretty fucked up isn’t it - So anyways, I apply to Lincoln Uni to study Psychology and return to my dream of being an art therapist. But I don’t get accepted, because I do not have the right qualifications. Later on, I see an apprenticeship, so I apply for that – I still don’t get into it. OK, maybe it’s not the right time. Let’s focus on myself.
It’s the following year, something in me changes. I get better and start to heal. I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life, and I start to thrive again, so I see an opportunity; access to University course, and I apply and get a place!
2021-2022; I go to an adult education center twice a week, once a week for math and the second for access to University course. It’s difficult, juggling motherhood, my business, and my studies - but manageable, and I enjoy it. I settle down into a relationship and I’m happy! (Yey for recovery!)
January 2022 – I get COVID-19, I’m hospitalized, I’m ventilated for 7 days straight. I get double Pneumonia, blood clots, I’m coughing up blood, and in the worst pain ever. I cannot breathe unassisted, and I’m being pumped with up to 30 different medications a day; but 10 days later, I’m discharged, begging to see my kids who haven’t seen me for 2 weeks and are struggling without their mamma. I promise to be on bed rest at home to recover. It’s hands down a horrific experience, almost dying, alone with people in hazmat suits looming over you, seeing people only for 15 minutes a day. I do not recommend it.
I pull up my big ass panties up and continue my studies the following week. I plan and have a wedding in 4 months (all around my dream photographer, because I didn’t want to wait 2.5 years on his waiting list and snapped the date before the last he had for the year).
I graduated and applied for Lincoln Uni, and got accepted. As it gets closer to the summer, the house sale is delayed, we have a 2-week honeymoon booked in Oct/Nov, and life is a little crazy, so I differ a year.
It’s September 2023, and I'm going to Lincoln University for my first year of my degree. I’m a little anxious. No, I lie, I’m absolutely terrified and yes, I absolutely cried my eyes out on my first day, overwhelmed as hell. But, I did it and started driving lessons that December.
Fast forward, it’s now – June 2025, and I’ve just completed my second year, and I’ve just found my dream postgraduate course to continue my growth (I plan to apply for it this summer, along with passing my driving test!).
I absolutely adore my course, I have made friends, people who get me and support me as I juggle having a learning disorder, being a mum and a student, and up until January was working as well. I’m aiming to get back to volunteering this summer, so of course I am busy! (I mean, I’ve traveled to 20 countries in 3 years, since getting my passport).
So, here I am = a psychology student. I’m about to find out my dissertation supervisor soon, and I’m ready for my final year of my degree. I’m healthy, happy and thriving (though a little wobbly, it’s a little stressful at times, let’s be real). My youngest is about to go into big school, I’m feeling inspired again to pick up my camera, and I have a million things I need to do, so it’s time to sign off for now.
Love and light, Victoria Louise.
And as always, don’t let anyone define you. If I did, I’d be an addict, doing nothing with my life! But, watch this space – or more like keep reading, because if you haven’t gathered, I also like to write.
