I am sorry this is going to sound a bit long. Over the years I have developed anxiety and depression since beginning of college. I didn't do well in first couple years because my study habits indicate that I have ADD. I have always procrastinated and didn't study until the night before. I kept doing it for many classes even though I knew it wasn't the right thing to do. I wanted to take break from school but my parents wouldn't let me. I was getting F's,D's and C's for several semesters.
I think my anxiety/depression/low self esteem is caused by me getting bad grades in college. I was a mess. I felt worthless. Fast forward now I have since changed my study habits and retook the classes and getting A's. Hard work paid off and now I am in a reputable RN program in LA. I don't take ADD/depression pills and never did.
It has been several years since I have deactivated facebook / Instagram. Even though I logged back a few times. I experienced FOMO when I see friends/acquaintance hanging out w/o me, or people I dislike are painting themselves a nice picture even though they are not what they portray to be. Those I was friends with has "lost contact " with me due to me deleting FB.
I guess those likes and comments are really important to keep people in touch.
Don't know how social media will affect one mental health if that individual lives under the impact of social media FOREVER. It has only been less than two decades since it was introduced. Human just can't keep in touch without social media anymore? Is that what it is from now on? I have to say that I have lost a lot of " friends" and not being able to keep in touch with many good people. Missing out makes me unhappy but I can see FB being a dangerous addiction and it's just a cyclical, vicious cycle. I had to stop it before it destroy my mental health completely. I found myself constantly compare myself to others and it makes me UNHAPPY. And social media makes everything worse.
Can human make friends and keep in touch without social media anymore? Can I ever be happy again without taking happy pills? I was able to overcome ADD w/o taking medication. ( I may still have it but it won't affect my school anymore.)
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I appreciate yall taking the time to respond to my post. I told my BF and family that I might have depression and they thought I am thinking too much. Or.. Am I?
Anyways, don't know what the solutions I will be given if I go see a psy doc. I guess all they can do is to rx me some SSRIs, addreall or something alone that line. I have seen so MANY patient who suffer depression/ADD/anxiety, refuse to stop the medications. In my previous job, patient come see us monthly just to get refills. Some of them want higher dosage because lower dosage stopped working.
They are addicted to those meds and that SCARES me.
Other than loss of family member, many of those people simply give up and refuse to fight for their happiness. IMO, that's weak and I don't want to be like that. Eventually I can tell some new patient are here for those meds just by looking at their face... the vibe they were giving...
Just thought if I was able to overcome my ADD w/o meds, even though it took me a long time. Should I be more patient with my life and everything as well?
Just arranged a friend meet up in upcoming week ... through another social app. Sigh:/
Seeking help from a psych professional doesn't mean you have to take meds. In fact meds are not even the first line in responsible practice. I stopped anti-depressants years ago with my psychiatrist's blessing. You may just need a good therapist to talk to now and again.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
I appreciate yall taking the time to respond to my post. I told my BF and family that I might have depression and they thought I am thinking too much. Or.. Am I?
Anyways, don't know what the solutions I will be given if I go see a psy doc. I guess all they can do is to rx me some SSRIs, addreall or something alone that line. I have seen so MANY patient who suffer depression/ADD/anxiety, refuse to stop the medications. In my previous job, patient come see us monthly just to get refills. Some of them want higher dosage because lower dosage stopped working.
They are addicted to those meds and that SCARES me.
Other than loss of family member, many of those people simply give up and refuse to fight for their happiness. IMO, that's weak and I don't want to be like that. Eventually I can tell some new patient are here for those meds just by looking at their face... the vibe they were giving...
Just thought if I was able to overcome my ADD w/o meds, even though it took me a long time. Should I be more patient with my life and everything as well?
Just arranged a friend meet up in upcoming week ... through another social app. Sigh:/
I do not know if you need meds or not but.....would you refer to a diabetic as refusing to stop their meds? Or as being "addicted" to them? If your body doesn't produce something you need it to, and a medication in our modern day world can supply it, is that shameful?
See a doc and go from there. There isn't any need to continue suffering. I am wishing good things for you.
I'm confused ...did you overcome ADD without medication, or is it something that you "diagnosed" yourself and may not even have? If you are diagnosing yourself, stop it and see an actual professional to help sort things out.
I think someone who is envious of others on social media will also be envious of others in real life. You may be blaming all of the wrong things and conditions instead of getting to the root of your problems.
It appears you have tried diagnosing yourself with ADD and depression, but you have not seen a doctor about it. FWIW, procrastinating studying does not equal ADD, and FOMO does not equal depression. In getting better grades, you simply CHOSE to focus the second time around. Good for you!
As for FOMO, real human relationships require some self-reflection and reaching out. Social media, used appropriately, is simply a tool to reach out, like a phone call or a text message. You have reached out to a friend to meet face-to-face--good for you--SO WHAT that it was through a social app?
The whole FOMO thing. Don't be jealous of what other people are doing; change YOUR life to something that makes you happy. If you truly aren't able to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps to peace and no anxiety no matter what you do, then you may be experiencing symptoms that can be evaluated and treated by a provider. Otherwise, you are simply asking Dr. Google for a diagnosis to explain why your life isn't where you want it to be.
Deactivating my FB is one of the best choices I ever made. It's been about 5 years, and I rarely miss it. I found that I really didn't have many meaningful social interactions on it anyway; rather, I was just vouyeristically peering anonymously into peoples' lives. 5 hours later, I had spiraled into a social media rabbit hole that was making me miserable. AN is my only current social media presence now, and I'm perfectly happy that way.
I do not know if you need meds or not but.....would you refer to a diabetic as refusing to stop their meds? Or as being "addicted" to them? If your body doesn't produce something you need it to, and a medication in our modern day world can supply it, is that shameful?
See a doc and go from there. There isn't any need to continue suffering. I am wishing good things for you.
I don't think it's shameful if my body does not produce something that will contribute to my well being. But it's kinda shameful for those who have the chance to get rid of diabetes by exercising and avoiding beige food but willingly CHOOSE not to because, they expect health from a bottle. And I am not talking about insulin dependent diabetes.
I am currently on a budget and really can't afford psychiatrist. Maybe I will have to see one if symptoms still not getting better this year... Thank you.
I'm confused ...did you overcome ADD without medication, or is it something that you "diagnosed" yourself and may not even have? If you are diagnosing yourself, stop it and see an actual professional to help sort things out.
I think someone who is envious of others on social media will also be envious of others in real life. You may be blaming all of the wrong things and conditions instead of getting to the root of your problems.
I am human and I can be jealous sometimes but I usually let those feeling go. It's the FOMO and anxiety that social media brought to me makes me feel worse about myself. Not the materials things or nice vacations.
Most of the time I just simply dislike someone because they brand themselves in a way as if they are the most innocent or perfect person on earth, constantly, non-stop and that sickens me. And I can't delete them. Living in a place where everyone knows a bit about everyone. Good chances I may see them again and make everything awkward.
But it's kinda shameful for those who have the chance to get rid of diabetes by exercising and avoiding beige food but willingly CHOOSE not to because, they expect health from a bottle.
Be careful, you are starting to swim into treacherous waters here. Besides your above comment being rude and judgmental, you are just plain wrong about some cases of type 2 DM. Yes, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle play a large role in may cases, but I have also cared for type 2 diabetics who are, otherwise, relatively healthy. I think you need to examine this before you become a nurse.
Having said that, compare ADD medication to narcotics. Yes, there are some people who took narcotics for legitimate reasons and became addicted. Just because you know some individuals who went down this path, it does not invalidate the use of this class of meds, and it is does not mean that narcotics have to be avoided in all cases. Some people misuse ADD meds--you know some people who are "addicted." This does not mean there is not a legitimate, therapeutic purpose for these medications when used correctly.
I realize that you have a desire not to use medications, and that is not a bad thing, but talk to your doctor (it can be your PCP, not just a psychiatrist) and see what non-medication options are out there.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
I don't think it's shameful if my body does not produce something that will contribute to my well being. But it's kinda shameful for those who have the chance to get rid of diabetes by exercising and avoiding beige food but willingly CHOOSE not to because, they expect health from a bottle. And I am not talking about insulin dependent diabetes.
Obesity is increasingly being discovered to be a disease state that has a lot more to do with gut health, hormone production and neurological issues than it does simply making a choice. It is no wonder you judge yourself with so little compassion...you are applying the same to yourself as you are to others.
People "sicken" you for wanting to be a good person? For wishing to put a good foot forward and represent themselves and their families well? Would you prefer they post about their filthy house and dirty hair and unwashed undies and that they think they suck? Most people want the world to see them as they hope to be. That is human nature. This says more about you than them to be honest and that is unfortunate. It okay for people to be happy in their lives and to show their happiness. It is okay for you to be as well.
Soften your stances to allow shades of gray and you may find the world an easier place to not be so anxious, envious and depressed. The words you choose are telling. Get some help. This life is not as ugly as you are seeing it.
I am human and I can be jealous sometimes but I usually let those feeling go. It's the FOMO and anxiety that social media brought to me makes me feel worse about myself. Not the materials things or nice vacations.
Most of the time I just simply dislike someone because they brand themselves in a way as if they are the most innocent or perfect person on earth, constantly, non-stop and that sickens me. And I can't delete them. Living in a place where everyone knows a bit about everyone. Good chances I may see them again and make everything awkward.
This post more than any other thus far has convinced me you need professional help. It seems like there are deep seated issues here that go way beyond social media, and just deleting FB is not going to solve it. Psych is not my area of expertise, but, even if it were, I would still think you need to speak to a professional about this...again, you can start with your PCP.
It appears you have tried diagnosing yourself with ADD and depression, but you have not seen a doctor about it. FWIW, procrastinating studying does not equal ADD, and FOMO does not equal depression. In getting better grades, you simply CHOSE to focus the second time around. Good for you!
As for FOMO, real human relationships require some self-reflection and reaching out. Social media, used appropriately, is simply a tool to reach out, like a phone call or a text message. You have reached out to a friend to meet face-to-face--good for you--SO WHAT that it was through a social app?
The whole FOMO thing. Don't be jealous of what other people are doing; change YOUR life to something that makes you happy. If you truly aren't able to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps to peace and no anxiety no matter what you do, then you may be experiencing symptoms that can be evaluated and treated by a provider. Otherwise, you are simply asking Dr. Google for a diagnosis to explain why your life isn't where you want it to be.
Good luck!
The first time around I couldn't FOCUS. I lacked that ability. My mind constantly wanders and easily distracted. For this particular mental problem, it's not that hard to self diagnose imho. I had all ADD symptoms, you name it... I meant, psychiatrist diagnoses patient with score chart right? Not a magical machine that determines a Y or N.
I was super disorganized. I meant from 0-10, I was a 9.5. When I decided to change, I made myself getting a planner and wrote down all important dates and to do list. It worked and helped me getting accepted in nursing school. Now it has became my habit to jog down things that needed to be done. This has changed my life! I meant, I was able to overcome things I don't like about myself by pushing myself.
My goal is to find peace within myself. It's just a matter whether I should give myself more patience and going through the pain or seek medical help which I can not afford at the moment.
Sometimes our friend groups turn over, because people graduate and move away and start families or whatever.
It's nature's way of telling you you're growing up and need new friends.
How close are you or were you with the people you feel were having fun without you?
Ive seen posts where women I know were heading to the movies or whatever, and depending on if I were feeling kinda blue, I would feel jealous.
But then when I thought it over, I would realize that maybe only one of those women was actually a friend of mine, the rest were only friendly acquaintances, and I didn't even want to see that movie!
At this point of my life, if I wanted to be included, I would just mention to the woman I really was friend with to give me a heads up the next time they're going out, if they don't mind me tagging along haha.
hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I
4 Articles; 5,212 Posts
Seeking help from a psych professional doesn't mean you have to take meds. In fact meds are not even the first line in responsible practice. I stopped anti-depressants years ago with my psychiatrist's blessing. You may just need a good therapist to talk to now and again.
God luck to you
Hppy