Concentration Issues and Stress in Mental Health

Attention Deficit and Stress Issues

Hello, doctor.
I am a university student currently interning and I have two questions I would like to ask.
Due to being bullied by someone I thought was a friend when I was younger, I have developed a strong aversion to school.
Just seeing my current school makes me feel nauseous, and I am very afraid of making friends because I fear experiencing the same kind of hurt as before.
When I first meet classmates, instead of thinking about how to interact with them, I worry about what methods they might use to bully me.
In my eyes, everyone I don't know well could potentially harm me, which prevents me from getting close to others.
When I try to initiate a conversation, I often spend at least ten minutes mentally planning what to say before I can actually speak.
Because of the bullying I experienced as a child, I believe I am a worthless person, and I often think that it must be my fault for being treated that way.
Recently, I have felt that I am not contributing anything during my internship, and I have begun to doubt my own value.
I was directly told by my internship supervisor that I have been regressing, which has been very discouraging for me.
At times, I have even fantasized about my own death, thinking that if I were not here, the world would be better off without me.
Is this just me overthinking things? I often have headaches and chest pains because of these thoughts.

The second question is about something I have noticed during my internship and even before that: I tend to forget things I need to do, and after listening to others, I forget what I was supposed to accomplish.
I can't maintain focus on a single task, and things I usually remember to do suddenly slip my mind.
This makes me feel anxious and has caused me to mess up many tasks, leading to a gradual loss of confidence from my colleagues.
Could this be a sign of attention deficit? I apologize for the disorganized writing; I have a lot to express and couldn't organize my thoughts well.
Thank you for your help, doctor.

Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/16

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
The text reveals a long-term expression of negative emotions.
Unpleasant experiences from early years (such as being bullied) and current life stressors may be significant factors.
It seems that this has also led to a lack of trust in others and a lack of self-confidence (self-deprecation).
I suggest you search for information on emotional regulation (EQ) and stress management.
From this, you can learn some methods (such as muscle relaxation training and engaging in leisure activities after work, which also aligns with the second suggestion, as it is not considered attention deficit).
Establishing good interpersonal interaction patterns and trust among colleagues is important.
I believe that improvement and change can be achieved soon.

Reply Date: 2018/05/16

More Info

Hello, thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns. It sounds like you are facing a significant amount of emotional distress and stress related to your past experiences and current situation. Let's break down your concerns and explore them further.

Firstly, your feelings of anxiety and fear regarding social interactions and relationships are understandable, especially given your history of being bullied. Such experiences can leave lasting emotional scars, leading to a heightened sense of vigilance and fear of being hurt again. This can manifest as a reluctance to engage with others, as you may constantly be on guard, anticipating potential harm. It's important to recognize that these feelings are valid and that many people who have experienced bullying or trauma share similar fears.

Your thoughts about your self-worth and the belief that you are to blame for the bullying are also common among individuals who have been victimized. It’s crucial to challenge these negative beliefs about yourself. Remember, bullying is a reflection of the bully's issues, not your value as a person. Seeking therapy can be beneficial in helping you reframe these thoughts and build a more positive self-image.

Regarding your feelings of worthlessness and the thoughts of death, these are serious concerns that should not be taken lightly. It's essential to talk to a mental health professional about these feelings. They can help you explore these thoughts in a safe environment and provide you with coping strategies. Remember, you are not alone in feeling this way, and there is support available to help you through these tough times.

As for your concentration issues and forgetfulness, these can be symptoms of anxiety and stress. When your mind is preoccupied with worries and fears, it can be challenging to focus on tasks at hand. This can lead to forgetfulness and difficulty in maintaining attention. It's also possible that you may be experiencing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which can manifest as difficulties in sustaining attention and following through on tasks. However, only a qualified mental health professional can provide a proper assessment and diagnosis.

To address your concentration issues, consider implementing some strategies that can help improve your focus and reduce anxiety. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and improve your concentration. These techniques can also reduce anxiety and help you feel more grounded.

2. Structured Routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and help you manage your time effectively. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and set specific goals for each day.

3. Limit Distractions: Create a conducive environment for studying or working by minimizing distractions. This could mean finding a quiet space, turning off notifications on your phone, or using apps that block distracting websites.

4. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a counselor for support. Sharing your feelings and experiences can help alleviate some of the burdens you are carrying.

5. Professional Help: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with tailored strategies and possibly recommend therapy or medication if necessary.

In conclusion, your experiences and feelings are significant and deserve attention. It's important to prioritize your mental health and seek the support you need. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help you navigate through these challenges. Take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for help.

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