Roller coaster/burn out
Hi, I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder as well as traits of borderline personality disorder about two years ago. I've tried about 7 antidepressants and they all exacerbated either my anxiety or depression. My life seems to be constantly looping from anxiety to depression/depersonalisation. After a week of stressful finals for some courses, I took a break and since then, I can't get back to doing school work. I only have 3 weeks left and I'm scared I'm going to fail. Today, I've been not caring and had no motivation while simultaneously feeling like my heart is going to burst out of my chest. I'm overthinking back to all my conversations, not knowing how to act around my peers or my teachers. I'm feeling the burn out... Any encouraging words or advice?
@sweetpotato300 I'm sorry to hear that you're going through such a challenging time, sweetpotato300. It sounds like you're dealing with a lot, and I appreciate you reaching out.
@sweetpotato300 I'm so sorry school is so hard right now. It must be exhausting and very difficult. Finals are always very stressful and I see why you feel burnt out. We believe in you. You got this. Take it one step at a time.
Also, do you have a chance to pause your studies for a year? Maybe it could be an option to take a year where you find an easy part time job and focus on your well-being and mental health.
Hi sad cat, it unfortunately isn't an option. I'm graduating this year and need to finish now as it would set me back a year. I also have a class that's going on 2 semesters. I would like to, but I can't. I'll try not to work full time next year, but with the economy, I don't think it'll be possible either.
@sweetpotato300 oh. I see. It must be very exhausting. I believe in you that you can hang on just long enough to get it all over with. Until then, focus on taking it one step at a time. What helped me when i was at school was making a list of things in excel with the due dates assigned and then working on them in that order. Also, start with easier stuff first to have as much done as you can and only then move to harder and more time consuming one once you got the tiny ones out of the way. You can also use the two minute/i will just start rule. It works the way that you tell yourself to just do the first easiest step of a task like picking up your notebook and finding the notes. If you don´t automatically hop on the task, tell yourself that you will just start to read a page. If you still absolutely dont feel it after two minutes of reading, you can put it down and try later. But you need to stay engaged with the task for the two minutes. More often then not, it should flip the work switch on.
About your social anxiety when coming home, i would recommend pausing when overthinking is arising. Noticing and naming what is happening. It can look like telling yourself for example: I´m starting to overthinK this conversation i had. My anxiety is very loud today and these thoughts are not helpful at all. What can i do to make myself comfortable? Then do what you think of. It can be anything from having some tea to taking a shower. Also, often regulating the body helps regulating the mind. So notice where you feel the feelings. What sensations you feel and where. And let it pass. Then make yourself comfortable. Eat. Wrap yourself up in a blanket. Have a gentle stretch. When your body feels comfortable, the mind will follow.
@sweetpotato300 i don't even know what to advice u as u literally described how i feel. but i wanted to let u know that you're not the only one going through this. a lot of people are in your positontoo including me. and we'll all figure something out one day.
Thank you, it's been really hard to go through all these emotions (or lack of them) changes. I hope you'll find peace.