Shunter is correct, you have 18 months from the first to the last theory exam then three years from the last exam in which to pass the IR.
A break after ground school would be wiser, but you'll need your FTO's support for that. It's probably worth asking if this is going to interfere with your performance. The best case would be take the break and get your head back into it before doing the flying. If the break doesn't help you get both your head and heart back in it, then find another career and be glad you didn't spend another £50K to finish.
The problem with a year off at the end is your ME and IR will expire, you will not have flown 50 hours in the previous year, something a lot of airlines like applicants to have.
Is this a case of meeting up with friends on leave and seeing them care free and having fun and you end up longing for an escape from the stress? I suspect that happens to more than are willing to admit it.
Last edited by Adios; 17th Apr 2008 at 20:18.