School-Related Anxiety: A Personal Journey

Q: School-Related Anxiety: A Personal Journey

Hello, A-Ling： You mentioned that in the past, you felt very uncomfortable when you came into contact with things you disliked, leading you to wash your hands repeatedly. <br>In high school, this became more severe; you felt that items related to school were very dirty, and you w

I have been troubled by some issues for a long time?

Since middle school, I have felt uncomfortable when I come into contact with things I dislike, including people.
This led to excessive hand washing, but that wasn't the worst of it.
In high school, it seemed to get worse.
During my first year, it wasn't too bad, but I still encountered people and things I didn't like.
Whenever I touched freshly washed and dried school uniforms or any school-related items, I felt they were dirty and I couldn't get close to them.
I even felt nauseous and wanted to throw them away.

When I wore casual clothes to buy something or visit a doctor, I felt uncomfortable seeing anyone in a school uniform or even someone in casual clothes who seemed to have just come from school.
I wanted to distance myself from them.
If a student in a uniform was behind me in line buying the same thing, and the cashier touched my items afterward, I would feel disgusted.

There is one exception: after coming home from school and taking a shower, I feel clean and don't have that dirty feeling anymore.
However, any contact with school-related items triggers it again.
It feels like there's a voice in my head saying that everything is dirty.
This only happens with school-related items.

In summary, when I come into contact with school-related items or anyone wearing a school uniform, I feel disgusted, and no amount of washing seems to help.
However, if I wear a school uniform, go to school, and then come home and wash thoroughly, I don't feel dirty anymore (this is the only exception).
But if I wear casual clothes to school, I feel like I can't wear those clothes again if someone in a uniform touches them (or my belongings, if I was in casual clothes).
The key point is that before high school, I didn't feel this way about school-related items.
I also feel the same way about letters from school that come to my home.

I wonder if I have a significant mental health issue because this strange feeling keeps appearing in my mind, and I don't know what to do about it.

A-Ling, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/17

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, A-Ling: You mentioned that in the past, you felt very uncomfortable when you came into contact with things you disliked, leading you to wash your hands repeatedly.
In high school, this became more severe; you felt that items related to school were very dirty, and you were afraid to get close to them, feeling disgusted and wanting to throw them away.
You only felt relief from this discomfort after taking a shower when you got home from school.
You sense a voice in your head telling you that things are dirty, and this feeling is specifically related to school-related items, even extending to letters sent from school to your home.
You find these thoughts to be inexplicably present in your mind.
Therefore, you do not like having these thoughts, and they cause you distress; washing can only provide temporary relief from the symptoms.
These fears of dirtiness and recurring thoughts may be related to symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
It may be helpful to reflect on whether you encountered any stress or unpleasant events at school that you found unbearable and could not express directly, in order to identify potential psychological triggers.
It is recommended to weaken these thoughts in daily life by shifting your focus to important or enjoyable events.
When thoughts of dirtiness or disgust arise, you can challenge them by telling yourself that such thoughts are unreasonable, and then try to let these thoughts drift away from your mind and naturally fade.
If you find it difficult to manage these thoughts and continue to feel distressed, it is advisable to seek medical assistance.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2017/03/17

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant anxiety related to school and school-related items, which can be quite distressing. Your feelings of discomfort when encountering school uniforms or items associated with school, as well as the compulsive need to wash your hands, suggest that you may be dealing with symptoms of anxiety and possibly obsessive-compulsive tendencies. It's important to understand that you are not alone in this experience, and many individuals face similar challenges when it comes to school-related anxiety.

Understanding Your Feelings
From your description, it seems that your anxiety has escalated over time, particularly during your high school years. This is not uncommon, as adolescence can be a period of heightened emotional sensitivity and social pressure. The discomfort you feel around school-related items may stem from a combination of factors, including social anxiety, fear of judgment, and possibly a heightened sensitivity to cleanliness or contamination, which can be characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The Role of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, and it often leads to avoidance behaviors. For instance, your desire to distance yourself from anything related to school may be a coping mechanism to manage your anxiety. However, this avoidance can reinforce your fears and make it more challenging to confront the situations that trigger your anxiety. Understanding the root causes of your anxiety—whether they are related to academic pressure, social interactions, or personal expectations—can be a crucial step in addressing these feelings.

Seeking Help
Given the intensity of your feelings and the impact they have on your daily life, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety and OCD, as it helps individuals challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.

Practical Strategies
In the meantime, here are some strategies you can try to help manage your anxiety:
1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises can help ground you in the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety. These techniques can also help you manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing thoughts or a racing heart.

2. Gradual Exposure: Consider gradually exposing yourself to the situations that trigger your anxiety. Start with less anxiety-provoking scenarios and slowly work your way up to more challenging situations. This can help desensitize you to your fears over time.

3. Journaling: Keeping a journal can be a helpful way to process your thoughts and feelings. Write about your experiences, what triggers your anxiety, and how you cope with it. This can provide insight into your patterns and help you identify coping strategies that work for you.

4. Support System: Reach out to friends or family members who can provide support. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can help alleviate some of the burden and provide you with a sense of connection.

5. Professional Support: As mentioned earlier, seeking help from a mental health professional can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide tailored strategies and support to help you navigate your anxiety.

Conclusion
It's important to remember that experiencing anxiety, especially in relation to school, is a common issue that many students face. You are not alone in this journey, and there are effective strategies and resources available to help you manage your feelings. By seeking support and implementing coping strategies, you can work towards feeling more comfortable and confident in school-related situations. Remember, taking the first step towards understanding and addressing your anxiety is a significant achievement in itself.

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