Overthinking the future, how do I stop?

Mental health
1

I know this has probably been talked about by others before but it's been on my mind lately and I'd just like some answers tailored to exactly what I'm talking about.

I have social anxiety, since I was about 6 years old I think, not sure on that one, I was diagnosed with it about 4 years ago, though.

It has never really bothered me too much, though, I was usually just anxious about things where I knew I'd have to go to be with people I'd never met before and stuff, but even then I'd only be anxious a couple days before and never about something that was in the distant future.

Now I've been overthinking everything in my future, and I wish I could stop. I keep thinking about my career choice and if it's the right one for me? What if I don't like it? How will I be able to do it with social anxiety? Will I just break down? How will I be able to interview for the job? What if I'm not good at it? What if I never get a boyfriend, get married, have kids? What if my friends ditch me and never want to see me again? What if I fail my college classes, or just don't like them? 

All these thoughts are just racing through my head sometimes and it's just really overwhelming and it sucks. I wish I could just stop, and usually I can for a few days, I just tell myself everything will be alright, I don't know for a fact what the future holds, and things will work out somehow. But it's hard to believe that sometimes. 

Anybody have any good ways of coping with/ getting rid of overthinking? Because I'd really appreciate it, as you can tell, haha!

Thank you for all of you that actually took the time to read my ramblings!

By the way, I'm a 19 year old college freshman, just thought that might be important.

2

Over thinking is awful. When you are anxious or feeling panicked it's even worse. I find deep breathing helps. I'm waiting to go for some counselling I find distraction us the best. Get yourself busy doing something. Be it a sport or a game on your phone. Read a book. Cleaning....whatever it is that helps and eases you do it. Are you on any medication or seeing a therapist at All???

3

No I'm not on any medication, and I haven't seen my therapist in a while. I know that I should see her but it makes me think about my social anxiety which I don't like thinking about if I don't have to, I always feel better, at least for a little while afterwards, but still it takes effort.

I'm probably going to set up an appointment now, but I should've done it a long time ago.

This just sucks, just last night I was sleeping, my mom woke me up for something really quick, and then I tried to go back to bed, I couldn't exactly fall asleep I wa about half asleep, but I kept dreaming that my best friend was trying to set me up with a guy and I kept getting more and more anxious about it and it really sucked and I could barely sleep. 

4

Do you not want to take tablets. They can help but do come with side effects. Lack of sleep makes things ten times worse too. I hope you get some rest tonight.

5

I don't neccessarily not want to take them, I've just never been offered them. What kind of tablets? Honestly to get some relief would be great because usually I can power through things but I can't really do that this time because it's something that's far away and that I can't really control.

Thank you for the help!

6

I have citalopraman anti depressant for help with panic anxiety and IBS. Yes they cinewith sideeffects and they did make my symptoms worse for a few days. I think if you can find a Dr you trust and feel comfortable with you can talkyhrough all your optuons and come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs.

7

if you can stay away from tablets then please stay away from them as i cant see any tablet stopping you overthinking situations...the best way to tackle social anxiety is literally to get out and socialize,as difficult as it is..you have to confront your fears and tackle them head on..you say you feel much better after speaking to a therapist,well,try and speak to your family and friends in the same way,make them aware of your suffering..try and get out and about with your mates after letting them know your problems...i honestly dont think theres a medical solution to your problems as in my experience once you start on tablets you'll find you will be switched from one to another as none seem to do the trick!

deffo look for a hobby and get your mind active..get a dog and get yourself out on long walks,away from all the crap in your life,anything that focuses your attention.