My stress level is ruining my life... literally?!
Question: My stress level is ruining my life... literally.?
My health is gone down the shitter; acne is running rampant everywhere, can't sleep more than 4 hours a night, smoking and drinking coffee like a fiend just to get through the day because I have NO energy. There's a permanent knot in the pit of my stomach at all times. I'm always nervous and on edge. I try to relax and I just CAN'T. Sometimes my chest tightens up and I can't breathe and I feel like I'm having a heart attack and I'm going to die. When I lay down to go to bed at night, I always make a mental checklist of what I have to accomplish within the next day or days; if I have nothing to worry about, I get worried because I'm worried that I'm forgetting something! It's ridiculous and I can't stop. I'm stressed if I'm not stressed because I know I should be stressed. I already have social anxiety disorder and this isn't helping my case. I'm afraid of everything. I don't have a social life AT ALL. I'm petrified of getting a job, not because I don't want one, but because I'm afraid I'll look stupid and embarrass myself if I don't do it perfectly. I have no credentials to get a job anyway. I'm 19 and a freshman in college.
I'm sorry for the length but I just want you to know what I'm dealing with so you could maybe give me some advice.
Please help me, I'm really suffering and I'm embarrassed to tell anyone because it doesn't seem like a real problem. There are so many people that are far worse off than me. I know I sound pathetic for complaining about it because so many people have these issues and I'm just one more.Health Question & Answer
I'm sorry for the length but I just want you to know what I'm dealing with so you could maybe give me some advice.
Please help me, I'm really suffering and I'm embarrassed to tell anyone because it doesn't seem like a real problem. There are so many people that are far worse off than me. I know I sound pathetic for complaining about it because so many people have these issues and I'm just one more.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
you poor thing
you'd be surprised how many people suffer from similar symptoms because there are so many pressure in this day and age to have the perfect image, perfect job, be bright bubbly and confident. Unfortunately if you feel shy or anxious you can isolate yourself getting into a negative spiral of low self confidence because you aren't meeting people, a kind of self fulfilling prophecy.
I would advise you see a dr and a counsellor, possibly a psychologist to consider anxiety medication-loads of non addictive non sedating stuff that DOES work. Try relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, there are loads of self help books based on a cognitive behavioural approach (helps you recognise when you think negatively and switch thoughts into positive ones)
Confide in a friend or a relative, don't fail your studies because of this, you may want to ask you tutors for some extra help if you are struggling or there may be a mentoring system or university health system you could go to-sorry not sure how thngs work in usa, i'm in the uk. Take care, you are not alone, good luckHealth Question & Answer
you'd be surprised how many people suffer from similar symptoms because there are so many pressure in this day and age to have the perfect image, perfect job, be bright bubbly and confident. Unfortunately if you feel shy or anxious you can isolate yourself getting into a negative spiral of low self confidence because you aren't meeting people, a kind of self fulfilling prophecy.
I would advise you see a dr and a counsellor, possibly a psychologist to consider anxiety medication-loads of non addictive non sedating stuff that DOES work. Try relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, there are loads of self help books based on a cognitive behavioural approach (helps you recognise when you think negatively and switch thoughts into positive ones)
Confide in a friend or a relative, don't fail your studies because of this, you may want to ask you tutors for some extra help if you are struggling or there may be a mentoring system or university health system you could go to-sorry not sure how thngs work in usa, i'm in the uk. Take care, you are not alone, good luckHealth Question & Answer
i always get nervous going into new things. dont let your fear of incompetency make you pass up opportunities though. the key is to prepare yourself for whatever you go into. once you get in there, its not as bad as you made it out to be.Health Question & Answer
That's exactly what I'm going through, to the point.
But what I am doing right now is seeing a psychologist. She is giving me ways that I can handle certain situations. I would recommend that you find a psychologist to go to, which can be kind of hard with anxiety. I got very frusterated (but that is because my insurance was being difficult.) Most people shouldn't have a problem! And psychologists will help you through the insurance problems, because they know the system is messed up and hard to understand.
Once you see one they may suggest you go to a psychiatrist for some medication. I havent had good results with meds in the past, but I'm working to find one that works. That is also frustrating for me, but worth going through in hopes that one day I can live less stressed.
A lot of people don't understand what I'm feeling and that it isnt as easy as 'just relax'. And I know that can suck, but don't give up hope.
I really don't recommend you go through this yourself.Health Question & Answer
But what I am doing right now is seeing a psychologist. She is giving me ways that I can handle certain situations. I would recommend that you find a psychologist to go to, which can be kind of hard with anxiety. I got very frusterated (but that is because my insurance was being difficult.) Most people shouldn't have a problem! And psychologists will help you through the insurance problems, because they know the system is messed up and hard to understand.
Once you see one they may suggest you go to a psychiatrist for some medication. I havent had good results with meds in the past, but I'm working to find one that works. That is also frustrating for me, but worth going through in hopes that one day I can live less stressed.
A lot of people don't understand what I'm feeling and that it isnt as easy as 'just relax'. And I know that can suck, but don't give up hope.
I really don't recommend you go through this yourself.Health Question & Answer
wow alot of stuff you go through is exactly what i go through! i cant answer your question, because i need the help too! just know you are not alone!! i do have alot of friends and a social life though, maybe you need to be friends with outgoing people so you dont get so stressed out about starting conversations!Health Question & Answer
From the Armchair Psychologist point of view (not professional at all): it looks like you have a bit of Obsessive compulsive disorder with a touch of Anxiety. Both of which are (to a greater or lesser degree) normal human things to have. My immediate reaction is that you talk to a Professional about something to help you relax. You probably just need to figure out what is causing the stress to begin with, and then actually get some medicine to handle the physical side effects of that stress causing issue. They can also help you get medication for the acne that has you all anxious and some antacids for the upset stomach. One guarantee is that NOT seeking some assistance will only exacerbate the issue, because you will just sink deeper into it, and not be getting any better. I'm sure you'll be fine and that everything will work out, but you can't just ignore it. You're just gonna make yourself miserable with it. :)Health Question & Answer