Anything or anyone that can help me?

[Silversky]

I've been off school for about 2 months now (GCSE school Holidays) And it's been going really well. I've been having an easy life.
But lately- I've been getting so stressed and worried, I'm starting college soon, and doing an art and design course. Also getting my GCSE results.
Half of me is really excited, but the other half is scared that I won't be good enough. I know they teach you things. etc.

But I'm really worried about everything, college, work, relationships, friends and life in general. I really can't stop.
I spend hours in bed trying to sleep, just thinking, I've tried all the normal things, like hot drinks, lavender and hot baths before bed.
But even after all this. I still cannot stop worrying and go to sleep.
Anyone got any suggestions on how to stop this. Or calm my nerves.

[saxy_jag]

I felt just the same before I started uni. I went in as a mature student, terrified that I'd got in there by some fluke and that I just wouldn't be able to hack it. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd imagined, though, and thus began a fantastic three years of my life.

You certainly aren't alone with your fears. Chances are there'll be a good number of other students going through exactly the same emotions as you are just now. The college will be geared up for all of this and your first week or so should be very gentle, with lots of familiarisation activities so that you can get to know staff, students and campus. You'll most likely be allocated a personal tutor, whom you can talk through any of your problems with - and they're not like school teachers - they're decent human beings with a good grasp of what the real world is like.

Don't worry. By half-term, you'll be looking back and wondering what on earth you were worried about.

[bednobs]

even if all your fears were true - what's the worst that would happen?

[~max~]

I agree with sexy_jag's answer (except the bit about schoolteachers, which made me laugh! :O) Some of them are decent human beings, i can assure you! lol). Everyone will be in the same position as you, starting a new chapter in their life and being worried is normal. Just think of it as a new experience, a chance to make new friends, learn new things, starting your "adult" life....You will be grand, I assure you! These will most likely be the best years of your life, still with their ups and downs, but it'll be great! don't stress too much. even if you feel uncomfortable, or are having problems adjusting, there will be people there whom you can talk to. Don't worry! x

[rosyherb]

Try relaxation techniques, I spent years not being able to relax and turn my brain off at night. I found Hypnosis is great alternative option, and a good practicioner will talk to you to root out the under laying cause.

[POLLIANNA]

Just before you go to bed, write everything down thats bothering you or things that you have to do the next day. I find that if its on paper and not in your head you'll have nothing to think about and hopefully get a sleep.

[sense4all]

The great thing about problems is that very often they have solutions, thats why there's answerbank ... lol.
Stop hanging about with people who fixate on how very serious your results etc are ... so that is your parents , all your peers and the teaching staff at school - anyone left?
I am just trying to get you to smile here ... Things are never as gloomy as they might first seem - even if it all goes t*ts up it's not unfixable. This is why old people are really naughty it took them years to find this stuff out.

[Doc Spock]

Forgive my ignorance but what bl00dy use is an art and design course to anyone.

Perhaps you could use it to say " which patterned bag would you like your fries in" ?

[leelapops]

Hi Silversky. I know exactly how you are feeling, and as everyone else has said, you certainly won't be the only one!
I know it's a bit patronising and trite, but your GCSE results AREN'T the be all and end all. You have been accepted into college, from what you are saying, so you have been really proactive in considering your dreams and your future. Take comfort in knowing that you are all organised and ready to take on the world :)
ALL of you should be excited, not just half! You are embarking on a whole new part of your life, and you have so many opportunities ahead! I chose to go to art college to do my a levels, rather than 6th form like everyone else, and I knew nobody. But I met some really amazing people, and had a very special time. When I started Uni, I had just moved house, so I had no friends! I also commute to Uni, so wasn't familiar with my surroundings at all. If you treat it like an adventure though, rather than a chore or something risky, you'll see everything positively.

In terms of sleep, Pollianna's idea is great-I am forever writing things down! It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, you must be v. popular :) Try and prioritise, and put things into boxes (metaphoricallym or even physically if it helps!) in order to help you deal with one thing at a time. If you approach it this way, then you'll feel less overwhelmed by everything.

I think you are a lovely person, and you have a LOT going for you, so lots of luck and warm wishes for the coming year :) x

[pastafreak]

Oh Doc Spock-stop being so negative! If Silversky has the ability and love for her chosen field then that is what she should do. She can put her talents to use in an advertising agency, do product design( yes-every thing on our shelves starts off on the drawingboard!),theatre or motion picture design, fine art or simply dream up objects that have no purpose but to be beautifull.The sky is the limit and I say go for it! ps-I worked as a graphic designer for almost 20 years...didn't get rich but i enjoyed it! Good luck sweetie..and make those 'nerves' work for you.