Overwhelmed

TheNightmare

I barely got any sleep last night, and I often struggle with sleep. My mind is usually in overdrive because I feel overwhelmed and have various thoughts that keep me awake, from big issues to small concerns. This year hasn't gone well; I thought it would be a turning point for me, but after experiencing a setback, I've been applying for jobs but facing rejections. There have been moments where I thought there was hope, but things haven't gone as planned, leading me to compare myself to others and dwell on my setbacks. I worry a lot about the worst-case scenarios whenever challenges arise. In college, I was anxious about my future, and I've worried about it for as long as I can remember, especially with others doubting me. I often look at cars online, dreaming about what I could have if things went well, but they haven’t yet. While I think things are slowly improving, I sometimes feel like crying or do cry, mostly in bed, because I’m unhappy with how I’ve turned out.

Last night was particularly tough; I didn’t get much sleep despite the clocks going back. Most of the time, I don’t share how I feel with anyone in real life, and I've been dealing with these emotions for years. I think I need to seek help, like seeing my GP or exploring options such as CBT, counseling, or therapy, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Honestly, it’s hard.

Orchid059

Hi @TheNightmare it sounds like you've got a lot on your mind at the moment. It can be tricky when we feel as if we're unable to shut off our minds- they're cruel in that way especially when we want to sleep. It is very easy to zone in on the negatives and it can often lead to spiralling down a more negative train of thought, but there is so much good to see too. While it may not seem like it, you have come a long way, and set backs don't have to be a negative thing, they can be a pinnacle for change.

Considering it is having quite a debilitating effect on your sleep, I think getting in contact with your GP might be a good idea so that they can best signpost you to the best support moving forward. It may feel scary and overwhelming reaching out but I promsie there is no shame in doing so. Have you had counselling or any CBT before? I can understand it may seem daunting but their job is to make you as comfortable as possible.

You're doing so well remember that! Keep reaching out because it's important to us to know how you are getting on

TheNightmare

Orchid059 wrote: »

Hi @TheNightmare it sounds like you've got a lot on your mind at the moment. It can be tricky when we feel as if we're unable to shut off our minds- they're cruel in that way especially when we want to sleep. It is very easy to zone in on the negatives and it can often lead to spiralling down a more negative train of thought, but there is so much good to see too. While it may not seem like it, you have come a long way, and set backs don't have to be a negative thing, they can be a pinnacle for change.

Considering it is having quite a debilitating effect on your sleep, I think getting in contact with your GP might be a good idea so that they can best signpost you to the best support moving forward. It may feel scary and overwhelming reaching out but I promsie there is no shame in doing so. Have you had counselling or any CBT before? I can understand it may seem daunting but their job is to make you as comfortable as possible.

You're doing so well remember that! Keep reaching out because it's important to us to know how you are getting on

@Orchid059 I appreciate kind words again. It really helps to hear that I'm making progress, even if it feels slow sometimes.

To answer your question, I spoke to a counselor in college once or twice, but I haven't had any ongoing counseling or CBT. I did have a mentor in college a long time ago I’m not sure if that would count, but they were there to help me through college challenges. I think reaching out to my GP sounds like a good idea, especially with how sleep and stress have been for me recently.

Thanks again for the encouragement it really means a lot.

Katie

Hey @TheNightmare just wanted to say I've struggled most of my life with my mind being in overdrive particularly when I'm trying to fall asleep. Whether I'm going through everything that happened that day, jumping from random topics or like you said, thinking of big issues to small concerns. Even if I do a bunch of exercise like going on a really long walk that tires out my body it often takes my mind a lot longer to shut off.

Some of the things that work for me is having a comforting drink before bed (decaf tea for me), writing to-do lists, setting reminders on my phone so I'm not constantly thinking about things I need to do, regular exercise, and making sure I do at least one calming self-care activity in the evenings. Sometimes this is reading a book, colouring in or watching some tv. I'm not saying these things always work because they really don't, but some nights it makes it that little bit easier to fall asleep. As I've gotten older I'm finding it easier and sleep fine most nights, but that wasn't the case for a long time.

I think reaching out to your GP sounds like a great idea, especially if your sleep and stress is affecting you on a daily basis. There's nothing wrong with reaching out for help. In fact it makes you much more powerful and stronger. At least in my eyes anyway. Let us know how you get on. I know it can be hard to ask for help, but we've got your back

TheNightmare

Katie wrote: »

Hey @TheNightmare just wanted to say I've struggled most of my life with my mind being in overdrive particularly when I'm trying to fall asleep. Whether I'm going through everything that happened that day, jumping from random topics or like you said, thinking of big issues to small concerns. Even if I do a bunch of exercise like going on a really long walk that tires out my body it often takes my mind a lot longer to shut off.

Some of the things that work for me is having a comforting drink before bed (decaf tea for me), writing to-do lists, setting reminders on my phone so I'm not constantly thinking about things I need to do, regular exercise, and making sure I do at least one calming self-care activity in the evenings. Sometimes this is reading a book, colouring in or watching some tv. I'm not saying these things always work because they really don't, but some nights it makes it that little bit easier to fall asleep. As I've gotten older I'm finding it easier and sleep fine most nights, but that wasn't the case for a long time.

I think reaching out to your GP sounds like a great idea, especially if your sleep and stress is affecting you on a daily basis. There's nothing wrong with reaching out for help. In fact it makes you much more powerful and stronger. At least in my eyes anyway. Let us know how you get on. I know it can be hard to ask for help, but we've got your back

Hey @Katie , great to see you round again and reply to my threads too. I was kind of hoping you reply to one as I have seen you reply others so thanks a lot. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one and I'll take your advice it to mind. Thanks a lot again. I'll keep you all updated.