Hi Florence,

I know what it is like to just sit and cry; sometimes it makes things better as you emotionally unload as it were. I hope you are feeling a little better now. It is also very difficult to motivate yourself (hence I am writing here instead of my chapter). I have had years where I didn't write anything. I am nearly there now, even though I am much over my original time period. Could you write a set of notes - what you have been thinking of, a very rough, vague plan of ideas about the work? You could include your fears about what you need to know before you write - I am sure that if you are honest with your supervisor they will want to help you. They know what this is like. Even just a list of things that have been going through your mind would help explain your situation with your supervisor. Believe me, it is amazing what you can get done if you put your mind to it. I wrote what I thought at the time was a very crappy plan which in the end really helped me! It wasn't referenced or anything. I started to write it in desperation and it turned into 4,000 words (the majority of which was footnoted 'ideas'). I wrote it so quickly too - I wondered what I had been so fearful of - but often the fear is of writing thesis script in it's full form - when you can't see the woods for the trees. Your supervisor won't expect this right now as the whole thing is too complex to get out in wonderfully constructed, perfect piece of cogent, well articulated argument. Even if that is how you have written stuff before. I learned this over my many years trying to complete the PhD. I hope it is a little better now and try to keep the faith... it is hard but if I've nearly got there then so will you. x

Try not to worry to much about extensions - the university and department make it a difficult and torturous process but ultimately it is in their interest to give you enough time to complete - especially as you have achieved a major bulk of the work. They have invested in you too - esp if you were funded - really they want that thesis by 7 years (which goes on the records), withdrawl's look worse than late completers. Also, think of it like a job - it would be extremely difficult for a company to sack you if you had time off for an illness. Depression is an illness and therefore you cannot work effectively at the moment. I would be extremely surprised if the University decided to kick someone out with an illness, mental or otherwise, I mean, imagine your case for discrimination. A doctor's letter would provide the necessary documentation that the university would need to grant the extension. Perhaps your doctor could write a letter explaining that you will be able to work - but at a reduced rate in order to complete which would not put undue stress upon you - ie go back to work but need a significant deal more time and a very gentle work plan. I know all this is really tough at the moment but there are always ways to make things better for you. It is very hard to get by with not much cash (in same boat!) and away from people, but I hope in this one area I can reassure you a bit. I've had many extensions. They do want you to finish!

I know people doing PhD's who have quit and gone onto teach in various positions (ie to teach English as a foreign language/private schools) and have been just as happy using their academic skills or love of the subject in a context other than academic research. It is your choice of course. But there are some options that you may be able to consider - ie a full suspension of your PhD and funding for a year - this gives you the option to come back. Your supervisor, if supportive, may want you to explore this as it will give you time out and also the breathing space to find out if the grass really is greener. Secondly it would give you one years teaching experience. Usually suspensions are given for personal reasons - I know of someone who went travelling for 6 months and one person who worked for a year (albeit in the field that they were conducting research within). You may have to write an interesting justificatory statement on your form (which may again if your supervisor is supportive will fudge with you) in the case of being funded by one of the major funding bodies. Of course you will not be paid during this time but it would stop you clocking up time for completion/bank your funding for later.

You are coming up to the next academic year so you would need to sort this quickly (they say it needs 2-3 months but often university administrations will acknowledge the form and then work out any over-payments etc later). I am sure that your supervisor will help you - nobody told me about the suspension process - I really could have done with one early on (various reasons) and now they have become extensions instead. Luckily the university and department have been extremely supportive and have done so much to help me through. They do want you to complete. But how you do this is flexible. Ultimately, I am sure that if you decide to go for good they will understand - it does happen and more frequently than you would suppose.