I want this all to stop

[Hope167]

I'm new here, and am 16 years old. I have found myself really unable to concentrate lately, and having major- what I think would be- depression and anxiety attacks at least 3 times a week, if not more. I have tried to hide it by crying in my room where nobody can hear me, but lately its been very hard to concentrate on my work, and to get things done. I have always been a good student and I am extremely concerned because although I try, I cant get make myself concentrate. Writing this right now even seems difficult to me.

I moved from a different country about a year and a half ago, so that may have something to do with it. I am unable to stop my mind from wandering off sometimes, and I've been having suicidal thoughts. I'm very ashamed of this, and of my overreactions. I tend to stress alot about small stuff, and although my parents tell me that it is ridiculous, I cannot control it, and I cannot hand something into school if it is not done right.

I'm very scared and I don't know what to do. I have trouble sleeping because I can't stop my mind from overthinking. I even overthink on what side to sleep on at night, and just every movement of my body. I was always the most positive and optimistic person that you would ever meet, and I have lost myself.

I don't know how to get my parents to understand what I'm going through, and that I do care about things and school, but I care so much that my mind is unable to function from anxiety and stress, that it shuts down and I sometimes loses all hope.

[fauxartist]

I am sorry this is happening to you....especially when it's so recent that you started feeling this way from what your saying. I would say that you should try to get into see a counsellor but even better a therapist. I know that at the age of 16 you can legally go on your own in many states and country's without parental consent if your worried your parents are not understanding the full extent of your anxiety and depression if that's what your going through. Hopefully too it is going to be a temporary adjustment and the symptoms will pass once you get some help on how to cope and understand whats behind you feeling this way sorted out with a professional.

As far as school assignments...for now...stop worrying about perfection and more on completion to the best you can for right now, and from what your past performance has been, it sounds like the work you would do would be just fine. Get you sorted first and the rest will follow. you understandably can't do our best when our head is not in the game, but baby steps...and just do your best for now....it will be okay.

[Hope167 in reply to fauxartist]

Thank you so much, hearing this helps alot!

[softwaremom00]

If your school has a counselor, it might be a good place to start, they might be able to help you find some counseling. I know it seems very simple but what about taking a class on mindful meditation ? In my opinion it is about learning to control your thoughts.. the class that I took on mindful meditation was all about learning to control your thoughts and allowing your mind to become blank. I think schools should teach meditation to kids.. the world would be a better place.. There are online classes on mindful meditation if there is not an in person one in your area. It is not religious.. so it should not conflict with any religion.

Also try to get some cardio exercise.. does not matter what kind.. for me jogging/brisk walking on treadmill works the best. If you can do 40 minutes of this... see if it makes you feel better. Try to do it every day if possible. Your body releases natural anti-depressants when you do cardio.

Try to relax about the schoolwork.. it is good to be concerned but don't worry about perfection.

Sending tons of hugs.