Advice Needed

[Silver Springs]

This isn't a woah is me thread, so don't for a moment think of it as one before I begin. As some of you know, I've been having alot of personal problems (Won't go into them), as well as coping with a full time University Degree. Because of this, I have been forced to survive on as little as two hours of sleep a night and have little time to eat or basically look after myself as my Uni day ends (It begins at 8am each day) around 8 or 9 in the evening, by which time I spend another hour and half getting home only to have more work waiting for me. I was wondering if anybody had any advice on how to cope with such a gruelling schedule. Ie. Over the counter herbal remedies for fatigue and lethargy. And if I'm honest herbal mood lifters ("Uppers", if you will). I need to get my head back into the game as I feel as though I'm working through a fog at the moment and can't quite put together a thought effectively without spending minutes trying to think of the next word. And I have a large dissertation to get started asap and obviously I can't do it when I'm so mentally exhausted.

Any advice would be gratefully accepted at the moment.

I hope that read okay because paragraphs really don't work for me at the moment.

[vivfox]

Regular exercising makes you more tired and able to sleep better as well as giving you more daytime energy and strength/stamina.

[chiliD]

Cocaine...mountains of it.



Or....




http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UQfwRvxSGm4/Sck4Ov0lsCI/AAAAAAAADE0/aZ5Wndaq_OI/s200/5hour_energy.jpg

Works 100x's better than Red Bull, Monster or Rockstar (or any of those carbonated energy drinks)...with ZERO sugar (so your pancreas & kidneys don't get damaged) :nod: None of the "shakes" that those other drinks have as a side effect...after 5 hours, there's no residual "buzz" to keep you awake, can fall asleep normally.

[HomerMcvie]

There's NO substitute for sleep. Fatigue leads to depression, and poor decision making. Somehow, you've got to find the time to get a decent amount of sleep.

I have trouble sleeping too. And although I hate taking pills, if I haven't slept well for a couple of nights, I'll pop a couple Advil PM's, and that usually does the trick.

Good luck.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

Thats too bad your schedule is WAY too busy!! Maybe you could try cutting back on classes...so your not at school so late and have a bit more time to get home and go to work...As for the eating...try to eat as good as possible(you are what you eat) and excersise can help make you feel better...even if its just a little stretching or yoga before bed...drinks LOTS of water...and sleep as much as you possibly can!

Also those 5 hour energy drinks can help too =P

[Lindsfan]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UQfwRvxSGm4/Sck4Ov0lsCI/AAAAAAAADE0/aZ5Wndaq_OI/s200/5hour_energy.jpg

Works 100x's better than Red Bull, Monster or Rockstar (or any of those carbonated energy drinks)...with ZERO sugar (so your pancreas & kidneys don't get damaged) :nod: None of the "shakes" that those other drinks have as a side effect...after 5 hours, there's no residual "buzz" to keep you awake, can fall asleep normally.

That's good stuff :nod: It may seem expensive for such a small bottle, but compared to an exspresso ity's a bargain - plus it works and you won't crash! Tastes OK too... I thnk it's best about half an hour after I take it out of the fridge - it's a bit tart when it's too cold, and room temp isn't as good, but sorta cooled is when it's best- IMO. Hang in there...

[APerfectLie]

I was having the same problems last semester. I was also drinking massive amounts of diet coke. I cut the caffeine and aspartame out of my diet and started taking some vitamins: multivitamin, b-complex, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. I also started drinking lots of water and trying to get adequate sleep. If I have trouble sleeping, I usually take some Benadryl to help me fall asleep. My energy levels dramatically improved. I also take 5-HTP to keep me in a better mood and help me sleep better. That being said, I cannot stand people who sit there and go on and on about how aspartame is poisonous or that you have to take all these supplements to counteract some symptoms. I don't think aspartame is problematic in many people, nor do I think 5-HTP will calm everyone down... all I know is what worked for me.

[chiliD]

That being said, I cannot stand people who sit there and go on and on about how aspartame is poisonous or that you have to take all these supplements to counteract some symptoms.

Well FU. It is. Personal experience. I was drinking a 12 pack of Diet Coke a day. I started getting Multiple Sclerosis type symptoms. Even went to Neurologists...they said that the SYMPTOMS of MS were present but MRI & Cat Scans of my brain showed no signs of MS. When they asked me how much DC I drank a day, they almost fell out of their chairs. The aspartame was poisoning me. True story, fact. Get over it.

[fringed n fab]

I don't eat or drink anything with aspartame in it. Saccharin is bad too and is even in toothpaste and Pepto. I try to find things without these in them. In a diabetics case though, I could see them having to resort to other options but for me I stay away from those things.

[fringed n fab]

I realize we are all from different parts of the world on here and we word things differently, but here in the states, a uni means something totally different.

[jannieC]

Your schedule can't work long term. Period. No one can function well on 2 hours of sleep nightly and there is no drug, over the counter or otherwise, that will make it doable. If you can't decrease your schedule in some fashion, your body will figure out a way to force you to do so.

[HomerMcvie]

I drink TAB, because it's the only drink still made with saccharin. Although it's now a saccharin/aspartame blend. I drink two cans when I get up, because it's my coffee! TAB slaps you in the face, with taste!


I drink NO other soda, the rest of the day, though...just those two cans.

[Nikolaj]

I think maybe your body is telling you that you should take a break. A bachelor's degree in four years is not the be-all and end-all. Give yourself an extra year, it will not matter one bit. So, continue with a course or two, but instead of having all the necessary credits to graduate in 4 years, leave it open-ended.
Unless, you can actually handle it, then go ahead as you have been. Maybe you just needed to vent and don't need to take the route of procrastination. I did.
I could tell you how long it took me to get the BA- so I will. I was 24, barely.
I took one year off entirely (my third year) and years 4 and 5 I took it easier than as a freshman and sophomore. Then, I left again, for half a year, then finally kicked some butt to finish.
It took me six years to do what most people do in 4. (But, I fit in a brief marriage freshman year, a divorce the next year, had fun jobs and the best time, socially, went to tons of concerts, made a lot of contacts, and a lot of 'stuff' was going on. It's a miracle that college didn't take longer for me than it did!)
The delay in graduating didn't matter a bit, in the long run, though my parents were far from thrilled. My oldest nephew graduated from Brown a year ago, and it took him 5.5 years instead of 4. It didn't matter, in his case, either, and he had the support of his parents.
It may matter to you. Listen to yourself, advice is great to ask for and get- but I bet you know the answer, already. I knew in my first year.
My sister is brilliant and stronger than a Teamster. Now, her second son just left Boston University, in his second year, with the door open for him to return, which I think he will.
Life, around the age of 20, for some men, needs to be not compromised (wrong word) by school.
I believe that females generally are stronger than males and can maintain their focus and goals, but some young guys sometimes just need to be undisciplined and they accept it.
Women, in general, and especially at college-age are amazing with their discipline- women are the original multi-taskers. For two weeks a month, coming and going- they have their medical biological reality that men don't have to deal with; yet still go to classes, socialize, work, date and study!
SilverSprings, I think you can do whatever you want- and maybe that's something young men take more to heart sooner than young women do. If you need a break, be good to yourself.
Giving in to that need for freedom may be why some young men aren't as disciplined as most young women seem to require of themselves, if they are 'educationally inclined.'
Women with focus, bless them, want to do the right thing, even if it's difficult. Yet, young women have every much right, or more, to 'pace themselves' just as some young men allow themselves to do.

[APerfectLie]

Well FU. It is. Personal experience. I was drinking a 12 pack of Diet Coke a day. I started getting Multiple Sclerosis type symptoms. Even went to Neurologists...they said that the SYMPTOMS of MS were present but MRI & Cat Scans of my brain showed no signs of MS. When they asked me how much DC I drank a day, they almost fell out of their chairs. The aspartame was poisoning me. True story, fact. Get over it.

I am not saying you're experience is invalid, nor did I know you stopped consuming aspartame so I was by no means trying to personally attack you. I also had major side effects of aspartame "poisoning" after consuming 6-12 diet cokes a day for seven years. I finally stopped consuming any kind of aspartame a year ago and my symptoms went away completely. That being said tho, I don't feel there is enough evidence to conclude that aspartame is dangerous for everyone. The aspartame was poisoning US, but it doesn't mean that everyone who consumes it will suffer the same side effects. I think some people are much more sensitive to aspartame and I think others, like us, consumed god awful amounts of it. In-fact, most people who have had adverse effects of aspartame usually consume waaaay too much. Water isn't a poison, but even too much of it can kill you. Another reason I refuse to put all the blame on aspartame was because of the massive amount of caffeine I was consuming along with it. I just feel like if someone wants to drink a diet coke, by all means they can, it is not my place to tell them that aspartame is bad for them and they should not drink it. All I know is how it affected me after so many years, but I can't speak for how it affects anybody else.

[mezzoforte]

Do whatever you have to do to prioritize sleep. 2 hours a night is okay once in a while, but should not be a regular thing. There's no way to keep that up! It will ravage your body, and particularly if you struggle with depression (I don't know you, but have gotten the impression you do?) it will really mess with your emotions.
My first semester at college, I was only getting 5 hours a night, every night. Way more than you're talking about, but it began to really affect me. I was tired, shaky, and anxious all the time, but I was prioritizing my homework, activities, and friends and honestly didn't think I could find time to sleep more. My roommate/bestie was on the same schedule and we finally looked at each other mid-January and realized we couldn't keep it up. Now I still pull the occasional all-nighter, but I manage to get 8 hours most nights, even if it means I don't always get my homework done and dinner is occasionally a protein bar at my desk. I feel so much better! And I work more effectively and have a better attitude. When you get enough sleep, it helps keep you balanced in all aspects of your life.
Energy drinks can help someone get through a busy period like finals, but when you're talking about your permanent schedule, it's like putting a band-aid over a gunshot wound. What can you cut back on? Spend less time on hw? Less time with friends? Maybe scaling back your school schedule is the best option...

[tilthefirefades]

Well FU. It is. Personal experience. I was drinking a 12 pack of Diet Coke a day. I started getting Multiple Sclerosis type symptoms. Even went to Neurologists...they said that the SYMPTOMS of MS were present but MRI & Cat Scans of my brain showed no signs of MS. When they asked me how much DC I drank a day, they almost fell out of their chairs. The aspartame was poisoning me. True story, fact. Get over it.

Orrrrr, just because you say it, it's not fact. DC has been my favorite drink since I was born, I probably even had it in my bottle like a good little redneck. 20 years later, not a single symptom :nod:

[HomerMcvie]

I'm sorry, Diet Coke tastes like A*S. Like slightly dirty water. If it weren't for TAB, I'd either have to drink regular Coke, or maybe Coke Zero(I find it more tolerable than DC). DC just have no flavor, to these taste buds. BLECK.

[fringed n fab]

I drink regular Coke and yes, that's bad enough for you. But Pepsi to me is flat and tastes like pond water or something. I can tolerate it from a restaurant out of a fountain if it's the choice soft drink on the menu. Other than that I only buy Coke.

[fringed n fab]

I've heard Coke can clean through caked on dishes and you can also scrub your driveway with it. :shocked:

[Nico]

Well FU. It is. Personal experience. I was drinking a 12 pack of Diet Coke a day. I started getting Multiple Sclerosis type symptoms. Even went to Neurologists...they said that the SYMPTOMS of MS were present but MRI & Cat Scans of my brain showed no signs of MS. When they asked me how much DC I drank a day, they almost fell out of their chairs. The aspartame was poisoning me. True story, fact. Get over it.

Wow. I have a friend who drinks like 30 diet cokes a day. :distress: I'm going to share this with her. I am 100% anti-diet drinks and any soda actually. I just drinks tons of water, green tea, and...coffee.

Silver Springs: I think you should make sleep a top priority. Its really difficult to do that, I imagine with your schedule, but it will give you more energy during the day. And maybe throw in some kind of consistent daily workout routine. Even just some sit-ups or jumping jacks for like 20 minutes could make a big difference. Your body is your temple. :)

[estranged4life]

I've heard Coke can clean through caked on dishes and you can also scrub your driveway with it. :shocked:

can remove corrosion from the battery connectors on automobiles:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Corrosion-off-a-Car-Battery./


I had to lay off soda's due to health issues...so I'm mainly a tea/water/juice person these days.

[Nikolaj]

Hmm, soda, hardly ever think of it. One vice, if it is one, that I missed. I remember that I liked Dr. Pepper a lot. I stopped drinking soda not due to aspertame issues, but because I felt it was bad for my teeth, diet or not, and because I thought maybe it further stained my teeth. I can't give up coffee, so the soda went. Every now and then, Diet Ginger Ale would be my choice, but I don't keep any in the house.

From months of reading him, I believe that aperfectlie is very informed and reliable about health issues, so the chemical or chemicals he wrote that are bad for him, that's good enough for me. Maybe others don't have the same sensitivity and can tolerate what he can't. Yet if apl says it's unhealthy, I believe it.
I love caffeine, a lot. Good or not for me, it stays :)
Ultrabrite does a pretty good job getting rid of coffee-stained teeth, as does peroxide.
Though it's been a long time, every now and then a trip to the dentist and a red laser tooth whitener works swell, in just one visit.
I don't buy the whitening strips, because I'd want to use the entire box in a day rather than the multiple times (weeks?) required.

[fringed n fab]

Hmm, soda, hardly ever think of it. One vice, if it is one, that I missed. I remember that I liked Dr. Pepper a lot. I stopped drinking soda not due to aspertame issues, but because I felt it was bad for my teeth, diet or not, and because I thought maybe it further stained my teeth. I can't give up coffee, so the soda went. Every now and then, Diet Ginger Ale would be my choice, but I don't keep any in the house.

From months of reading him, I believe that aperfectlie is very informed and reliable about health issues, so the chemical or chemicals he wrote that are bad for him, that's good enough for me. Maybe others don't have the same sensitivity and can tolerate what he can't. Yet if apl says it's unhealthy, I believe it.
I love caffeine, a lot. Good or not for me, it stays :)
Ultrabrite does a pretty good job getting rid of coffee-stained teeth, as does peroxide.
Though it's been a long time, every now and then a trip to the dentist and a red laser tooth whitener works swell, in just one visit.
I don't buy the whitening strips, because I'd want to use the entire box in a day rather than the multiple times (weeks?) required.

Some love coffee and tea, I like my "pop". I'm from Ohio so we call it that. I do drink water and milk and not so much pop that it harms your teeth. Those look fine. Yes they make whitening strips and laser treatments if you want uber white teeth but some go overboard and their teeth have that bluish glow to them. You have to know when enough is enough.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

I've never been a big fan of Coke...I hated how it made my teeth feel...I like more lemonlime soda..like Sprite and Sierra Mist...I do love Dr. Pepper though...I'll occasionally drink soda when I go out to eat or something...but if I want something bubbly I'll have flavored Seltzer

[fringed n fab]

I've never been a big fan of Coke...I hated how it made my teeth feel...I like more lemonlime soda..like Sprite and Sierra Mist...I do love Dr. Pepper though...I'll occasionally drink soda when I go out to eat or something...but if I want something bubbly I'll have flavored Seltzer

I like Dr. Pepper and Sprite occasionally too. The one pop I don't like is Mountain Dew.

[Enchanted_Stevi]

I like Dr. Pepper and Sprite occasionally too. The one pop I don't like is Mountain Dew.

I love Mountain Dew =P I'm not a big fan of dark soda's...except Dr. Pepper

[LikeAWillow]

Regular exercising makes you more tired and able to sleep better as well as giving you more daytime energy and strength/stamina.

I absolutely agree with this. I have terrible insomnia, and before I learned how to cope with it, I was taking a sleeping pill each night and then just trying to deal with the hang over as best I could the next day. Exercising regularly, though, has improved the ease with which I fall asleep and the quality of the sleep as well. The best hours to work out are apparently 5-7 if you're looking for the sleep benefits :) Good luck. I know how terrible it feels to drag on without rest.

[ButterCookie]

I've heard Coke can clean through caked on dishes and you can also scrub your driveway with it. :shocked:

I use it to clean my silver jewelry.

Bee, my advice is working out a routine and really sticking to it. Like Viv said, exercise is important but I also think a cup of tea before bed is, too. I literally cannot sleep if I don't spend half an hour unwinding with a brew and maybe a book or something that doesn't take too much concerntrating on the TV. I'd priorotise your workload, too. See what isn't going to take long and make that an enjoyable bit to the day to do before bed like a little bit of a painting or drawing. Do the big stuff in the mornings and if stuff isn't done by 10.30, it should wait otherwise it might be haphazard and not up to your personal standard, only adding to your frustration.

[Silver Springs]

Bleugh. I think any sleep at this moment in time would be get. I scheduled half an hour to lay my head down last night and all of that I spent thinking about my dissertation. At the moment my head feels full to the brim with cotton wool, and I'm getting a cold to top it off. Yay me -_-. It's getting to the point now where I'm having to hide in the Uni Restrooms at least once a day to cry.

[MissLadyLoki]

Bleugh. I think any sleep at this moment in time would be get. I scheduled half an hour to lay my head down last night and all of that I spent thinking about my dissertation. At the moment my head feels full to the brim with cotton wool, and I'm getting a cold to top it off. Yay me -_-. It's getting to the point now where I'm having to hide in the Uni Restrooms at least once a day to cry.

If you're thinking too much when you go to sleep, I can relate all too much, especially when I'm worrying towards the end of the semester (and in the spring of my sophmore year, just worrying about passing precalc) and have worried myself sick a few times (I just get a cold, but it has happened).

I have 3 pieces of advice for you: before you go to bed, try some exercise, which also helps you clear your mind. With the nasty weather these days and you don't wanna get a whole piece of equipment, try out Wii Fit. You just need a Wii, the game, and the Balance Board that comes with it. It's fun and gives you a very good workout.

When you do try going to sleep, try and empty your mind of all thoughts except going to sleep, which should work.

And on the weekends, try to sleep more than 2 hours a night. I don't need you getting sick and I want you rested up

[Artemis]

Oh dear, I'm so sorry you're having a really rough time at the moment, Bee :( I've had days where I've gone on 2-4 hours of sleep per night for 3/4 days and then just crashed out, and felt like absolute hell during them, so, I can't imagine how awful you'll be feeling if this is a prolonged thing.

I'd say cut out everything that isn't absolutely essential and make more time for yourself. Is it at all possible to cut any of your uni hours down? 12 hours per day sounds like it would get on top of anyone. Maybe take a day off every now and then, when it all gets too much, I know that sounds bad, but sometimes, I find, if you're working on something non-stop, taking a break from it lets you go back to it with renewed energy.

As for herbal pills that might work... Kalms are supposed to be good, I took them before my second French oral exam and got through that fine (the first time I completely broke down), and my brother keeps raving that sominex pills are great for helping you get to sleep. You can go to the doctors and get pills for insomnia too, my friend was suffering, getting about 2 hours sleep every two days, and now she's getting at least 6 a night.

[Silver Springs]

oh what does it matter anyway. im just going to get ****ty grades like i did for the last semester in everything no matter how much work i put into it and ill just end up failing alltogether, thus ending my plans to get the fu.ck away from my parents. i feel like just getting a bag and leaving tonite. i dont care where i just cant deal with thsi endless stream of crap thats heaped onto me. im only human. my back breaks just l;ike everybodyt elses.

[Lindsfan]

oh what does it matter anyway. im just going to get ****ty grades like i did for the last semester in everything no matter how much work i put into it and ill just end up failing alltogether, thus ending my plans to get the fu.ck away from my parents. i feel like just getting a bag and leaving tonite. i dont care where i just cant deal with thsi endless stream of crap thats heaped onto me. im only human. my back breaks just l;ike everybodyt elses.

If you can, you should...for at least a few days anyway. Take time to relax - by yourself. Sorry you're going through all this right now :(

I'm 46, so you can trust me when I say this too shall pass. Life really does surprise you when you least expect it ( Lindsey would tell you it reinforces his faith in cycles, he he ). Enough sunshine blowing though. You are young and strong!! Do what you need to do. Some quiet time alone might help you sort your feelings...or at the least give you a second wind.

Take care, Bee.

[LikeAWillow]

Does your university have some sort of student support services? I really think you should consider talking to them. They're there as a resource for students who are feeling just like you are right now. They can help, if you'll just give them the chance.

I'm also going to second Nikolaj's suggestion that you consider either lightening your schedule or taking some time off. I know that there's a stigma attached to everything that I'm suggesting, but the stigma is bull****. Wouldn't you rather truly enjoy and engage in your courses than run yourself into the ground trying to just get through them? College is about growing as a person, and what you have right now is not only untenable, but it's not allowing you to grow and develop because you're too busy just trying to survive. Please, please consider talking to someone on your campus. You sought us out, and that's the first step, but it would be even braver of you and even more helpful to seek out someone with the resources to really make things better for you.

Good luck. :xoxo:

[MissLadyLoki]

Does your university have some sort of student support services? I really think you should consider talking to them. They're there as a resource for students who are feeling just like you are right now. They can help, if you'll just give them the chance.

I'm also going to second Nikolaj's suggestion that you consider either lightening your schedule or taking some time off. I know that there's a stigma attached to everything that I'm suggesting, but the stigma is bull****. Wouldn't you rather truly enjoy and engage in your courses than run yourself into the ground trying to just get through them? College is about growing as a person, and what you have right now is not only untenable, but it's not allowing you to grow and develop because you're too busy just trying to survive. Please, please consider talking to someone on your campus. You sought us out, and that's the first step, but it would be even braver of you and even more helpful to seek out someone with the resources to really make things better for you.

Good luck. :xoxo:

I'm with what Marissa said. I dunno about in the UK, but at my school we do have a health center where you can talk to people (OK, it's in the middle of never never land on my campus, but it has come in handy when I've had issues). Or perhaps you could maybe drop one of your classes and take it next semester. Believe me, there's no shame in that and people do it all the time, myself included (I just did it for this history class that'd complete my minor that wanted tons of reading and writing on top of my already-crazy schedule of 2 group projects and a business plan this semester). Besides, taking a bit longer to get your degree and coming out sane is a lot better than coming out on time and having lost your mind.

Either way Bee, I hate seeing you like this. You are my friend and I don't like seeing my friends in such a depressed state. Me and the others are here to help you want you to be OK. You're valued too much here and it pains me to see you in such a state of depression.

[LikeAWillow]

Besides, taking a bit longer to get your degree and coming out sane is a lot better than coming out on time and having lost your mind.


Exactly. I have SO many friends who have really cut down their schedule or taken time off. One of my friends just decided two weeks ago to take a year off MIT and go stay with her Aunt in New Zealand. She left five days later. Obviously we all don't have those sorts of options, but my friend knew she needed the break, and she wasn't going to let anyone stop her or tell her not to. She just took the f*ck off and didn't look back. No one I know looks down on her for leaving for awhile. I'm pretty sure we all wish we had the balls to do it ourselves.

[MissLadyLoki]

Exactly. I have SO many friends who have really cut down their schedule or taken time off. One of my friends just decided two weeks ago to take a year off MIT and go stay with her Aunt in New Zealand. She left five days later. Obviously we all don't have those sorts of options, but my friend knew she needed the break, and she wasn't going to let anyone stop her or tell her not to. She just took the f*ck off and didn't look back. No one I know looks down on her for leaving for awhile. I'm pretty sure we all wish we had the balls to do it ourselves.

Yeah you're right. At times, when things have gotten nuts (especially last spring, when my life was ruled by a precalc meant for people going into the sciences, which is just perfect for someone who's a complete spaz at math :lol:), I've just wanted to leave and go somewhere else for a while. Hell, i don't have a problem with anyone who needs to leave school a while for a reason, be it stress or my friend Barry who, aside from being the ultimate pack rat (that's a story for another time), actually had to take time off cause he couldn't afford it, but either, do whatever you need to do so you could graduate sane, even if it means loosening your course load or running off to New Zealand or some other awesome place.

In other words Bee, it seems like the best option for you is to maybe cut a class or 2 that's causing major stress. How many credits are you taking this semester?

[Silver Springs]

i cant afford to take time off...both financially or time wise...id lose everything i already have done....i just wat to die right now..

[WildHeart69]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UQfwRvxSGm4/Sck4Ov0lsCI/AAAAAAAADE0/aZ5Wndaq_OI/s200/5hour_energy.jpg

Works 100x's better than Red Bull, Monster or Rockstar (or any of those carbonated energy drinks)...with ZERO sugar (so your pancreas & kidneys don't get damaged) :nod: None of the "shakes" that those other drinks have as a side effect...after 5 hours, there's no residual "buzz" to keep you awake, can fall asleep normally.


You have a lot more to worry about in terms of liver/kidney damage than sugar... just because something is "natural" doesnt mean it's good for you. There are tons of "herbal" remedies that you can get that are just plain harmful (and they are not regulated by the FDA). I can't imagine that 5 hour energy drinks are "100% safe" if taken in such large quantities over time.

[Lindsfan]

i cant afford to take time off...both financially or time wise...id lose everything i already have done....i just wat to die right now..

Bee, you need to talk to a counselor to re-work your schedule. Happiness and health should always come first. If you can't talk to your parents or a sibling, then maybe a friend's parents or sibling, or anyone you're comfortable with. But you should talk face to face with someone about what you're feeling. You really can put off your classes for a while. People do it all the time. You'll catch up when you're ready. Just get someone to help you lighten the load. Once you do, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner :nod:

[holidayroad]

Is there any way you could live somewhere other than with your parents? I know you are working hard with school, but I think what's really doing you in is the mental strain you are having to handle because of your parent's issues. Could you stay with a relative or friend, even for a week or two? I think you'd greatly benefit from it.