Why am I so terrible at problem solving?

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I was told by my psychiatrist a while ago that I would make a good programmer because of how my mind works. I learned a programming language, but I had difficulty thinking of anything to do with it. Basically, all I knew were the tools. Recently, I decided to take a computer science class online. I have only been in the class for two weeks and I am failing miserably. The lecturer tells us about a new tool and how it works in a certain context. Then there are sets of problems to solve using the tools we have learned, but they are always in a different context. It is also very math-heavy and while I can solve the math problems on paper, I cannot figure out how to do it with programming. The weird thing is is that I can understand the code and how it works if I am given the answer.

This was supposed to be something that will finally give me some sort of independence in life, but I feel like such a stupid failure. I am afraid to keep trying.

You're not alone. Despite my "logical" mode of thinking, I too am terrible at math and programming. A lot of it just has to do with the fact that many concepts in math and programming simply do not make sense to me, and as such I can't work with them all that well. I am much better at using logic to figure out solutions to problems dealing with things I can make sense of.

If maths are OK for you but not programming, maybe have a look at software such as Matlab, Caml, Maple, Octave or SAGE. Most of them are between the math software and the programming language. You may find it easier if you can start by plainly using the software to do maths (which is something you know) and gradually introduce algorithmic features. Or maybe I'm wrong. But that's just an idea

Perhaps you just need more time?

Programming is very heavy with discrete mathematics. If you are interested in continuing comp sci this kind of stuff might be worth a look.

Programming has definitely given me independence and pays enough for me to comfortably on my own. If you are interested in programming it's probably worth a little more time to really investigate. there are many different fields within that and some might appeal to you more than others (i prefer the background logic programming and hate making user interfaces). There are quite likely a lot of programmers here to help if you have specific questions.

do you have a programming environment where you can muck around and try ideas without worrying about anyone else seeing?

I found programming is best to learn on your own working on a project instead of in a class.

Same for me. Almost all of my (quite advanced) programming and computer skills are self-taught. Programming and computers are just tools to solve problems and make things. That is why I mentioned maths software. If you are proficient in maths and want/need to do maths, start using advanced math programs and scientific computing software and you will learn some programming skills.

Actually it is often a problem for me when some other people ask me to teach them programming or computer skills. I haven't the slightest idea of where to begin. I learnt all I know incrementally over 15 years by picking up the skills and knowledge I needed at each moment to complete some projects I had and achieve what I wanted to do. I really don't know what to say to people who want to learn "programming" or "computers" but don't know what they want to do with it.

Yes, I have environments in both Windows and Linux where I can program in Python, C/C++, and Haskell (I am currently only using Python so as to not get overwhelmed with syntax). I really want to learn Assembly so that I can learn reverse engineering, malware analysis, CPU architecture, hardware drivers, and maybe create my own programming language.

Maybe you guys should look at the above thread on Self defeating personality disorder. I got a degree in microbiology and have dealt with numerous problems on exams and in labs. Sometimes all it takes is an instructor saying "this is a tuff one" for my mind to go blank. Then when i finally learn the answer, it turns out to be pretty straight forward and I end up hitting myself in the head for being so stupid.