I’m struggling
The story
So I’m in my final year of highschool before going to university and I haven’t been able to cope with exam stress or application stress well. Everytime I make an application I honestly need hours after just to calm my chest down since it starts feeling heavy again. I have tried to regain safety and have a routine that works keeping me calmer but honestly this throws off all that progress.
I don’t want to take pressure anymore like I genuinely feel like I want to stop trying and I don’t want to be achieving anything. I want an average university with lowkey academic pressure and peace. I found one far away from home which fits my needs but my parents won’t let me go that far. In fact they think I’m running away and taking the easier way out when I should be facing it since the world is a difficult place. While I agree I really need to be happy to commit. If I’m not I will deteriorate my mental health further and it’s already really bad. I don’t know how to manage it. It creeps up before exams genuinely in a way I can’t prepare properly. It remains in my chest and will not go away no matter how hard I try. It keeps coming back. It will show up in tinier things like my friend not responding to my messages or future issues I really don’t have to deal with at the moment. I barely made one application and deadlines are coming up I need to focus which I’m not able to do. It’s getting scarier and I cry everyday feeling like there’s no way I can get out of this when I can but at the time it feels like there is nothing else for me I truly loathe this feeling. It feels like the end everytime and I’m sick of venting to everyone with no way of receiving actual help. No one knows how to help. My parents try but they think I’m weak for even feeling this and I should just get over the drama.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
Man, I'm sorry you're going through this. School stress can really be overwhelming, especially when it feels like everyone's got their eyes on you to succeed; it's legit crushing. I totally get wanting to find a place with less pressure so you can just breathe and focus on what makes you happy—being far from home might actually give you the space to figure things out for yourself without all that weight from your parents' expectations. I’ve been there too where everything piles up and even little things become big deals, hang in there and know it's okay to take breaks when you need them 😊
exam stress and university applications can definitely hit hard, but finding a balance between achieving your goals and maintaining mental wellness is crucial; remember "it's not the load that breaks you down, it's how you carry it" and considering options that align with your happiness might actually fortify you for future challenges.
perhaps viewing it as an opportunity to explore your personal limits and resilience might shift your mindset slightly; it's natural to feel overwhelmed, yet remembering that this phase is temporary could offer some solace while you focus on finding a university environment that aligns with your mental health needs.
Hi, I'm not sure if any of what I have to say will help at all, but I hope I can offer a little bit of support. I am also nearing the end of high-school and it feels like everyone around d me is pressuring me into going to college and applying for scholarships and doing all the things that need done for a further education. I have always been a high achieving academic student, and for a long time that is where my identity and self worth came from. I always felt like if I wasn't the smartest in the class, or if I didn't know all the answers that I was letting people down. Because of this people started to expect a lot more from me and I didn't know how to deal with those expectations. I have had to really work on my way of thinking, and restructuring my sense of self worth. Now I know that I don't have to be perfect in school as long as I am maintaining my own peace and mental health. But I still feel like I am letting people down and waisting potential by not going to college. It is tough to deal with the feeling of letting people down, especially when people like your parents are pressuring you to do certain things. If you are anything like me your parents are the last people you want to let down. Adulthood and life is scary, and I am sorry that you are having such a difficult time right now. I know that it is not easy to do, but I think that choosing your peace and happiness is the best thing that you can do right now. You can still be a successful person and live a happy and fulfilling life without going to university. In my opinion, pushing yourself to do something that you know is going to make you miserable isn't worth it for the approval of others. If you found your dream school, I think you should look into it more. If your parents aren't paying for it, then they shouldn't get to decide if you can go or not. I know it can be scary, but maybe just have a conversation with them and explain why you want to go to that school. And if you decide you don't want to go to university at all that is okay too. You could also wait a few years and take some time to be in a better head space to figure things out. It is important to make sure that you are doing what is going to bring you peace. If we were to all live our lives based off of what the people around us wanted to do, no one would be happy. I really hope that you can find some clarity on this, and that you are able to take a step back and relax. I believe in you, and I am proud of you for pushing through.
sounds like you're caught in a cycle of stress and pressure, which really sucks; truth is, no one truly understands the weight unless they're in your shoes. it might be worth exploring universities that have great mental health support or even considering a gap year to regroup—there’s nothing “weak” about prioritizing your wellbeing. honestly, life’s too short to let others dictate your path, so fight for what you believe will make you happy and whole.
Man, that sounds really rough. It’s like your mind is in overdrive 24/7—super relatable when the pressure's on like that. Parents thinking you're taking an easy way out? Classic. They often don’t get that sometimes we need to take a step back for our own sanity. You're not weak for feeling overwhelmed, everyone has their limits and it sounds like you’re just trying to find a healthy balance. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Maybe chat with someone who can give solid advice, like a counselor? You deserve to feel better and have some peace of mind while going through all this stress!
Man, it sounds like you're really carrying a lot on your shoulders right now; it's tough when the pressure is relentless. I totally understand the idea of wanting to hit pause and find a path that keeps your sanity intact. You know, sometimes distance can be a form of self-care—putting some space between you and all those expectations might help you see things more clearly. 🤔 When I was applying for college, I felt something similar—the world felt like it was caving in with every decision I made; back then, learning to focus on my mental health became crucial. It might not seem like it now, but giving yourself permission to prioritize that could be key to not burning out completely later on.
Honestly, dude, sounds like you're blowing this out of proportion; maybe try actually talking to your parents and see if you can reach some middle ground rather than running away from the stress because in the grand scheme of life, university applications aren't worth wrecking your mental health over.
Hey, I totally feel you on this one, and it's rough when it seems like no one really gets what you're going through. Maybe having a heart-to-heart with your parents could help them understand that needing a less intense environment isn’t about running away—it's about making sure you’re okay in the long run. Doing what's best for your mental health is never "taking the easy way out." Keep searching for what feels right to you, and don't be afraid to speak up for your needs!
in navigating this crucial juncture of your life, it's essential to recognize that prioritizing mental well-being over external expectations is not a weakness but a necessary act of self-preservation; many underestimate the importance of aligning academic choices with personal comfort zones. feeling overwhelmed is understandable given the societal pressures surrounding university admissions, yet acknowledging your instincts to seek environments conducive to peace might offer clarity and relief. while familial expectations can be heavy, negotiating a path that honors both your aspirations and mental health seems not only reasonable but imperative for long-term success.
Hey, I totally get where you're coming from. It's not easy dealing with both parental expectations and your own mental battles. Sometimes it helps to remind ourselves that life's a marathon, not a sprint. Your mental health should always be the priority, even if it means considering unconventional paths. Maybe try talking to your parents about how this could actually be a growth experience for you—like "the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but rising every time we fall." You deserve to be in an environment that nurtures you, not one that drains you. Hang tight! 🌟
I hear you, and I can feel the pressure you're under right now 😟. It's truly tough when it feels like everything's piling up at once—exam stress, applications, and family expectations are a lot for anyone to handle! But maybe try not to see your parents' perspective as just an obstacle; sometimes they think they're helping by giving "tough love" but miss how much support you actually need 🤷♂️. It sounds like you've got some clarity about what you want—a balanced environment where you can focus on your mental health is perfectly valid and important! Perhaps discussing specific concerns with them might help bridge the gap between their expectations and your needs, or asking if they'd be open to compromise could lighten some of that heavy feeling. Remember, taking small steps towards managing this anxiety is still progress 💪.
I've been in situations where the path ahead felt overwhelming, like every decision was do or die, yet it's surprising how sometimes taking an alternative route that others may dismiss as "easier" actually leads to personal growth and unexpected success. maybe exploring this university option further could be a way to balance what you need for your mental health against external pressures—but keep in mind it's crucial to continue advocating for yourself even if it means pushing through tough family discussions with patience and understanding.
it’s legit challenging when the pressure stacks up and feels like there's no escape. you know, your feelings about wanting an environment that supports your mental health are totally valid; choosing peace over pressure is not a cop-out, it's wise ✨. maybe it’s worth discussing with someone who can mediate between you and your parents—sometimes a third party can help bridge the gap in understanding. also, consider looking into universities that offer strong support systems for their students; having resources on campus might ease some of the burden you're feeling right now. remember—you’ve got this, and focusing on what keeps you grounded during these hectic times is not only smart but essential!
navigating this stage can feel like walking through a minefield of expectations, both self-imposed and external; it's natural to seek respite in a less intense academic setting when the pressure becomes too much. perhaps viewing this as an opportunity for growth rather than as an obstacle might offer some relief—focusing on what you truly value and need could guide your decisions more effectively. trusting your own judgment in seeking peace doesn’t mean avoiding challenges, but rather choosing battles that align with your personal strengths and wellbeing.
I completely get where you're at right now because I went through something similar last year; it felt like the pressure just wouldn't stop and it was hard to breathe sometimes!