Hello, introduction, and rant from a kid in an adult world

[Lascrea]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 16 y/o university student with severe stress and anxiety and mild depression, feeling lonely. I'm not very interesting so anyone reading this can stop here and I wouldn't blame you.

So much has happened this year and it's been terrifying, to say the least. Last year, when I cried over getting a 94% because it was under 95% which was not good enough, I thought the self-hate was justified and normal, and as for getting stressed before social occasions, I thought I was just shy. But before starting uni this year, I had a panic attack and saw a psychologist who told me I had social anxiety (least of my worries now). Tbh, I thought it was pathetic and laughed at myself for it. I thought I was a strong person and I couldn't believe how ridiculous I was (I do not mean to offend anyone with a mental illness, I just tend to find ways to beat myself down, I'm now also more educated on the matter). Semester one came and went, then semester two, the real nightmare, started. From group projects with people who made me feel like the only ppl in the group were Me, Myself, and I, to 'friends' who continuously disappointed me again and again, this semester has been the worst time of my life so far.

I've come to realise that I've been very naive my whole life and that the world is much much worse than I used to think. I have so many things to achieve in life and that keeps me moving, but I hate how my life is atm. I don't have enough space to pour out everything, but I'll mention some things that really hit home.

a month ago, I accidentally left a jacket in the library. When I went back for it a mere hour later, it was gone. All I thought of was whether the person who found it gave it to the library lost and found or gave it the university security. It didn't even occur to me that they might've taken it. But they did.

As mentioned in my first post, I'm struggling with my friendships. The only three 'close' friends I have are (1) my best friend whom I'm starting to hate (2) uni friend who makes me uncomfortable (3) a friend from high school who only replies to texts when she is bored or needs something from me. #3 fits the description of almost everyone I know: they use me for help with assignments bc they know I get good grades and the only real relationships I have are with my family and my dogs

The point of this post was originally to just say hi, got carried away haha! Hi everyone, I hope to meet some genuine ppl here, even if it's not in person.

[Mathy]

Hi LasCrea and welcome,

You mention a previous post and I see you have a few, so bear in mind that I have no idea what you’ve written previously 🙂

At 16yo and being in Uni, may I assume you are an advanced learner?

Either way, you are indeed younger than the usual age of your peers in the Uni system. University “rules” are different to “School” rules, as you have discovered by the theft of your jacket. The world outside of School can be a bit tough. Having said that, Universities have absolutely fantastic student counselling services. They are confidential and won’t make you feel like an idiot for using them. This would be a great place (in addition to this forum) for you to find some support to assist you. Also, what sort of hobbies and interests do you have? Most University campuses have clubs and societies that you can join, with associated activitities. This could assist you in making new friends.

Hope this helps, cheers M 🙂

[blondguy]

Hi Lascrea

What a well written thread topic 🙂 You havent ranted at all. Your thread is an inspirational one....Nice1

I understand where you are coming from as I used to have awful panic attacks for a few years and I wasnt as smart as you have been by seeing a psychologist as fast. I thought I could 'soldier on' and they would go away. They didnt. I wish I had your proactive attitude.

You are amazing and good on you as I know many adults that dont have your courage Lascrea...seriously!

Its taken me ages to understand panic attacks......Years ago I didnt understand that getting panic attacks treated super early is the best move anyone can make. The longer people put off treatment the worse they can become. The anxiety (and possible incidence of future anxiety) is greatly reduced while in its early stages.

Your post is a seriously good one. The forums are a rock solid safe place where are privacy is paramount. There are also many gentle people (including heaps of young people) that can be here for you too!

You are doing incredibly well Lascrea. You are more than welcome to post as many times as you wish....time permitting of course

Kudos to you. What a great post 🙂

Paul

[geoff]

hello Lascrea, a post from someone who is slowly becoming caught up in mental health, and by saying this means that now you are losing your three mates, unless of course they need you for their assignments, friendship goes much further than this, because they're just using you, and once the year or course has finished then you won't see them again, they aren't true friends.
This also happens when someone starts to have some sort of depression, all your friends disappear, fade away because they don't know what to say to you or how any knowledge about depression, but as soon as you join this forum you automatically make many friends, simply because we can relate to how you are and what you have to say.
A big welcome to you. Geoff.

[Mia001]

Hi Lascrea,

All I can say is...wow! I found your post very inspirational, so thank you. You have so much courage and insight for someone your age.

Wishing you all the best for the future!

Mia

[Lascrea]

Hey Mathy,

Still trying to figure these forums out, wasn't sure if you'd be able to see my other posts.

I skipped two years of school, and I'm glad I made that choice, but at the same time, I feel like things would be much easier if I were still in the safe environment of my high school. I have been to two counseling sessions, but as with the psychologist, I haven't seen much improvement in my situation. My uni actually doesn't have many clubs, and most of their activities are 18+ unfortunately. Can't wait until third year when I'll actually be able to go to all those balls and pub crawls! And maybe meet some new people as well.

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

[Lascrea]

Hey!

I'm not quite sure what was inspirational about my post (I pretty much complained the whole way through haha), but thank you for the confidence boost! I thought the same way you did when I was in y12, but for me, the panic attack shocked me enough to make me see a professional.

[Mia001]

Hi Lascrea,

What I found inspirational... Mostly, I loved your honesty with yourself. Also that you had the courage to seek help early on.

Mia

[Lascrea]

Hey Mia

thank you for replying! I didn't expect anyone to find the post inspirational, but I'm glad you did!

[Pasha1234]

Friendships are such a hard thing to navigate at any age!

I must say some of the best people I have met and closest friends have come from meetings where we where all interested in the same things eg the dog park ( I have 2 dogs) crafty things (used to go to the community centre) are you interested in other things ? Maybe we can point you to some clubs/ places we have found ?