[angel04]

How do I deal with the incredible amount of stress on me right now? I have constant headaches and muscle aches, I don't sleep and if I do, I get nightmares. I am short tempered, crying a lot and frustrated beyond stupidity. I feel like a deer, paralyzed in the grip of bright headlights. I want this, I do. I want to do well and I want to finish college and have the career I've been dreaming of. But, i can't handle the stress. There are so many assignments, so many research papers, midterms etc all due at the same time.
I'm losing it more and more every day. I cry often in sheer frustration and I'm feeling that old depression whispering in my ear.
I need a mechanism to stop it. Any advice? Keep in mind, Yoga and meditation don't work. Nor can I have a hot bath. No bath tub.
What else ya got??
thanks
tina

[Fuzzybear]

Sorry no advice but it's a great thing you are doing, hang in there! ((((((((((((((Tina))))))))))))))

[shakes]

Angel,
You sound exactly like me when I was at school. One of the few things that helped me was walking around campus. During one of my big spells of depression/anxiety I used to walk miles and miles a day... at all hours of the day or night. I am sorry that I cannot help more.

Jessica

[collegefriend]

you know walking around campus really does help; i miss that. (i have moved back with the parents this semester) last semester my friends and i would walk around at night. it was just calmer then (at night) we all were just in our own thoughts and when we needed we talked. and something else me and my group of friends did was go to the park in the evening. just to be like kids again and because it was dark noone could see us get stuck in the slide LOL!!!! it was fun. for me my friends helped with all the stress. i don't know what other advice to give. college is hard i know, and its even worse to have all the stuff fall together. but its worth it in the end (i hope) sometimes it feels like why waste the time, but you know you are bettering yourself. fall break is coming up soon. i say there are two choices for fall break you can either relax and take it easy for the 4 days or you can work your butt off and get all the reports and stuff caught up and/or finished! hope everything works out PM me anytime!!
~collegefriend

[snowflake_48888]

I wish I knew the answers to that one angel04. I am taking online courses, working full time and trying to keep the house in order. Sometimes the stress is overwhelming. I am not a writer, so essays and reports really suck for me. And of course, what are most of my base classes? writing... I want to be an account and not a journalist. If you figure out a good method, let me know. Procrastination isn't very helpful..

[wisewoman]

I like the advice about walking around to slow your thoughts. I also want to tell you something that I in no means mean to negate the stress you are under. It is college, it is not life and death. You will do the best you can and maybe part of that is learning to have healthy skills to deal with all of the stress. No, I am saying do what I say, not what I did but that's the parent in me coming out. You should be having fun in college, learning about yourself and so what if you need the five year plan. It is a journey. Peace.

[angel04]

I know I'm supposed to be having fun but I think I have passed my having fun years. First year of college at 35 isn't exactly the party til you drop scene.
I'll try the walking but when I walk, I feel guilty that I'm not working on a paper or assignment instead. *sigh*
thanks all.
Oh, and if anyone hears from Greg, please pm me and let me know how he's doing.
thanks for the advice.
take care
tina

[wisewoman]

Tina, sorry, had no idea you were an older student. Sorry for stress. I hope you can feel better soon.

[mj14]

Tina,

I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner...I kept hoping some words of brilliance would come to me. The one thing that comes to mind is to remind yourself that you can make it, and that you are doing well. I don't know if you've ever tried using affirmations...but I think it might help to just say out loud every day. "I am smart and capable, and a good student...I will succeed at school." Even if you don't always believe it, just keep saying it...it's important that you say it out loud. And it just might sink in. And make sure you give yourself credit when you do well at something.

I know you can make it through this...and I know you're gonna do great. So just take a deep breath, and remind yourself that Jo says you're gonna be fine, and I am never wrong!

*big hugs*
Jo

[Rapunzel]

Tina, you sound burned out. Taking some time just for you, whatever you choose to do with it (walking, just sitting quietly and enjoying some peace, maybe by candlelight, a hot shower, or anything that is relaxing to you) is allowed and will help you with everything else. I had no bathtub at college either - isn't that the pits! But you are entitled to your own personal time, free of having to do anything else right then. If you can't give yourself permission, I give you permission right now.

Other things are to make a list of the things you are stressing about, and prioritize them, and plan out how you are going to make sure they get done. Venting is good. Exercise can help a lot, especially making sure that you get some fresh air and sunlight, even if it is cold outside. And if you feel overwhelmed, get some therapy. There is no shame in that, and it will help.

((((((((hugs)))))))))
Wendy

[Rapunzel]

p.s. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself - eating right, getting enough sleep, etc.

And never forget the power of chocolate!!!

[shakes]

Tina,
I hope that you find something that works for you. It is just college..if it is going to kill you then it simply is not worth it. Please take your well being into consideration.

Jessica