Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles

Q: Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles

Hello, stranger： I believe you are feeling quite confused, and the misunderstandings with your classmates are troubling you. <br>However, this also indicates that you are gradually entering a stage of growth, where you will begin to experience the complexities of society and your

I'm lost, please help me?

I've always had great relationships with people throughout my life, but recently in middle school, I've encountered some issues where my classmates don't understand me.
I'm really scared because I've never been disliked before.
Suddenly, I feel so helpless and anxious; I want to sleep but can't.
I keep thinking and thinking, and I have no appetite at all.
I haven't eaten in a long time, and I'm so tired.
My emotions are very unstable and I'm feeling very low.
I find myself zoning out, almost like a fool, but I can't sleep due to the anxiety and helplessness.
There's also this strange feeling in my heart.
Even now, I still can't eat, but suddenly I feel very sleepy.
I even have impulses to escape from this unbearable pressure.
I've realized that my ability to cope with stress is very small; I can't accept setbacks.
Can I still achieve great things? But it's so hard to endure when I haven't experienced it before, and I don't want to see everyone's cold faces.
My heart hurts so much.
I've tried to explain things to them, but they don't want to listen, and it makes me very sad.
I don't know what to do.
In front of my family, I seem carefree and cheerful, but actually, a long time ago, I was very cheerful in front of everyone.
Now, I feel very lonely.
It's a strange feeling.
If I suddenly tell them about these things, they might think I'm joking.
I have many friends in other classes who are helping me, urging me not to take drastic measures and to hang in there, saying they are still there for me.
But I know they are there, yet we are in different classes.
I just can't accept that everyone is ignoring me.

Sometimes I think about cutting myself; it would hurt, but it could also be a release.
My family might not understand.
I haven't given back to them before leaving.
It might be unfair to them and my friends who care about me.
Suicide is a foolish choice; only a fool would choose that path when there are other options.
But it feels like there are no options left.
Now I understand that people who commit suicide aren't stupid.
I'm very unstable, frustrated, and confused, especially about everything happening now.
I have no interest in anything.
I want to make myself happy, but I can't seem to find joy.
Happiness has been absent from my life for a long time.
What is it like? I've forgotten.
All I know is that I can't accept this and I want to disappear for everyone's sake.
My friends who care about me want me to calm down and relax, insisting that I must eat something, but I just can't calm down.
I'm really afraid of tomorrow's sunlight because I have to face this colorless reality again.
I will feel hungry, but when I see food, I don't want to eat.
I truly don't know what to do.

I might try tranquilizers or sleeping pills; they might help my mood a bit.
I really don't know what my next step will be.
All I know is that the saying "there's always a way out" feels meaningless; I'm so lost.
Please help me.
I don't know if you'll see what I've written today.
You're so busy; do you have time? Maybe by the time I receive your reply, I will have already...
But still, thank you for allowing me to express my anxieties.
Thank you.

Moshengren, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/05/31

Dr. Zhao Mengqi reply Psychiatry

Hello, stranger: I believe you are feeling quite confused, and the misunderstandings with your classmates are troubling you.
However, this also indicates that you are gradually entering a stage of growth, where you will begin to experience the complexities of society and your life.
The "battle between good and evil" depicted by the young monk in the movie "Big Brother" while in the cave may serve as a reference.
The people around you act as a mirror reflecting everything about you; good qualities are worth learning from, while negative traits can serve as warnings for self-reflection.
Currently, you are experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety (irritability, restlessness, gastrointestinal discomfort, palpitations, chest tightness, etc.), and depression (low mood, decreased activity, poor appetite, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, suicidal thoughts).
Medication can quickly alleviate these symptoms, but consulting a specialist would be beneficial.
I hope that by the time you receive this letter, you have overcome this painful period of growth.
As you mentioned, everyone understands the principles, but how to apply them requires the wisdom that you will gradually learn to appreciate.
Thank you for your letter.
Zhao Mengqi

Reply Date: 2004/05/31

More Info

Dear Friend,
I want to start by acknowledging the immense pain and confusion you are experiencing right now. It’s clear that you are feeling overwhelmed, lost, and deeply troubled by the changes in your social environment and your emotional state. The feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and despair that you describe are serious and deserve attention and care.

From what you’ve shared, it seems you are experiencing symptoms that align with depression and anxiety. These can manifest in various ways, including changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, emotional instability, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. It’s important to understand that these feelings are not a reflection of your worth or your ability to cope; rather, they are signals from your mind and body that you need support.

Firstly, I want to emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You mentioned feeling isolated and misunderstood by your peers, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair. It’s crucial to reach out to someone who can provide professional support, such as a mental health professional. They can offer you a safe space to express your feelings and help you develop coping strategies to manage your emotions and stress.

In terms of what a doctor or therapist can do for you, they can provide a comprehensive assessment of your mental health. This may include discussing your symptoms, your history, and the challenges you are facing. Based on this evaluation, they can recommend treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be very effective in helping individuals reframe negative thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, can also help alleviate some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

You mentioned feeling a strong urge to escape your current situation and even thoughts of self-harm. It’s critical to address these feelings immediately. If you ever feel that you might harm yourself or have thoughts of suicide, please reach out to someone right away—whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a crisis hotline. You are not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help.

In the meantime, while you seek professional help, there are some self-care strategies you can try to help manage your feelings. These include:
1. Establish a Routine: Try to create a daily schedule that includes time for meals, sleep, and activities you enjoy, even if they feel difficult right now.

2. Physical Activity: Engage in some form of physical exercise, even if it’s just a short walk. Exercise can help release endorphins, which can improve your mood.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.

4. Stay Connected: Reach out to friends or family members who you trust. Sharing your feelings can help alleviate some of the burden you are carrying.

5. Nutrition: Even if you don’t feel like eating, try to consume small, nutritious meals. Your body needs fuel to cope with stress.

6. Limit Stressors: If possible, identify and reduce sources of stress in your life, whether they are social, academic, or personal.

7. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process what you are going through.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to not be okay. You are in a tough spot right now, but with the right support and resources, you can find your way through this. Please take care of yourself, and know that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Wishing you strength and peace,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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