Category: Health and Wellness
Hi all,
For the last five months, I've experienced one catastrophe after another in almost every aspect of my life. Dealing with them whilst keeping up with school, work, and a million other things has exhausted my brain to the point that trying to formulate deep thoughts is like trying to wade through cement. I've never known a level of mental exhaustion like this, and nothing has really helped. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Becky
Hi, Becky. I'm sorry that you are going through such a rough time right now. I have gone through mental exhaustion after dealing with stressful situations. I have a few suggestions for you. First of all, it may help to talk to someone. It doesn't necessarily need to be a psychologist, but talking to a close friend or teacher can often help. Also, take some time for yourself even if it's only five minutes a day. This goes a long with my next suggestion. Allow yourself to cry if and when you need to. I hope this helps and that things get better for you.
Jess
Hello, I've been through a lot this year, so know what you mean about being mentally tired. Not sure what to do about it, would be nice if things could change, smiles.
I agree with poster 2. I take time out at least once a week to listen to some music or something.
It sounds like you are incredibly stressed. I am sure you have read the same ol' same ol' advice everywhere, which among several things suggests meditation. Mental exhaustion and anxiety are the body's response to stress. I know meditation sounds cheesy. Or at least I thought it sounded like an oversimplified answer or solution for stress and anxiety management. However, I basically was forced into doing it given how difficult my situation became. It really does work after a week or so of daily practice for 20 mins or so. I find using guided meditation mp3's a must to be successful with meditation.
I'd like to hear any other good advice you find. Here's to dee-stressing!
Becky, along with all the advice dealing with your mental wellbeing, you need to have the physical side checked as well by a naturopathic/homeopathic physician. They can give you things to help you, because along with mental exhaustion comes adrenal exhaustion, and problems with the thyroid. Our diet lacks iodine, which is necessary for thyroid, and good mental stability, so that's just something else to keep in mind.
Thanks for the suggestions, guys! This was very helpful.
Becky
i've experienced mental exhaustion too; this past semester has been by far the most stressful and overwhelming due to all the work I had to do. I've always had anxiety but my level of anxiety dramatically increased over the past few months because of all the stress; it was to the point where I was so drained physically and mentally I couldn't hardly function some days. Now school is over and I have about a month to rest and relax. I'm so glad I have a break; I desperately need it!
Yeah, I went through basically the same thing. The physical symptoms were pretty significant, but they were nothing compared to the mental. By the end of the semester, I could barely function, and any thought deeper than "I want chocolate" came out sounding convoluted. My semester ended last Wednesday, and even though I still have a few major things going on, I don't have to try to deal with them on top of classes. I too have almost a month before I go back to school, and I plan on using it to recuperate.
I've been feeling that way thanks to that Bosnian neighbor I ranted about on the Rant Board. That's the one, in case there are some who didn't read about that, who kept showing up to bang on my door, sometimes at the most ungodly hours of the day and night. I later found out, again as I may have stated in that topic, that the woman may have ALzheimer's, but unfortunately the folks responsible fo making a concrete diagnosis seem pretty lax about their ob. They think that because she seems lucid and fine when they speak to her that there is no problem. And unfortnately unless and until the diagnosis can be made for sure there's really nothing the Housing Authority can do. Ad yes I have called the police many times. It was actually through them that I found out that she might have Alzheimer's and she wasn't maliciously trying to break into my apartment. The point is that I've been feeling both mental and physical exhaustion over this for what feels like the past six months or so.
Ah yes, been there. I once had a neighbor who was quite nice but whose cognative disability often caused her to act irrationally. She was constantly coming to visit, and one evening she knocked on my door about 8 times in the course of 12 hours, including the middle of the night.
My suggestion is stop thinking deeply. There is no need for you to think deeply. Thinking deeply isn't benefiting you.
Also if you're thinking too much, you should consider ways to reduce the amount of thinking you do. You have a certain amount of energy, and your mind can only cope with so much. If you find your level and accept it, you should feel better. If you try to go above your level, you risk reoccurance of this problem or similar/worse problems in the future.
Makes sense. Then they'll come and they'll take me away, ha-haaa!