I think I'm on the verge of another nervous breakdown...

[bicentennial_baby]

It's been a lil over 4 years. I don't think I'll end up couch-bound and crying for a month, but...

I'm waaaay too overcommitted academically, my parents' financial situation has me in tears, I can't seem to get anything done on a day to day basis. I just laid on Sniffa in bed for 10 minutes, sobbing. Simply b/c I don't know what to do.

This sucks. I wanna run away.

On the lighter side, go Sox. :)

[Aristus]

1. Oh, bi-baby...

We're here for you... :grouphug:

[SallyMander]

2. Tackle things one at a time, and uncommit to anything you can

Is there a class you can drop, or something else that can take a backseat? You should do anything you can to take a little pressure off yourself.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

4. Not really...I wish

3 classes + Thesis = Financial Aid I need to live

Internship = Commitment I can't break

Collective Board Appt. = Great Opportunity and another commitment I can't break.

x(

I just can't seem to get a handle on everything this semester. It's weird. I'm so behind on my work, and have no motivation to fix it, even though I wake up in a panic every day over it. I don't get it.

:hug:

[City of Mills]

6. I hear you

I'm struggling with classes this semester, not like me at all. Had a trip to the ER first week of classes and I've been struggling to keep up ever since. Anxiety is tough to get through, best thing you can do is try your best to stay on a good sleeping schedule, walk outside 10 minutes a day or more if you can, and just take things one little thing at a time. Make a small list of do-able things and cross them off when they're done, it gives you a little feeling of accomplishment that might make a difference. Remember there's not much you can do to help your parents with their situation, try not to take on that burden as your own, just be there for them as best you can. They don't want to see you stress, so do your best to be calm and strong around them. Good luck, sincerely - things will get easier, you just have an awful lot going on right now but it won't be like this forever.

[SallyMander]

7. Maybe you could reduce your hours at the internship

or board appointment, or even take a couple weeks leave until you get classes/etc sorted out?

You shouldn't beat yourself up if you can't do it ALL, right now. You need to stay sane and healthy.

I'm hear to listen any time you need! :hug:

[amitten]

14. You just feel overwhelmed. Make a list of the most important

things to do (in order of importance) and cross each one out when it's done.

I find that usually puts things in perspective.

You can do it!

[cwydro]

3. a peaceful picture for you

[Critters2]

5. If you can afford to see a counselor, even for a brief time, I'd recommend that.

It's really helpful to have an objective, caring person help you sort through it all.

I also often make referrals to self-help groups--Emotions Anonymous; Recovery, Inc; NAMI, etc. It's helpful to draw on the experience of those who've been there, and empowering to see that you are able to help others who are having a hard time now. Consider visiting the mental health and/or receovery/addiction groups here on DU. And keep posting here! You have plenty of support, many people who care about you.

i second the advice to jettison sources of stress you don't need. Drop a class, cancel some other commitment. Taking care of your self is your first priority, even before caring for your parents. It's like they tell you on planes, put your oxygen mask on first, or you can't help your family. And cry on Sniffa whenever he'll let you. You're fortunate to have him.

You're in my prayers!

[bicentennial_baby]

10. There's a counseling center at school

and I have a recommended therapist off-campus to check out. It's just a matter of time, which I seem to have very little of lately.

I really can't drop anything right now. We're past add-drop at school, and I don't want a "withdrawal" on my record this close to Graduation. I know I can pull of all A's, it's just going to be hard for now.

I'm thinking of taking a mental health day tomorrow from work, if I can. I need to regroup and focus.

And yes, I am lucky to have Sniffa. He's the best. :)

Thank you sweetie. :hug:

[Flaxbee]

12. this is what I was going to suggest - if you have time (ha ha)

see if you can make use of your school's health system and try to talk to a counselor. Often it's free or very very very low-cost; you're not the first student to feel overwhelmed with school and family.

It sounds like you're thinking of everything all at once. If you can, just look at what you can do in a day, and do it. Put aside the big picture stuff (family - difficult, I know, believe me) on a day to day basis.

Tell yourself:
"Just for this day, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not try to overcome all my problems at once."

I have to tell myself that every day. Often, it works.

I hope you can find some comfort, bi-baby. Things are tough right now for a lot of people; you'll get through it, bit by bit. :hug:

[Fleshdancer]

8. ...

:hug:

Hang in there Econ. The academic hell you're putting yourself through will be worth it very soon, but don't discount the idea of lessening the load if possible. I don't know the details concerning your parents, but my heart breaks for them and for you...I know first hand how painful it is worrying about parents. Such a helpless, scary feeling.

Open a bottle of wine, put on some good music, and chant the following: My life is better than Jesus Camp. My life is better than Jesus Camp. ;)

[bicentennial_baby]

11. I love you, Fleshdance

:hug:

I like that mantra. :D

You made me giggle

I'm going to try and get a day off from work tomorrow to regroup.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear bi_baby...

I'm hoping that what I'm about to say will really help you...

Remember that you only have control over one thing.

And that's you.

You can't help your parents, which sucks, but that's how it is...

You have to let go of the things you can't control. I know it's really hard, but you must do it.

And is there any way you can get into some sort of therapy?

It can be a lifesaver!

Take care, sweetie...

:hug:

[Danger Mouse]

13. not sure what to say other than...

hang in there.
things will get better.
god that sounds lame...
:hug:

[bridgit]

15. I wish I had the time for the quality break down I need & deserve...

:thumbsup: