I want to be happy again!

[Katherine7894]

Hi, i was wondering if you could give me any suggestions. About 2 years ago I had a lot going on in my life and I had a lot of people to support and be there for plus I had my exams. With no one to talk to about the pressures of all this it built up inside and I began smoking and had various instances of self harm. I managed to get over the worst such as I quit smoking and it had mainly gone away. However since then, more times that not, I will feel not motivated to get on top of work, I feel alone even though I have some great friends, I can't enjoy things as I used to I have a very short attention span and I get anxious in social situations even around people i know. I live for the days which come every now and again which I am full of life and laughter, how I used to be. The only way I can feel better is to keep continuously busy which is hard when at university in a small town. I have been close to seeing the doctor a few times but I chicken out and have never gotten around to booking an appointment. I have told one of my friends but I find it difficult to show my feelings so I act as though I am okay even though I am struggling. If anyone has any suggestions on how to help with this I really appretiate it

[chloe40 Administrator]

Hi Katherine7894

Welcome to our Community.

It does sound as if you were under extreme stress and anxiety at that time but for some reason, that stress level didn't return to it's normal level. Did something specific happen prior to these symptoms happening? sometimes there is no reason and it can be more difficult to understand them. It does sound as though you have lost confidence, which I completely understand and social anxiety alone is awful, I have total empathy with you and I would really make that appointment with the Doctor and have a chat. The worse thing you can do is nothing! He/she may send you for talking therapy Katherine which I feel will be of enormous help or maybe CBT.

You haven't said if you managed to stop self harming, please check the Resources above for further help with this and please do come back and chat whenever you wish.

Chloe