Hey there, I am a 23 year old art history student and I have been struggling mentally for as long as I can remember and later on I started having physical issues as well(chronic pain to somehow manage that no one takes seriously and also breathing problems that are suspected asthma) . Today is one of those days things just seem harder than they need to be. I feel alone and even a little superfluous as a person. I'm basically just rambling now to get things out. I just got home from work and I barely slept so please excuse my horrible writing. I suppose what I'm struggling with the most lately is feeling so lost and disconnected. After my therapist called me and said I'm basically doing too well to continue coming I've been trying to explore other means to help myself. What this caused also is that again and again nothing I do is enough you know. I'm not good enough for so many things nor am I bad enough apparently to be receiving anyone's help. I don't really have a support system so it's been rough. Barely anyone seems to understand how I'm feeling right now. The good enough part mainly comes into play with grades and stuff. I put in so much work and nothing comes out of it. I'm barely critiqued and yet I don't get the grades that would reflect it. I am not sure what to do anymore. I feel as if the world is spinning while I'm standing still. It's nauseating really.
My story (partially) : Hey there, I am... - Anxiety and Depre...
My story (partially)
Hi and welcome! You've come to the right place to find support and understanding.
Thank you ☺️
What are you doing physically for yourself? Talking about exercise, meditation, diet... things like that.
Well I walk on average around 4km a day, work out 3 to 4 times a week, used to go running 2 times a week before the breathing issues started. I'm mostly vegan/plant based, very little processed food. Meditation doesn't really work for me.
That is good. Still meditation doesn't work for me either. Moving meditation does though. For me it is yoga or dancing (just moving to the music). I walk too and I know you can encorporate mindfulness into walking. Vegan can go wrong if you are not getting enough protein or vitamin d. That might be something to consider.On your grades, you should sit down with your instructors. They want you to do well. That is part of their job. Ask them what you can do better. Why are you not being challenged in critiques?
You might enjoy Hidden Brain podcast. There are a ton of data evidence episodes about your mind and navigating the world. I find it really helpful.
So, what went well for you today? Yesterday? Are you seeing a counselor?
Welcome. Ive shared those feelings of being lost and confused myself. . Covid played a big part in this. It is so great that you are in school. Put in that effort for yourself. It’s challenging in college. We want the recognition from professors. What are you studying? In time we will be our own support system with the help of good therapists. When you can seek out another therapist, I believe so many people are in a severe crisis that therapists are overwhelmed. Yet you still need the guidance you deserve.
It’s becoming increasingly common for therapists to discharge patients who are ‘doing well’ without a clear ongoing plan and backup support. I imagine this is exacerbated by the huge number of additional patients a two year pandemic has created. It is incredibly difficult to cope in this situation. However, no matter how hard things are you appear well motivated and proactive with exercise and nutrition. This will help even if you don’t realise just how much. Without wanting to sound patronising if you can focus on the hard work your putting in you will get stronger. Trust me
Sounds like to me you're not well enough to do this on your own. You're obviously still looking for help, especially if you're here and can't sleep. I think you need a new therapist, if you don't mind me saying. We're here for you.
Thank you. Waiting lists here are 6 to 13 months. I need a lot of time to build trust and I'm moving next year so I have to postpone until then.
Many at your age are trying to make a stand, for lack of better words. Trying to figure out what work to do. It’s a positive thing you don’t need counseling. Many people have to reinvent themselves 4-12 times throughout life. They go to school for something, and it doesn’t work out, so they go another way and then they find it. And maybe it will last 15 years, and it happens again for many reasons. Just try your best each day and things will work out. Stay away from drugs and booze. Get proper sleep and exercise. Things that help me.., I start each day with the Wim Hof guided breathing exercises free on you tube. I feel better when I’m done. After my shower I rinse in pure cold water for 5 minutes, or a couple songs on my phone. Actually I have a swimming pool and the water is cold 6 months so I go in 2-8 songs depending on the temperature. 40-70 degrees depending on the month. This is such a game changer I am trying to figure out how to get cold water the 6 months coming up when the pool is too warm and so is the shower. You can taper the water from cool to cold over a month. I feel so confident and brave and calm from the cold water. Get 40 minutes of cardio exercise to produce endorphins. You can look all this up online or you tube. Count your blessings!
Thank you 💕