Spiraling and I can't stop? Any advice needed
I have tests but it seems like I've completely broken, I can't even push myself to look at the review sheet.
I've heard that some people are motivated by fear to study, and that was me, but lately it seems like I've broken. Most times when studying I'm like a clenched fist, my mind constantly repeating "I'm doing this so I don't fail the class and have to take it again and be humiliated and have my parents scrutinize my value and ability based on this grade" Doing something I don't care for based solely on shame. All the rude things people would say about my progress and ability would permeate and I'd only take breaks just to cry when I was focusing more on the taunting than the task at hand. For some while it worked, because I had one positive thing I was interested in related to some of my studies and wanted to study harder so I connect the two for a hands on experience, but lately it feels like I'm pushing a boulder uphill when It's been nearly two years now and I'm still none the wiser. I still have school, but now I've lost faith in what made it bearable in the first place, believing that everyone was right and I really can't achieve my goal. At that point, I'm just left with the fear, and I just can't function with it alone. I can't even put a pencil to the page if I'm convinced I'm going to fail and be humiliated anyway, and that failure has too much pressure onto it. My parents don't have money to spare for summer school, each year I'm even further from my goals, Another year of people viewing me as comical and worthless, "the person you look at and feel better about yourself when you see".. Once I get stuck on a problem it's like an atomic bomb of scenarios go off in my head and I have to sit back for hours to get myself calm again.
I want to get back up, but knowing how many times I've done that and fell right back down doesn't motivate me at all. It doesn't help when I've actually heard someone besides my mind tell me it's hopeless, and I'm just innately bad, I tried to maintain a growth mindset but when people say those things to me it feels like I'm stuck in a steel chamber, suffocating as my goals struggle to push past the barriers. I try to avoid comparing myself to others, but I hate having people use me to boost their egos, I wish at the very least if I'm as useless as everyone says I could be truly ignored.
It feels embarrassing. I'm tired of working hard when people consider my efforts trivial and I'm not even feeling personally accomplished when I'm so far from where I want to be, now I'm just doing it so people don't have more to call me a failure for. I think the external discouragement was the first thing that led me into this rabbit hole, so any advice on managing that would be helpful as well.
I wish I could just say "Never give up!" And get the pep back, but I feel like I've failed too much to say that anymore when even other people are mocking me and my progress is just so much smaller than I could've imagined when I first began. How do I truly maintain this belief that there's always another chance, through thick and thin?
@pa123
This is just a little note to remind you how wonderful you are. You make the world a lovelier place and you are so loved. You are so kind and supportive to others. Im here to tell you that sometimes when we feel like our worlds are upside down is when we really start thinking whats best for us.
Those brick walls are there for a reason- they are there to give us a chance to show ho much we want something, how much drive we have to make our lives magical. They arent there to stop whose who are like you. Those people who want to make something wonderful with their worlds. See the setbacks as boulders to stand on to scale those walls, pa 123. You are super special and you are going to leave such a wonderful mark on this big old world. Believe in yourself- everyone else believes in you. You are beautiful and strong. These grey clouds will pass. Find your sunshine, sweetie
@pa123
Belief isn't something that comes naturally. It's like any other habit, gotta keep practicing it and making yourself go along with it until it happens unconsciously. Sorry to hear that your tests have been stressful. I've definitely been there and know how hard it can be. Just gotta keep your chin up and remember that not everything lasts forever, not even these negative feelings. You are stronger than those negative voices in your head. You are stronger than the overhanging nausea of failure. You are a strong human being, and you will get through this.
@pa123
I can relate to some of your fears, in that I too allow myself to determine my own value on a 4.0 grading scale. But, I've found it helpful to focus on my future instead of my peers. When you do something, try not to focus on what the people around you are thinking. Instead, focus on how your actions are going to affect your future. Is an undesirable grade in that english composition class going to destroy all capability of attaining my career goals as a mathematics major? Choose a career field that interests you. And, if you decide after a year that you hate that study, then change your mind, major, and career plan. And, know that there is nothing wrong with changing your mind. Allow yourself to live for you, rather than torturing yourself by wanting to live as an idol or pride of the people surrounding you. I know nothing about health sciences, nor am i interested in learning. If being a doctor made my parents proud and impressed my peers, then that would suck for them. Because, I'm not going to be a doctor. If I'm interested in mechanics and would be happy as an automotive mechanic, then that's what I'm going to be. For, I'm living my life to be happy, not to be a trophy for others to admire. And, I truly believe that if you focus on your future, and live your life in accordance with eventually obtaining the ideal future for you.. then, you will feel capable and happy with the actions you make today! Good luck with your school work! I hope you accomplish everything you want to.. not for your parents or your peers, but for the sake of your own happiness! :)