I don't know what's wrong with me

[cthulu_fhtagn]

I've been struggling to put my feelings into words, so forgive me if this is all just fluff.

I've noticed that as I've gotten older, I've become a lot less driven in regards to my school work. When i was younger, I was excited to do work and I did it as quickly and as well as possible, but now, in uni, I find it hard to sit and focus and finish my work satisfied. I'm always left feeling bored and empty, and this has bled into my interactions with others. I've increasingly ignored my friends from high school, whom I do love, and I don't feel joy from my interactions anymore - in fact, I feel like my participation ruins the mood, to a certain extent. I don't want to fail uni, but I don't feel motivated to do anything anymore. I don't want to lose my friends, but I don't feel motivated to talk to them anymore - and it's not their fault. I just want to enjoy life, but I'm finding it really hard to.

Is there something wrong with me, or is it all in my head?

[geoff]

Hello cthulu fhtagn, welcome to the forums and thanks for posting your comment.

It's not easy being in a situation like you are in, simply because struggling with the work, the lack of concentration, and wanting to be distanced from any friends means that you aren't feeling well.

Can I suggest you get diagnosed by your doctor, I think you need some medical advice and have you thought about deferring your course at uni because it maybe a struggle.

Are you able to get back to us.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi cthulu fhtagn,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for being here.

I want to jump straight to your question if that's okay - Is there something wrong with me, or is it all in my head?

Can I ask you one back - what's the difference? I have a mental illness and I can tell you right now that that's in my head. It's certainly not in my kidneys! I have a good friend and she's stressed to the max, and that's in her head too.

Treatment/management/coping for mental illness and general stress can be much of a muchness. It's real - it's valid, and therapy techniques can often help both. If you had a diagnosis of depression, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a really helpful technique that can help. But if you didn't, CBT can help too.

I agree with Geoff in that it might be worth seeing your GP. Often Uni's have counsellors on site too - that might be worth looking at if you're interested. Either way, you deserve to feel better.