Hi everyone,

Lately, I have been feeling very 'un-motivated'. This includes not wanting to get out of bed (not just because I want to sleep in, but rather like I don't want to 'do' today), struggling to socialise and feeling mentally exhausted.

I feel as though I have been very worried as of late, feeling like there are so many things going through my mind that it hurts, and I can't focus. I have so many assignments and exams coming up and I'm stressed, there are friendship issues that are ruining school-life, my parents are so strict and peer pressure is piling on me and I don't know what to do. Also, there is a niggling thing at the back of my head that is just making me feel upset and anxious and not like doing anything but lying down and somehow sorting my thoughts out.

I can't do that either.

My self-confidence has taken a hit too since I have been put into netball team with players all 2 years older than me (the division includes a range of year-levels, and I am the youngest) and our first training is soon, and I feel as though I am really bad, and will not be able to make friends or fit in. They all are better than me and I am so so nervous. I don't know anyone (the team sheet was included with the email, and I saw their birthdates) and I am naturally awkward and an introvert so I am, in short, terrified.

I'm sorry, I don't know if this is just a teenager thing, not really worth anyone's time, or if it is more than that. I'm scared to talk to my parents, so please, please, please respond with some advice.

Thank you,

Jl338 ❤

Dear jl338,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and well done for reaching out.

So, as much as I want to offer you all the right words, and all the great advice, truth is, sometimes I feel that same way myself, as you described above. Some days I just don't want to face the day, and I listen to that silly part of my brain that tells me I'm not as good as everyone else.

But the truth is that that part of my brain is not always telling the truth! It's coming from a place of worry and 'F.E.AR.' - False Evidence Appearing Real. But the thing with fear is that most of the things we fear never actually come to pass. So the FALSE part of fear is exactly that; it's false, a lie, an untruth that has no real evidence ..... just the 'pictures' it creates in your mind. Because the thing to remember, about REAL fear, when it's really needed, is that unless something is right in front of you; as in you can see it (eg; fire), smell it it (eg; smoke), hear it (eg; something smashing or breaking), taste it (eg; a poison) or touch it (eg; hot stove or flame), then it's not real. There's NO reason to believe the FEAR - false evidence appearing real - and therefore react to something that is not even there in the first place.

Perhaps you could talk to a school counselor? Do you think that might help? After all, they would not be as close as your parents and would be able to help you look at things more objectively.

In the meantime, maybe you could also check out this link:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/supporting-yourself/four-tips-to-handle-social-anxiety-in-the-moment

Anyway, hope that helps at least a little. Take care. I'll be thinking of you. xo

Hi Soberlicious96,

Thank you so much for your reply. I am so glad for your advice, and will try to follow the tips about FEAR

Also, yes I have thought of a counsellor and will look further into my school's services in that industry. Thank you again!!

Jl338 ❤