Your problems are most definitely aren't dumb, and I for one want you to keep writing about them, because it helps.

Running for election in school takes real guts because it means putting yourself out there in front of people to be judged in a really big way. I was really involved in student politics in university, and remember how much I hated the whole election process - but it literally took over my life. So I can imagine you're feeling a little overwhelmed.

And it's normal to be a little scared when we're expanding our boundaries and changing, it's really easy to second guess ourselves and start doing negative self talk. How about turning that around and seeing the positives, being more outgoing, more social, maybe meeting new friends. You say your friends like you, they probably still will.

As for your grades, if it's a short term thing, it could be the excitement of the election distracting you, then it's not that big a deal - you can study more once the election is over. But if it's a longer term trend, maybe you want to talk to a school counsellor some counsellors will work with students on study strategies, or be able to recommend a tutor.

Good luck with everything. I know it's scary, but it sounds kind of exciting too.

---splitimage