Not sure what I'm going through

[The_unsure]

Hi, I'm a 19 year old female. Currently studying in university. Life is ok for me, studies  are going well, I have good friends, I have a boyfriend. Family life isn't the greatest. My parents are pretty much separated but we all kind of live together, it's a little messy but it's been like this since I was born so I think I'm kind of used to it.

Sometimes I feel as though I'm kind of stuck in a rut. It's an effort to keep up with life and stay happy. I don't know if I'm stressing about second year of uni, or if it's just family stuff or if it's normal. I try to blame it on PMS but it happens really often. I stress about everything, it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. I find it hard to get excited about things.

I tell myself that I have everything going right for me. I'm so much more fortunate than so many other people but I just can't shake it off.

[bzb]

Dear Unsure,

We all have ideas about what is 'normal' and what should be with families, but if it works for your family and you are ok with it, does it really matter whether or not it fits into the 'normal' box or not? Also, I often wonder how 'normal' families really are?

Given what you are describing and based on my own experiences, I suggest seeking professional advice so you can get the support and learn strategies to support you now and you can move forward knowing you have the tools to help yourself.

When I suffered depression, I used to tell myself the same thing, how lucky I was or someone would mention it to me, and I could see they were right, but it didn't help me feel any better. If anything, I felt worse. Each of us is individual, with our own set of circumstances.

Talk to your GP who can refer you to a psychologist or contact beyondblue to clarify and receive further support.

Please let us know how you go.

Take care,

bzb

[Mbuna]

Hey Unsure.

I agree with bzb. Talking to someone about your feelings will help. Look at the movie on the front screen of this website about anxiety. Many people suffer from it. Some more so than others. My anxiety started when I was around your age. I did not know what it was so kept it all to myself. Everyone gets stressed and worried at times. Its part of normal life. If the feelings are lingering however, even when there is nothing really to worry about, then go talk to someone. Even if there is nothing wrong, its definitely not going to hurt.

Cheers

Mbuna