Feeling Overwhelmed
Hey guys, I just feel really overwhelmed right now and am reaching out for support. This year has been a whirlwind, and there’s so much going on for me in the months ahead: getting married, traveling far from home, starting grad school, and moving to a different state, to name a few things. I’ve always been a super anxious person, and I feel like it’s been out of control lately with all these life changes. I just worry that I won’t be able to cope with everything. (On top of that, I’ve struggled with depression and OCD too.) Just reaching out for any words of support!
@yellowKite4994 Hi kite, thank you for opening up with us. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. Btw, congratulations on your upcoming wedding and all these other exciting life changes. I can understand how stressful and anxiety-provoking all these changes can be, especially when you also struggle with depression and OCD. What feelings come up for you as you think about everything that’s happening? Please know we are all here for you to listen to and to support. You are not alone here.
Thank you so much for your response. It means so much to know I’m not alone. I kind of feel like everything is out of control, and I’m not equipped to handle it. Plus, once I’m anxious, I kind of go into this anxiety spiral where I get more easily triggered and start ruminating about everything, I know I need to take a step back and breathe, but it feels impossible to do that right now when everything is hectic 🙃
@pholmes125 Hi, thanks for your post! I appreciate the support and knowing there's a community here to talk to :)
Right now, I'm trying to exercise more to manage the stress and clear my mind. I feel like this helps a lot. Anything that can pull me out of my head and think about something else other than all the work that has to be completed.
I'm also trying to create more structure in my routine--sometimes I feel like I'm in this weird "limbo" transition phase, since I'm taking time off from work until fall (so I can plan everything). There's lots of planning to do, but it's slow progress, and I can't easily just check things off my "to-do" list. Google Calendar has been my friend with trying to create some sense of structure and order in my day, and make me feel like I'm accomplishing things lol
Hey Kite, thank you for reaching out for support. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate with all these upcoming changes and challenges. It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially with your anxiety, depression, and OCD. You're taking some big steps, and it's okay to feel anxious about them. Just remember to take things one step at a time, and it's okay to ask for help along the way. Do you have any specific concerns or areas where you're feeling particularly overwhelmed?
@SweetPatience Thanks so much for posting. It means a lot just being able to voice my worries, and hear someone else validate them. I think one big concern is the feeling of change--I'm the kind of person who loves consistency and routine, and even though I'm excited for all my upcoming adventures, and I know I'm lucky to have these opportunities, I still feel like I'm grasping for some sense of control and predictability. Being away from my home and my family, and just stepping away from my usual life in general--this makes me nervous. I worry about not being able to mentally cope with everything, and it stresses me out thinking about all these new roles I'm stepping into (wife, grad student, simultaneously trying to juggle these responsibilities with my small business). I've gotten better at managing uncertainty, but it's really hard for me to just "let go" and embrace new things.
@yellowKite4994
Hey! It sounds really overwhelming and stressful to have so much going on the same time while also anticipating how you'll navigate these huge changes.
I recently moved to another country (and another timezone) for grad school so I completely understand where you're coming from. But trust me, it does get better.
With patience, hard work and help when we need it - we'll ensure that our studies go well and that our loved ones feel our love (both very important for our future! 😁).
Experiencing new things, navigating change and growing as a person can be intimidating at times but it will be equally as rewarding!
Also, congratulations on your wedding and on getting into grad school! I'm excited for you and wish you the very best 🥳
@yellowKite4994 I appreciate your strength for coming out and sharing your thoughts and feelings , having to struggle with anxiety amd stress when already struggling through OCD must be must , and I'm very proud of you for coming to this far , we all are here to help and support you ❤️.
@yellowKite4994 hi there kite, thank you for opening up 🌷. It is great that you took this step and decided to reach out for help. It seems like you have a lot on your plate right now. The life changes you have mentioned would be overwhelming to anyone so as an anxious person i can only imagine how this must feel to you. I can assure you that you have come to the right place, there are so many kind and helpful people on here that feel just like you. Wishing you all the best 🙂
@yellowKite4994 Hi Kite, Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. It looks like you are juggling quite a few things and dealing with some difficult emotions. I can relate so much with the feelings of anxiety, and losing control when starting something new in life. Letting go of the known and welcoming unknown looks scary in the beginning. It is great that you are trying to be on top of everything and also seeking some support here. What gives you some moments of calm when you feel overwhelmed?
@yellowKite4994
Hey kite, I know I may be a little late to reply but, congrats on your nearing wedding!! It makes sense that these changes may be upsetting and anxiety-provoking. especially considering the coexisting conditions of OCD and depression. You are not alone in your troubles, and we are here to listen to you and offer assistance. <3<3
@yellowKite4994 Hi there! Just wanted to check in on how you're doing
now. Those are some pretty big life changes to be going through and I would feel overwhelmed if I were in your place.
Hope
things are going well! Good luck, congrats, and hope you have an
absolutely great year. Little late to the party but I think there is no
such thing as too much support. Please do reach out to any available
listener if you feel overwhelmed.
Good luck, you've got this!
- Someone who also struggles with depression and OCD and can relate, even if it's just the tiniest bit
@yellowKite4994
It's really brave of you to reach out like this. I can understand how those major life changes are overwhelming, especially with all the pressure you're under. You've already dealt with plenty of serious issues in your life, including depression, anxiety, and OCD. Those aren't small things to overcome, and you have faced all of them head-on. In fact, all the things you've got going on in your life would even make me incredibly anxious, and I don't have extra things like OCD. It's clear to me that you're strong and resilient, and you've stayed the course in the face of every challenge that life could throw at you. Something to be proud of!