Hello!
It seems like you're going through a
really tough time now. It takes great strength to ask for help in such circumstances. Thank you for reaching out.
Judging from your first post,
it really seems like you should seek professional medical help, whether from a family doctor, a psychologist, or through the Monash counselling service. I know you've stated that you don't really see a need, but I genuinely think such a decision can help you both personally and academically.
From the personal perspective, having someone to talk to who is trained and experienced in listening to people's issues is a great way to begin getting help. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to have your parents separate - but rest assured, you don't have to feel like this is a burden that you have to keep entirely to yourself. I have personally used the university counselling service, and it honestly made me feel a lot better to have somebody to talk to, as well as knowing that I was being proactive in trying to address my issues.
From the academic perspective, it seems like you're committed to completing at least 3 of your units this semester.
A doctor/psychologist/counsellor is able to write a note explaining the effect that your hardships have had on you. You can then use this note to apply for special consideration, which should allow you to postpone your exams to a later date. For someone in your circumstances, you would be making things unnecessarily hard on yourself by not taking this deserved opportunity.
Also, you asked about whether it's worth withdrawing from a unit at this stage of the semester. Unfortunately, as slothpomba has mentioned, a Withdrawn Fail grade ends up being just like a regular Fail grade, except with a mark of 0.
So, my advice would be to apply for special consideration for this Arts unit as well, get the exam postponed, and maybe study for it a bit, without needing to go overboard. That probably sounds like a lot of struggle right now - but it's better than a straight 0. It sucks, but it's not your fault - it's just the way the university policy is.
RE: Remarking, escalate it up the chain, people do take complaints seriously. Alternatively, go to the arts office and explain you've been hard done by and want to appeal/complain and they'll help. I know it sounds silly but you're a person who is in a tough spot and is rapidly running out of options. There is plenty of hope but only if you're willing to do things that may be hard or embarrassing
.A fail isn't the end of the road, i have a few fails, most people i know do. It's one of those things people dont readily admit to or talk about but you'd be surprised just how many people do it or have it happen to them. If you're in a regular 3 year degree, a fail is 1/24th of your overall mark. It's nothing if you do well in the other 23 units. It represents ~4% of your overall degree mark, its nothing. As a result of failing, your overall mark may be 4% lower than it could have been (and thats only if you get a dead 0). That's nothing.
I agree completely with this.
So, in summary, what I think you should do is:
1. Seek help, whether from a doctor, psychologist or counsellor.
2. Apply for special consideration for all four of your units. In particular, ask for your exams to be deferred.
3. Don't apply for a withdrawn fail for your Arts unit (for the reasons outlined in slothpomba's post). Study for it, but don't go so hard it gives you more anxiety. Even if it's only a little, the end result will be better than if you took the 'withdrawn fail' option.
4. Keep sharing your situation and your thoughts with others!
Lastly, please note that if things get really bad, there are always people to talk to. There are 24-hour hotlines dedicated to people who are in a difficult situation, that are also operated by trained professionals. You are not alone, and you never need to feel like you are.
I genuinely hope things will start to turn around in your life. All the best, and godspeed.
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