Overwhelmed and spread too thin

[Jay_Bee]

Hi all,

This year I very suddenly started having anxiety attacks and have since been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. My parents announced their divorce and it's very messy as my mum was quite abusive growing up with mental health and addiction issues. She is now attempting to fight for custody of my younger siblings. Things are messy and everyone thinks that I am exempt from the family distress as I live alone on the other side of the country. Thats just it, I'm alone.

I was studying full-time and since this all started happening I'm now barely coping with 2 subjects at uni. I have work, I run a club at uni and am meant to be going on an overseas project for uni in less than a month. I am just very overwhelmed. I miss my family and friends from back home. I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above the water. Currently having issues with loneliness and lack of support and I'm not sure how to cope.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

[Soberlicious96]

Hi Jay_Bee,

Welcome to Beyond Blue, and well done for reaching out. You have at least made a start in doing something for yourself as you navigate this difficult situation with your parents and siblings.

Sometimes being away from what is going on makes people think that we don't feel the stress as much, but that's not always the case. I have found that it's the not knowing exactly what is going on makes my head come up with all sorts of 'worst case scenarios' that it can possible muster. But the truth is that just because we imagine the worst, doesn't mean that's what is actually happening.

Having said that, divorce is an awful thing for a family to go through, and distressing for all, whether all living together, or spread around the country, so I certainly hear your pain and grief in feeling alone and afraid.

The good thing is though that right here at Beyond Blue, we are here for you and with you 24/7. BB is always open for you to get things off your chest.

Perhaps also you could see if there are counseling support services at your Uni? It might be good for you to have someone to talk to face to face about what's happening for you.

Anyway, I do hope that you find all the support and help you need, and that things go well for you overseas. Take care, and just take things one day at a time. Or if a day gets too much, then take it an hour at a time. It's easier to get through life if you're not trying to live your whole life at one time. Keep it simple and be gentle with yourself. xo