21M, Feeling Lost Due to Chronic Illness, Career Confusion, and Regret Over Lost Time
I'm a 21-year-old male currently enrolled in the second year of my B.Sc. through IGNOU.
After finishing school, I took a drop year to prepare for NEET, but unfortunately, things didn't work out as planned. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (Pancolitis), and I've been dealing with it for the last 2.5 years.
My health has deteriorated significantly. I suffer from severe anemia, constant weakness, and have lost nearly 30 kg of body weight (from 85 kg to 55 kg). Due to my condition, I need regular treatment and often have to be hospitalized every couple of months.
Because of this, I can't leave my hometown, which makes me feel like I'm missing out on opportunities that people my age are pursuing. I constantly worry about my career and future. I feel like I've lost valuable years of my life and sometimes regret not being able to move forward the way I had imagined.
I used to love football, but now I can't even run for a few minutes without my symptoms flaring up. Losing something I enjoyed so much has been emotionally difficult as well.
Lately, I've been feeling lonely, disappointed in myself, and unsure about what direction to take. I've been considering preparing for government exams, but I'm confused about my options and whether it's the right path.
Has anyone here dealt with a serious chronic illness while trying to build a career? How did you cope with the feeling of falling behind? Any advice, perspective, or real-life experiences would mean a lot right now.
Thank you for reading.
Note: English is not my first language. I used AI to help correct the grammar and improve the readability of this post, but the experiences and feelings shared here are entirely my own.