Introduction and coping through a tough year

[noella99]

Hi, all.

I'm Noel, 20 and currently a third-year international student at university. I'm not sure how to begin with introductions and all. My counsellor suggested me this site and I decided to give it a try. It's been a very tough year for me. I'm not sure if I'm comfortable enough to go into details about it, but needless to say I feel very lost and hopeless.

I've been losing confidence in myself more and more, anxious than ever especially in the middle of this pandemic. Uncertainty of the future scares me a lot. There are plenty of other things happening at home that put me under a lot of pressure as well. It's just too much for me to handle and I am scared.

I'm not so sure as to what I'm expecting out of this site, but the very least I'd love to find people who can relate with how I'm feeling and offer support through this tough times. Heck, let's support each other through it all even.

Slightly off the track but my interests include writing (screenplays and creative writing mostly), reading, drawing and filmmaking (a career I'm trying to pursue). It'd be great if we happen to share the same interests or at least one or two!

To be perfectly honest, I don't want to make this post too upsetting, but it's really hard for me to even write this without breaking into tears just because I'm so lost without any answers or certainty. It has made me quite depressed. I've never really checked with a psychiatrist whether I'm clinically depressed or not, so I don't want to specifically say I have depression. It's just the right term to describe how I'm feeling these past couple of months.

I thank you all for making the time and effort to read through this, whoever you are. I sincerely wish you well especially in these times. Any words of advice, replies or comments are much appreciated.

[Sophie_M]

Welcome to the forums, Noel

We know how difficult it can be to reach out for support but we are so glad that you've done so here tonight. We're so sorry to hear that you've been feeling lost and hopeless lately, which has been made worse by this pandemic. But please know that you've come to a safe, non-judgemental space to discuss these thoughts and feelings, and our wonderful community is here to offer as much support, advice and conversation as you need. 

If you feel up to it, we'd also recommend reaching out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. You can also call our dedicated support line, staffed by mental health professionals, which is available 24/7 at the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service on 1800 512 348.

You're not alone in this, and we hope that you continue to check back in here on your thread to let us know how you're going whenever you feel up to it.

 

[Worryzane]

Hey Noel...i just joined like you.

Going to university is a lot of pressure at the best of times...especially for international students as the fees are incredibly high.

With the coronavirus...do uni students still required to attend class?

[noella99]

Hey, Zane.

Yeah, you're right. University fees is ridiculous, but I've been fortunate to have a very supportive university that offers financial support and grants for students that needs it.

I've been given the option to do leave of absence for my university, other than that we're doing online classes because of restrictions. I can't say I enjoy online classes since it makes me feel more unmotivated to do work than ever and harder for me to focus.

[Worryzane]

I graduated uni 10 years ago. I think you feel more pressure in your final years because the finish line (graduation) is so close.

Are there any positives you can see? Like are your grades good?

[noella99]

Yeah, that's true. Considering what's going on right now, I have yet been able to fulfil internship requirements for my degree since internships have been postponed until further notice. No news as to whether or not they will change the requirements, unfortunately. It's stressing me out a little.

On a bright note, this semester won't count into my GPA and my grades are good enough for me to be able to graduate with honors (hopefully).

[Worryzane]

I think the prospect of things returning to some form of normalcy in Australia is looking good. They are already talks of easing restrictions.

I remember countless hours wasted on worrying about my final semester. I even have nightmares about it regulary, where i go into my final examination and don't understand any of the questions.

However, i see that you have gotten this far...it means your resilient and resilient people often achieve their goal. A lecturer told me that most kids drop out of uni after 1 year.