Hey everyone i have a problem of worrying way too much. Literally 24/7. I worry about college, my admissions essay, work related, stuff, my workout routine, my calc stuff I need to do, when I need to study for act, who I’m asking to write my letter or recommendation, if I can get into the college of my choice, etc. as a result my mind always so busy and occupied. I try not to think about these things. For example I’ll be relaxing watching tv and I see an ad about how to succeed in life and all these thoughts are just triggered and I just sit there thinking and worrying about. I really when this happens. I always forget what I was going to do/thinking about just seconds ago, I tend to “lag” sometimes. Anyone else with this problem. Anyone no how to fix or overcome my worries and… Just live?
Maybe see a therapist? This sounds like a problem that is deeper than anything the people here on CC can fix.
I guess the upside is that it will eventually HAVE to end, because at some point you’ll be done with the admissions process. But seriously, if you think you need someone to talk to, there’s no shame in that. Or if you can’t do that, try yoga, meditation, etc. to ease your thoughts.
You should get screened for an anxiety disorder. If you have racing thoughts that is a sign of something wrong. If not specific diagnosis you could try cognitive behavior therapy to try to learn to control you thoughts so they are more productive. Or on your own, it is helpful to take up yoga and/or meditation to focus and energize yourself, be in a moment a bit more. Planning is positive but worry and fretting are a waste. Trying the stifle thoughts isn’t too helpful either. If you can’t take some action and then let your mind be at peace and enjoy something that is a sign you need extra help. So take the extra help.
Please don’t make duplicate posts on the same subject. I answered your other thread.
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This seems like a mental health question, and mental health is a very serious matter that the participants in this forum aren’t experts in. I agree that you should find a therapist, hopefully an awesome one! Best of luck to you.
Ok. Thanks everyone. I’m going try and fix it myself because ultimately, I’m the only one who can control my thoughts. So far I think it’s going ok. Whenever these thoughts try to enter my mind, I just ignore it. It’s kinda hard I’m able to manage most of the time. I also read on a website a quote that for some reason really helped and it made sense “worrying is like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain”. Anyway thanks again everyone.
"I’m going try and fix it myself because ultimately, I’m the only one who can control my thoughts. "
I would still suggest a therapist or outside help. While you’re technically correct, therapists can recommend or teach you ways to deal with the anxiety when it arises. Think of them as teachers. Yes, you can teach yourself almost anything but sometimes it’s nice to have a guide, mentor or teacher. In this case, that could be a therapist.
I agree about contacting a therapist. However, if you choose not to, I would recommend writing things down. It sounds simple, but sometimes our anxiety arises from the fear of forgetting something. Mental lists are stressful.
Written lists (along with a calendar) are not only a visual reminder, but also act as a visual list of accomplishments. I would also suggest setting a specific time of day as your “worrying time”…a time that you allow yourself to brainstorm important things that need to get done and then write them down.
Good luck and remember…be kind to yourself! 
Big calendars - the one with six months on one side - can either help a lot or hurt a lot. My family finds it helps a lot. We write down all the known deadlines and appointments and stuff like that. For us, the ability to visually track our responsibilities somehow allay fears. We know what to do and when we have to do it. Writing lists also help me. It’s a reminder but there’s something about the act of writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil that solidifies the actions.
That’s why I suggest a therapist or counselor. I know these things help me but obviously they may or may not help you.
Wow. I did not think that would work. Haha. I wrote down everything and I feel relaxed. I’m amazed. And you’re exactly right. Most of worries are things in the future which I can’t control or do anything right now and I’m afraid I might forget them. Writing everything down really did help. It gave a sense of assurance that I don’t have to worry about anything. Thanks so much! @SlackerMomMD @88jm19
So happy you found it helpful. You made my day.
Lol, you are just like me. This is going to affect the rest of your life, so it’s normal to feel stressed and nervous.
Though if you really do mean it’s affecting you literally for 24/7 and like you can’t sleep all night long everyday, then yeah see a therapist.
Mark Twain — 'Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe
Just realize that some people have intrusive thoughts that they can’t control and they can find medication can help. Also Cognitive Behavior therapy may help. I don’t think it is good to tamp thoughts down and avoid thinking about it. This is how people end up drinking and doing drugs to assist with that strategy.
@LeviAckermen Noooo, by no means it it affecting my sleep, but it does interrupt my daily life sometimes. It has gotten better though.
@BrownParent your advice is awesome. I have thought about therapy, but idk about it yet. Im very busy atm with a job, college essay, and other stuff…
Thanks everyone for the advice.
Oh my goodness, I had the exact same problem going into college. I would literally spend all of my free time either worrying or doing research on the Internet to alleviate my worry. In the short term, I agree that lists are really good. And if you’re like me and make to-do lists that are themselves overwhelming, it helps to just prioritize what’s on the list and focus on completing one task at a time.
But in the long-term, don’t be disappointed or frustrated with yourself. Because if you have the tendency to worry, that’s the problem, not the amount of things you have to do right now. Once I got accepted to college, my object of obsession changed, and then once I accomplished that task, it changed again.
That’s why people are saying it may be good to see a counselor. I did, after suffering through my freshman year of college, and I’m really glad that I did. The biggest thing I found helpful was this kind of thought chart → http://cdn.ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/thought.jpg (You could just Google “CBT thought record” to see a bigger version).
It was very helpful for me to realize that thoughts aren’t good or bad; they’re just opinions or perceptions, and they can’t hurt you. Writing down what my biggest worries were and then rationalizing them out has helped me be able to say, “Oh, I’m just having that annoying thought again,” instead of obsessing over thoughts that scared me.
Awesome advice. Thanks!
The reason that a therapist may be helpful is that this statement
"I’m going try and fix it myself because ultimately, I’m the only one who can control my thoughts. "
is only true if you … as defined by your consciousness … has both the tools and the mental health to control your thoughts in a helpful way.
And really controlling your thoughts sounds well controlling … you want to be creative, spontaneous, open to new opportunities (a scholarship opportunity at a school you were not considering, a fun EC, an experience that turns into the best essay ever, etc), and fully enjoying life not …
controlling the impulse to shake and hide under the blankets because life is too hard.
Therapy or even formal cognitive behavioral therapy will help you find tools to help you navigate difficult stressful sections of your life in the most productive and happiest way possible.
a good book, a good friend, or good advice could be enough if you are only slightly off the right path … so no, not everyone needs therapy.
If your anxiety or more commonly depression keeps you from rationally seeing the world and self-correcting, you can end up with much more severe problems and lose the ability to cope.
I was very similar and diagnosed with two anxiety disorders my sophomore year of high school. I worked very hard with a therapist and was able to learn how to manage my anxiety. My anxiety was so bad sophomore year that my parents thought I’d never be able to go away to college . . . I worked hard, got better, went to the top university in my state, and graduated with two B.S.'s three years ago. I am about to embark on grad school for a PhD this fall. It took a lot of work, but it was worth it.
I highly recommend getting the help you need in high school. Although you think you are busy in high school, college is even worse. My teachers were all very understanding when I had to miss class for a doctor’s appointment in high school. I just self-studied a little more and finished up the work on time, like all the other kids in the class. Missing class in college can set you very far behind.
I cannot emphasize how important it is to get your head on straight and your anxiety under control before you leave for college. If not properly dealt with, your anxiety can and will cripple you, especially in college. The stress doesn’t end after high school. In college I had classes with just two exams - each exam was 50% of your grade. You might have multiple exams in a week, be trying to juggle work, an internship, adjusting to a new life away from home, etc. You will be competing with the best and the brightest at college. (I see you’ve mentioned MIT, UMich, GA Tech, etc in previous posts). It is important to maintain a good GPA in college. It makes getting internships and post-bac jobs much easier and is crucial to get into grad or professional schools.
Best of luck to you. I hope you get the help you need. Please feel free to message me with any questions.