Im in a mess but what should I do?

Hi, im 20 and had anxiety from about 17 to 19, I left college at 18 and started university but kept panicking in lessons and fainted at a bus stop so dropped out. I kept getting like a dull intense feeling in my chest and Ive never known what it is. Since then I was just doing nothing ie in bed all day and up all night, I know I was lazy as well but everytime I went out I was scared of panicking.

Anyway it went away so I have started college doing a access course but it is starting again im really p***** off, It takes 45 minutes to get there in the morning and last week I got this dull anxious feeling and thought that I just couldn't make it through the lesson, not cause of the anxiety alone but I just can't stand the feeling whatever it is. Its half term and im only in 3 days a week! Im supposed to be applying to university again (like last year and the year before) but everytime I think about it I get the same feeling because I really don't think I can handle going to uni and wasting everyones time if im going to be like this.

The trouble is, my parents don't believe me, my mum did at first but then when I started staying in bed all day she put it down to pure lazyness which it was, I just prefered being up in the night. My cousin is the same (hes 19?) for 4 years he has done nothing and stayed in bed all day but he is going out with his mates etc and had a job but quit. We both have the same lazy lifestyle (except im at college now) so my mum keeps saying that I am lazy just like him but am making an excuse for it, im really not but I can see where shes comming from because I would think the same if I was her.

Sorry for the length, if you are still reading do you think I should apply to university? Has anyone here been in a similar situation and panicked on the way to college and in lessons?

Thanks

Reply 1

James

14

Most university courses involve a lot of independent study, and a relatively small number of lectures/classes. And there's no pressure on you in the lectures, since you're sitting in a room with hundreds of other people just listening. The professor won't ask you any questions, so there's no reason to feel anxious or awkward. That said, I guess university isn't for everyone. It depends what you want to do with your life. You'll find it hard working in biochemical research without a degree, but there are many decent jobs which will be happy with A-levels, or even GCSEs.

Reply 2

beach surf babe

14

If you don't feel that uni will suit you, don't feel forced to go. You could get a job for now and if you later decide you want to go then you can apply then.

Have you seen a doctor about your anxiety? Despite what some people think, its no joke if it is stopping you living your life.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

OP

jamesgurung

Most university courses involve a lot of independent study, and a relatively small number of lectures/classes. And there's no pressure on you in the lectures, since you're sitting in a room with hundreds of other people just listening. The professor won't ask you any questions, so there's no reason to feel anxious or awkward. That said, I guess university isn't for everyone. It depends what you want to do with your life. You'll find it hard working in biochemical research without a degree, but there are many decent jobs which will be happy with A-levels, or even GCSEs.

Yea I started university but as strange as it seems I am less anxious in small groups when contributing to discussion than in lectures :confused:

I want to do a healthcare course so I will have placements and be in pretty much everyday.

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

OP

beach surf babe

If you don't feel that uni will suit you, don't feel forced to go. You could get a job for now and if you later decide you want to go then you can apply then.

Have you seen a doctor about your anxiety? Despite what some people think, its no joke if it is stopping you living your life.

I really want to go to uni and make something of myself but im worried that I will start with all the anxiety, turning round and going back home stuff again. I have seeen the gp and he gave me some anti depressents but I didn't take them because people kept saying that its better to get to the root of the problem. However I have not been seeing someone because im scared of being diagnosed with something and it might make it worse or seem more real..if you know what I mean. Ive heard of all these people who have had anxiety, depression and have seen councellers most of there lives and I think thats because it has become part of them because they are 100% sure they have it. Im not sure whether im talking rubbish but thats what I think :redface:

Reply 5

rugdollap

There are a lot of decent jobs that doesn't require good academic profile. Just don't think of the science department.

The only time I get a dull feeling in my chest is when I eat eggs that's not cooked properly, lol.

Reply 6

Sam Beckett

7

Maybe you could try a distance learning course? I'm studyind for an MCSE that way. It's easier than being in big crowds etc if you don't like that.

I can give you info if you want to study for an MCSE. (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)

Reply 7

blot

7

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+anxiety.htm

Reply 8

Anonymous #2

Anonymous

I really want to go to uni and make something of myself but im worried that I will start with all the anxiety, turning round and going back home stuff again. I have seeen the gp and he gave me some anti depressents but I didn't take them because people kept saying that its better to get to the root of the problem. However I have not been seeing someone because im scared of being diagnosed with something and it might make it worse or seem more real..if you know what I mean. Ive heard of all these people who have had anxiety, depression and have seen councellers most of there lives and I think thats because it has become part of them because they are 100% sure they have it. Im not sure whether im talking rubbish but thats what I think :redface:

it's obvious you have anxiety and it seems to be doing a good job of ruining your life, which is why you should do something about it. i think you have to ask yourself whether you're going to find someone to help get to the root of the problem (if there is one, and by the way, counsellors can't diagnose you) or whether you're going to get some pills to get rid of the anxiety. i don't really think taking pills is taking a shortcut, sometimes it gets to the point where it's something your body does even though you know it's completely irrational. that can be very hard to overcome with sheer willpower.

2 years ago i was a nervous wreck, i've dropped out of college 5 times and often didn't leave the house for weeks on end. i've seen more counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists than i can remember but no amount of talking or plain anti-depressants ever worked. it wasn't until i started taking anti-depressants which were also anti-anxiety pills that i saw any improvement. now i've finished my first year of college and have applied to university, have been abroad twice on my own, live alone and have done plenty of other things i would never have imagined myself being able to do two years ago.

Reply 9

matt@internet

12

I would normally advise that yes you should apply to uni, but in this case I think you should get help for your problem first and maybe apply to uni next year. You should definitely go to your doctors regardless of whether you decide to apply to uni or not.

Reply 10

Anonymous #3

Firstly, I am sorry to hear about your situation it is a shame that your potential is not being realised..

But the only way to relieve this situation is to take self - initiative, although this is going to be really really hard.

Tomorrow morning when you get up, think right I am going to sort myself and my life out, and realise what I am truly capable of...

Take an active decision to go to the doctors, and take an active decision to either go back to university, or get a job => whatever you feel is right for you...

Forget about what everyone thinks about you, this is for you and your life.
Appreciate what you have, live and love every minute...

The best of luck in whatever you decide...remember you have the potential to do anything you want.

Reply 11

Miss_Scarlett

15

Sorry not quite sure why I put anon on the above post... :rolleyes:

Reply 12

white_haired_wizard

16

I´m sure i can remember reading a story similar to this, not so long ago on TSR.

Maybe its the same poster....

If all else has failed, maybe you should consult a doctor, well, do consult a doctor, and he/she may prescribe you something alone the lines of propranolol, an anti anxiety drug of kinds. It has helped me enormously at times, but try not to rely on it too heavily...for prevention of panic attacks it worked wonders for me.

Im in a mess but what should I do?

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