Anyone?

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Is there anyone who knows me well enough available to talk? I think this is the end. I am no longer able to manage even the simplest of tasks. My brain has gone. I've been in great physical and mental pain, especially today. I cannot eat because my stomach is killing me and I cannot think because my brain is killing me.

Well I don't know you that well, but I know the situation. I've been there a few times so don't worry, I understand at least some of what you're going through.

Starting with the simple part, an empty stomach will ache when it needs more food, even though your logical instinct is to refrain from eating in case you are sick. Try something that is "light" on your stomach, e.g. an apple, or maybe some soup? Hot water is also a very easy way to settle one's stomach. Peppermint is also supposed to be good but I can't face it when I'm feeling icky.

Heartache and brain-ache might be a little more complicated, I fear!

Do you feel down without any reason, or are there underlying causes you can identify?

I feel extremely down (to the point that I might start having illusions or hallucinations) because of the huge workload at school, and my brain which is just not functioning. My brain is just screaming at me and I cannot work. I feel like a manic-depressive most of the time and my stomach hurts after eating. I cannot eat a meal without the imminent agony. I've taken one too many Zantac pills today, and those salts, but my stomach still hurts. I have a very high pain threshold, so what is rather painful to me would be screaming pain to someone else.

It sounds like you're simply too wound up to think. Sometimes under stress your 'fight or flight' mechanism will kick in when you don't want it to. "Don't waste time eating, or reading things, or thinking too much - just run! Go go go!" That's what your brain is telling you.

Ok, so how to put the brakes on?

First things first, have your meds been changed? If so, maybe they need changing back? Bear in mind that Aspies can have odd reactions to meds, sometimes the opposite to that expected. Secondly, no caffeine or ciggies. Thirdly, no eating or drinking before bed. Oh, and make sure the temperature of your room is jusy right so you'll sleep soundly. I know this sounds pathetic but being able to rest is going to be the key. Plus I know damn well about that little voice which lurks in your brain going "F*ck it, let's stay out til 3am! That'll be all right!". Erm... no it won't, sorry.

Fourthly, narrow down the things you have to worry about. If there are subjects you are confident about, ignore them for now. If there are subjects which you know are beyond hope, forget them - just write them off. Save your efforts for the borderline subjects where some effort could really make a difference.

You must have some idea how much spare time you'll have, and how much work there is to do, so come up with a time limit per subject. Make sure it is realistic - include breaks to clear your head - and try to stick to it. It's quite likely that you won't have time to do everything you need to, but at least you'll have done some of it (and therefore accrued some marks), whereas spinning round in circles won't get you anything at all.

The hardest part in any studying is the first stage - actually picking up the books and files and beginnning. Break it down into manageable chunks and only worry about one at a time, and then perhaps you won't feel so overwhelmed? And remember, it's a numbers game. You can't achieve the impossible, so why torture yourself trying? Do the best you can in a calculated way, and you'll be giving yourself a more realistic and less stressful chance of success.

At the end of the day nothing academic is worth running yourself into the ground for (at least, not in my opinion), but on the other hand you do owe it to yourself to try and display your talents as best you can. Ignore everybody else on this one - decide what you'll be happy with, and then go for it. The harshest and best-informed critic you're going to have to face in the long run is yourself. If you know you did the best you could in the circumstances, that's all that matters.

I hope this doesn't sound too patronising or bossy. If it would help, send an AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! !! !! !! !! !! post

re your stomach pain - I used to take a lot of Zantac, but I haven't needed it since I take yogurt pills (acidopholus something) from the pharmacy. Maybe they would help you too?

I don't know what kind of stomach pain you are having, but i will describe something i went through as a suggestion. My senior year in high school i was under a tremendous amount of stress. Result? I got a stomach ulcer. It hurt after every meal. Even one chip made me feel full and my stomach felt like it was made of lead. If those symptoms sound familiar, you may want to get it checked out. I was put on some sort of antacid i think, for about 3 months, that cleared it up and i felt fine. I waited for 2 months before finally going to the doctor. Believe me, if it's a stomach ulcer, it won't go away by itself.

I have also read that there is an anti-biotic which should be taken to clear up a stomach ulcer.

As far as the stress.I have been in situation where I had lost my job,it was the middle of winter and I couldnt find a new job(was so depressed I didnt have the right mindset to find a job),I was worried about being evicted and homeless....all this stress cause d me to "freeze up"....I had a psychotic break,began smelling gas in my apartment,felt like I had the flu and slept all the time(but a restless sleep).I couldnt seem to find any solutions ,so my mind and body just shut down....when I needed it most.

I dont know what your resources are,if you have counseling at your school or can ask family for help?There are no simple solutions.It seems that USA social system is not set up to prevent "breakdowns",only treat things after they have totally broken.
If you are having difficulties,your university should be of some assistence....that is part ofwhat you are paying for...you maybe able to get an extenssion on a paper or a test.(especially if you have a official DX but also,let them know you have had psych issues in the past....dont be afraid to share this information.Some people really do want to help if you give them a chance.)Asking for help is one of the hardest things I have ever done but I know that I really like to help people and it feels good....so why deny others the chance to feel good about themselves.They cant help if you dont ask.I would never have graduated from college without the assistence and understanding of several of my professors.I had no DX other then clinical depression but they did give me extenssions when I was overly stressed due to some personal problems(I didnt have to tell them specifically what those were,but everyone has had problems at some point,so you would be suprised how understanding some people can be)

I hope you will be feeling better soon.When you are psychologically stressed/overwhelmed and feel physically ill...the two things dont just add to each other but actually multiply each other and it can feel like it ....will always feel like this.It wont.You can eventually feel better(yes,you will probably feel like s**t again but it is a rollercoaster,no.t a hill)

I understand how you feel, you NEED to take a break from it all. i know when i have gotten like this i was on the verge of a breakdown ( ive had about three of them).

i dont know if it will help, but im here for you

I'm feeling the same way now. I'm going to try and hang in until spring break then I'm going to sleep a LOT.

yar i'm gonna starve to death or die from exhastion sitting at my microscope in the coldroom... im sure no one will find me for a couple days at least

try to take naps when you can. it'll help...

sorry you're feeling bad

that happend to me a few years ago, what a f-uped situation that was. i hope things get better for you, have you tryed exercising and being in the sun at all? it sounds stupid but it really helped me for some reason

Oh ... being in the sun ... for whatever it may be worth, I used a full spectrum lightbulb as my reading lamp this winter, and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that it's done me a world of good.

People, THANK YOU for your help.

I nearly ended up in hospital again, but things are picking up a little.

I'm currently on Easter break, revising for my AS Level mocks.

Thanks. Really.