A 18-year-old female in her senior year is confused. How can she devote herself fully to her studies?

Hello, I'm here to give you a warm hug. I don't know what kind of childhood you've had that would make you vent your emotions in a way that hurts you. I think that more urgent than schoolwork is that you heal the trauma you experienced in your childhood.

In his book The Ladder to Heaven, child psychiatrist Perry tells the story "The Crow," about a girl who suddenly faints. During the emergency treatment, the doctor notices her tattoos and more than ten shallow, short scars. The location, depth, and style of the scars all show signs of self-inflicted trauma.

The doctor said that a lot of what we think of as "scars" are actually traumatic experiences. When they self-harm, they can feel a state of dissociation (what you call a trance), similar to the adaptation response they experienced during the trauma.

For them, cutting is a way to find relief. It lets them escape from the anxiety caused by constantly reliving memories or the challenges of everyday life.

As we discussed before, when people are in a dissociative state, they feel detached from reality. They enter a dreamlike state of consciousness where nothing is real and they feel little or no emotional or physical pain. These experiences release large amounts of the calming substance endorphins, which is a naturally occurring brain substance similar to heroin that relieves pain and gives a sense of distance from one's troubles. Endorphins and enkephalins are an important part of the brain's stress response system, which allows the body to cope with physical and emotional pain.

From what you've told me, I don't think your problem is necessarily down to an unrequited love experience in junior high school, as you say. It's probably more to do with a painful experience you had when you were younger. When you're ready, find someone you trust, or a professional psychotherapist, and have a good chat. If you don't resolve this trauma, coupled with the new pressure of advancing in school, you'll be crushed by it, like a mountain.

You said you like playing the guitar, which is great. Music and books are man's eternal friends. When you are lonely, in pain, or afraid, I'm sure music is your only company. Talk to your parents and communicate with them. Or, my daughter also liked the guitar, but later, due to financial constraints, she could not continue to take lessons. But love is the best teacher, and she still persisted in teaching herself to play the guitar. I believe you will find a way to continue your hobby and talent.

I suggest you listen to an old song, "Dear Child" by Su Rui. I'm Zhang Huili, a psychological counselor, and I'm here to support you on your journey. The world and I love you.

Hello!

I understand your confusion, anxiety, helplessness, and hopelessness. You're in your senior year of high school. Hugs!

It's my third year of high school, and I'm nervous. I can feel the tension around me, especially from my parents. Senior year is hard for everyone. This stage is full of events. Everyone has their own difficulties. Many people are in our situation. Some are better than us, and some are worse.

I understand you. I think every high school student wants to study hard and discover their potential. Everyone faces the same problem, and how they deal with it depends on their ability.

What should we do to face this problem? I'll share my views based on my experience.

First, accept your past and current situation.

You said to forget the past. I bet it was tough for you in junior high too. I bet you couldn't concentrate in class. If so, we shouldn't worry. This has been going on for years. We make choices and adopt attitudes when facing things. We're protecting ourselves. We feel this is how we should respond to things to live. We feel the current state allows us to live well.

Second, saving up is powerful.

For example, let's learn the guitar. After learning it, we feel relaxed for a while. You like playing the guitar! You don't want to give up. You are willing to save money to continue learning. This is the motivation for us to do anything. You have a positive attitude towards learning. You come here for help. This is to have awareness of yourself. Having awareness is the beginning of your change. When you had a cold, you quit smoking. This also proves that you are capable of giving up one thing for another. I can see from all of the above that if you say you want to do something, you can do it.

Ask your parents for help! Explain that you want to learn to play the guitar. Tell them it will help with your studies. I think they will support you. What do you think?

Describe the class your father described and the mood you need to learn well. Tell your parents the truth and get their support. With their support, you will be stronger.

If you've tried talking to your parents and they still don't understand, see a counselor. Your school probably has one, or you can find one on this platform. Get help from your community!

If you can keep playing the guitar or know you can stop for a few months, your confusion, frustration, and anxiety will improve. I think you had similar problems in junior high. You probably overcame them with your own abilities. With the experience you gained, I believe you will overcome this problem in three years.

Come on, students! The university of your dreams is waiting for you next year!

The world and I love you!

Good day. I am He Jin, a practicing psychologist, and I am pleased to respond to your inquiry.

I have provided guidance to numerous students from junior high school to university. Each individual possesses a unique set of circumstances. Based on the information presented in your text, it appears that I have encountered some crucial aspects. However, I am open to further insights and contributions that could enhance the accuracy of my understanding.

Your inner world is becoming increasingly chaotic. It appears that you are uncertain about the most effective strategies for passing the college entrance exam. Additionally, you seem to be grappling with questions about your identity, your aspirations, and the purpose of your academic pursuits. For your own benefit, it is crucial to reflect on your ideal educational institution and major. Careful consideration of these aspects is essential.

The individual in question exhibits a lack of motivation and experiences anxiety. The mind is aware of the fact that the individual is in their senior year of high school and that they should therefore study intensively. However, the body seems to be resisting this. The individual lacks the mental strength and energy to engage in the activities they desire and to complete the tasks they have set for themselves.

If one is unable to accomplish the tasks that they desire or complete the tasks that they have set for themselves, the inner anxiety will accumulate and intensify, leading to a heightened sense of self-condemnation.

The relationship with one's parents is often a significant factor in an individual's psychological well-being. When communication between parents and children is strained, it can be challenging for children to receive the support, understanding, and tolerance they need. Some children may also be reluctant to seek help from their parents, due to a perceived lack of willingness or ability on the part of their parents to provide assistance.

The weakness and hindrance in your studies have distracted you, and you seek solace and relaxation, yet simultaneously, they intensify your psychological distress. Given the perceived inopportune timing and the individuals involved, these strategies will not assuage the imminent pressure associated with the impending college entrance examination.

The following tips may prove beneficial:

1. It is recommended that you inform your parents of your need for assistance and seek their understanding. It may be beneficial to visit the psychosomatic medicine department of a specialist hospital to alleviate the distress caused by your emotional symptoms. It should be noted that self-harming behaviors may not result in relaxation but may potentially exacerbate the situation and impede your ability to support your studies.

2. It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a qualified psychological counselor to provide guidance and support during this challenging period leading up to the college entrance examination. The counselor can assist in reducing stress and helping you to achieve your best performance in the examination.

3. It is recommended that you attempt to maintain your biological rhythm, eat, sleep, have a balanced diet, combine work and rest, and engage in a variety of activities.

4. It is recommended that individuals engage in at least one hour of physical activity per week. This may include activities such as running, cycling, or playing ball games.

I wish you success in your academic pursuits and good health.