Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
I've always had self confidence issues, but I was able to mostly get over them a few years ago in my late teens. However I think my university experiences made them come up again. I studied in Brazil (I'm from the Caribbean but I got a scholarship to study there) and frankly the city where I lived was dirty and dangerous. I got robbed at gunpoint twice and never felt safe there - I was always looking over my shoulder. I lived near the university, and students were always targeted for assaults and muggings. My social life also took a dip there as because of some cultural differences, I didn't make many friends. The university was poorly disorganized and I ended up having to teach myself mostly. The only reason I stuck it out was because I wanted to still get the degree at the end of the course, to show that I survived and that my hardships were rewarded.
However I think I lost some of the self confidence I had built up before going there. I speak Portuguese fluently but I found most locals always spoke over me and never let me talk because I was a foreigner and therefore 'didn't know anything'. I eventually just stopped talking and became a bit more introverted.
I also lost weight and my hair became very damaged from the polluted water there, so my confidence in my looks took a hit. I don't even like to take selfies anymore.
Basically I feel like a mess, and I think that is visible to others. While I was able to get my degree and graduate, I think it's had a mental impact on me. I'm now back home and on the job hunt. However I haven't found much in the four months that I've been home. I get odd jobs as a waitress or working in product promotions, but it doesn't pay very well, and they're always part-time.
I just feel negative all the time and easily irritated and upset. I also just want to sleep all the time and I procrastinate a lot more than I used to.
How can I help myself feel better?
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Hello cb93
Thank you writing.
Sounds like college was difficult for you - do you have a friend or relative at home that you can talk to? If so, confide in them and if not, consider joining a support group either online or in person - your doctor can help with referrals.
March 28, 2018 - 12:36pmIt's hard to get work after college; keep working any job, even part-time and eventually something will come up - it's important to keep working; employed people get hired faster. Focus on the positives - you have your degree and you're home!
Talking to a therapist will also help. Being mugged and abused can have long lasting psychological effects so address this as soon as possible. Be kind to yourself - give yourself time to heal and begin your new life. You can so much to look forward to when you seek help and are future-focused.
Best,
Susan
This Comment