[frenchycpa]

Hi everyone!

I have been at the CPA journey for about 2 years, and right now I work full-time at a tax consulting firm. I also struggle with serious depression. It is something that has made the smallest things (like showering or getting groceries) harder, and it makes the big things (like the CPA) seem impossible. I am really working on tackling the depression, and I have made a lot of strides in finding the right medication and making positive changes to my lifestyle. I am also getting promoted to a senior, which I’m really excited about and proud of, especially given what I’ve been going through.

One area that I struggle with and that aggravates my depression is my progress with the CPA exam. I have taken at least 5 tests (Audit, REG and BEC) and only passed BEC so far. BEC will expire in April 2014. I have postponed quite a few tests, and I rarely get through the test materials. I find myself getting stuck on certain sections in my study materials, and not being able to just move on. To the outside world, my CPA exam work ethic probably looks like laziness, but no one can see the internal struggle that I deal with on a daily basis. I have to muster up all of the energy I can to get through the workday, and when it comes time to study at home, I fail miserably because I am usually so worn down (emotionally).

This week I am scheduled to take FAR, and I have only gotten through around 30-40% of the material. I can’t postpone the test anymore, as the NTS will expire in December. I have decided to take it, even though I am grossly unprepared. I am going in with the mindset that I should just try my best and make a mental note of what types of questions are on there so I can be more comfortable the next time I take it (assuming I will have to). I know taking the test is the right thing to do, but the feeling of dissatisfaction with myself for not working at my full potential is so difficult and heavy.

Has anyone out there gone through something similar? Even if you haven’t gone through this, does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts? Any words of encouragement would be so helpful. Thank you and good luck everyone!

[mla1169]

You have to give studying the same respect you give your job. I'm sure there are days you're too emotionally worn down to go to work, but you shower, get dressed and go anyway. Staying home every time you're challenged is just not an option.

If you can't apply that same level of commitment to the exams, you're just spinning your wheels and getting yourself deeper in a black hole. It's a cycle, fighting with the exams intensifies your depression which makes you fight harder with the exams. You have only 2 choices-be a “victim” of your illness or thrive in spite of it.

Good luck.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

You have to give studying the same respect you give your job. I'm sure there are days you're too emotionally worn down to go to work, but you shower, get dressed and go anyway. Staying home every time you're challenged is just not an option.

If you can't apply that same level of commitment to the exams, you're just spinning your wheels and getting yourself deeper in a black hole. It's a cycle, fighting with the exams intensifies your depression which makes you fight harder with the exams. You have only 2 choices-be a “victim” of your illness or thrive in spite of it.

Good luck.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[HeartsMimiCPA]

The CPA for the average person is very stressful, so I imagine your depression only makes it 10x worse. As someone that's suffered from depression I know the feelings you're feeling and I totally understand how hard this is for you.

My first piece of advice would be to make sure that your well-being is priority #1. That means sleeping 8 hours, eating right, exercising, finding time to relax and taking your medication

DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF! You haven't given up and that says something. Not everyone is going to get this done at the same pace. Learn from your mistakes in the past. Is your study schedule realistic? Are you giving yourself enough time? Do you have a plan for tackling each section or subject?

Talk it out. Coming here to talk to other people was a great step, you should post about this as much as you need or talk to someone in your everyday life that knows your struggle. Talking about things aloud sometimes gives us the ability to solve our own problems simply by speaking them.

Are you able to step back and take a break? I didn't pass two sections in a row and was starting to downward spiral. I decided to take the summer off to regroup. Now i'm back to studying and i'm healthy and way more confident. With your exam expiring you may want to consider resting up.

Last, I just want to reassure you that you are an intelligent capable person. You are doing well at work because you are bright and deserving. Don't let this test make you second guess yourself!

If you want to talk in private i'd be happy to give you my email address.

AUD - 65, 89!
REG - 70, 89!
FAR - 78!
BEC - 77!

Finally!
Experience 06/30/15
Ethics-Done

VA Licensed 09/15/15

[HeartsMimiCPA]

The CPA for the average person is very stressful, so I imagine your depression only makes it 10x worse. As someone that's suffered from depression I know the feelings you're feeling and I totally understand how hard this is for you.

My first piece of advice would be to make sure that your well-being is priority #1. That means sleeping 8 hours, eating right, exercising, finding time to relax and taking your medication

DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF! You haven't given up and that says something. Not everyone is going to get this done at the same pace. Learn from your mistakes in the past. Is your study schedule realistic? Are you giving yourself enough time? Do you have a plan for tackling each section or subject?

Talk it out. Coming here to talk to other people was a great step, you should post about this as much as you need or talk to someone in your everyday life that knows your struggle. Talking about things aloud sometimes gives us the ability to solve our own problems simply by speaking them.

Are you able to step back and take a break? I didn't pass two sections in a row and was starting to downward spiral. I decided to take the summer off to regroup. Now i'm back to studying and i'm healthy and way more confident. With your exam expiring you may want to consider resting up.

Last, I just want to reassure you that you are an intelligent capable person. You are doing well at work because you are bright and deserving. Don't let this test make you second guess yourself!

If you want to talk in private i'd be happy to give you my email address.

AUD - 65, 89!
REG - 70, 89!
FAR - 78!
BEC - 77!

Finally!
Experience 06/30/15
Ethics-Done

VA Licensed 09/15/15

[Tncincy]

As long as you keep a finger on the help button you will be ok. Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves, but nothing is worth your health. So if you need to take a break take it. Then just take your time. We all want to pass and enjoy the prestige of being a CPA, but you can't enjoy becoming a CPA if it is allowed to take a toll on your health. One step at a time, one day at a time. Don't purchase another NTS until you are ready to take the exam. (that's one less worry too.)

Enjoy the journey with no regrets.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Tncincy]

As long as you keep a finger on the help button you will be ok. Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves, but nothing is worth your health. So if you need to take a break take it. Then just take your time. We all want to pass and enjoy the prestige of being a CPA, but you can't enjoy becoming a CPA if it is allowed to take a toll on your health. One step at a time, one day at a time. Don't purchase another NTS until you are ready to take the exam. (that's one less worry too.)

Enjoy the journey with no regrets.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[teeteenounouche]

@frenchycpa I can understand your daily pain and struggle, I too battle with concentration while studying because when I am still and not running around, thoughts start flooding and before you know it I am off track…this is what author Mark Nepo calls Resistance which is a part of life. We all have to battle some form of it when trying to accomplish something we really want. It is not you that has an issue. Resistance is the issue and it comes in many forms so don't blame yourself and just keep pushing no matter what.

I am practicing daily meditation with Deepak Chopra and Oprah. They have a 21 day meditation going on now… google it and try it when you get home from work and see if that does not help you 🙂

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[teeteenounouche]

@frenchycpa I can understand your daily pain and struggle, I too battle with concentration while studying because when I am still and not running around, thoughts start flooding and before you know it I am off track…this is what author Mark Nepo calls Resistance which is a part of life. We all have to battle some form of it when trying to accomplish something we really want. It is not you that has an issue. Resistance is the issue and it comes in many forms so don't blame yourself and just keep pushing no matter what.

I am practicing daily meditation with Deepak Chopra and Oprah. They have a 21 day meditation going on now… google it and try it when you get home from work and see if that does not help you 🙂

Florida:
AUD: 73, 81! Thank you Lord!
BEC: 73, 77! Thank you Lord! and WTB
REG: 71, 82! Thank you Lord! and A71
FAR: 72, 78! Thank you God and my Mommy in Heaven!

CPA Excel, Ninja Notes & Audio, Wiley Test Bank, CPAreviewforfree

[frenchycpa]

Thank you SO much. You don't know what your responses mean to me! When I was writing this I was feeling so weak and needed to bring it up to people who would understand, and now I feel reinvigorated 🙂

I think my study approach needs to revolve around self-compassion as you all mentioned above. I have to be disciplined, but kind to myself. Now that I am in a good place with my career, I can ease up and focus more time and energy on the CPA.

I will keep posting around here, and I wish you all luck with your journeys 🙂

[frenchycpa]

Thank you SO much. You don't know what your responses mean to me! When I was writing this I was feeling so weak and needed to bring it up to people who would understand, and now I feel reinvigorated 🙂

I think my study approach needs to revolve around self-compassion as you all mentioned above. I have to be disciplined, but kind to myself. Now that I am in a good place with my career, I can ease up and focus more time and energy on the CPA.

I will keep posting around here, and I wish you all luck with your journeys 🙂

[Author]

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