Feeling lost in life

Former Member

I (17f) have finished college 1 month ago and am feeling quite lost. I have no idea what I want to do in life and no plans and ambitions. University doesn’t appeal and my original plan was to have a gap year, however I struggle with OCD so many jobs or opportunities aren’t achievable for me. I am feeling very lost, and it’s difficult because I am unsure where to go next. All of my friends are moving on with their lives, and I feel left behind, caught in my mental health difficulties. I would love any advice or stories from people who have felt the same way. Thankyou

JJLemon18

Hiya. You are not the only one feeling like this! I'm sure many people feel the same. I am currently finishing university and I feel the exact same way, lost not knowing what to do next while everyone else seemingly continues their life leaving you behind. (Not that I did know what I was doing at 17 either lol, just kinda going with the flow of everyone else).

What I think is important to remember is that you need to focus on what you need, forget everyone else. Explore your own goals, motivations, dreams etc. And take everything at your own pace. If university is something you one day find you want to do, then you'll do it. There are many many people who do university much later in their lives and most of them seem to find that a lot more beneficial than doing it straight after college! Cause they are more mature, and they understand themselves more by that time.

So as long as you keep exploring everything at your own pace, and don't actually 'stop' and give up, you will never be behind

Hope more people can add on here and give you advice on where you can seek support for your mental health difficulties, cause that will help more things be 'achievable' for you.

Take care!