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I was thinking about something similar a little while ago. I love creating dogs in a certain video game. I had this idea that I was going to try to make the video game dogs look as realistic as possible. Then I came across someone online who has already done that. I admired their work but was a little disappointed. I felt the idea had already been 'taken'. But after a while, I sat and thought about it. Given how many people there are in the world and how many play this video game, there's bound to be more than a few who had the same idea. But just because someone else has done it, doesn't mean that I can't. And I realised that even if you create something a certain way (and someone else has done it too) you still have your own 'style'. It's your take on something. So even if creations are similar, there will still be differences too. Hope this helps a little

Hey @AnonymousToe I just wanted to reiterate what @HollyPearl shared above in that please don't apologise for venting or sharing your feelings with us. We really appreciate your trust in opening up and your honesty.

It can be really tough when anxiety prevents us from getting to sleep. Sometimes if we haven't wound down from a busy day, when we finally get into bed, the darkness and quiet means our brain finally has time to think. But I've also experienced those times where you subsequently become anxious about not getting enough sleep! As well as the article that @HollyPearl shared above, there is also a blog by Mind that I found helpful, written by someone who has experienced something similar and there is also a video diary that you might like to watch: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/sleeping-with-anxiety/

We would always encourage you to speak to your GP about your medication too. They should be able to have a chat with you about what you're experiencing and your options.

AnonymousToe wrote: »

I’m so worried about other people too - I want you all to be okay and I wish I could magic all your struggles away!! I feel bad for needing to vent myself. I’m relatively alright and I don’t really think I belong here. I’m terrible at supporting people (I never know what to say) and I don’t think my own struggles are serious enough really.

Can I ask what makes you feel as though you don't belong here?

Please never feel like your struggles aren't serious enough to be discussed here - nothing is too small to share and you are always welcome to use this space to vent and seek support from others. It's what we're all here for.

It's so lovely that you care deeply about the wellbeing of everyone here too. But it's totally normal to have a twitch of exhaustion when someone shares their struggles and we're riding the Struggle Bus ourselves, especially if we're feeling some empathy burnout.

Knowing how to support someone when we're carrying our own burdens isn't easy. However, supporting others can be really positive and empowering and we know that the urge to show up for other people doesn't just go away because we're struggling necessarily. This is one of the reasons we wrote up this thread 'Helping each other' which you may like to have a read through - https://community.themix.org.uk/discussion/3540610/helping-each-other

We wouldn't want you to put any pressure on yourself to support others when you're struggling yourself though so it's important that you're looking after yourself right now.

Are there any self-care techniques you've found that can help you to switch off?

Hi @AnonymousToe, thank you so much for sharing what you are going through, and you have no need to apologise - your thoughts and feelings are valid and important! We are all here for you to listen and support you through it.

I'm sorry that you were having trouble sleeping, it's so hard when anxiety prevents you from drifting off, I know from experience how difficult that can be. Getting a good night's sleep can really help when you're feeling low and there are some tips in this article that might help: https://www.themix.org.uk/mental-health/looking-after-yourself/how-can-i-sleep-better-at-night-45157.html

It's really important that you've recognised that you might be having challenges with your medication. It can take a while to adjust to a new dose of SSRIs, but if you are not sure then you should contact your GP and they will be able to talk it through with you and prescribe a different dose for you if that's what you need.

It sounds like you are finding it tough to adjust to the changes in your life at the moment, and especially the lack of structure after finishing school. This can be really tough and you are not alone in feeling this way! A lot of people find change hard and it's really normal to find things strange for a while after school has ended. What do you enjoy doing? Finding a hobby or a cause to get behind can be so helpful as you will have something you care about to focus on and will meet people who share the same interests as you You could try volunteering, getting involved in activism or joining a local sports team/dance class/book club for example.

It sounds like you are a really caring person as even though you are going through a lot, you are still thinking of others and wanting to help people on the community. I just wanted to acknowledge that

I hope this helps and keep reaching out on this space as it really helps to talk these things through and remind yourself that you are not alone