I completely get what you mean by feeling like you're drowning! It sounds like you've been trying to cope with a lot of stuff at once, which is really tough. I think it's great that your friend suggested talking about it and writing down your thoughts, even if you haven't found it helpful so far.
One strategy that might help take some emotional weight off your shoulders is mindfulness practices. Sometimes when we're feeling overwhelmed, our minds can feel like they're racing a hundred miles per hour. Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and letting go of worries about the past or future. It's not about solving your problems immediately, but more about building some inner space to breathe and calm down.
There are many techniques you could try – like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even just taking short breaks during the day to sit quietly with a cup of tea. No need to put any pressure on yourself to do it "right" or for a certain amount of time. Just small moments each day where you can let go of tension and focus on what's right in front of you might give you some relief.
Another thing that helped me when I felt overwhelmed was breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. When we look at big projects or huge problems, it can feel like they're impossibly big. But if you break things down into tiny steps – almost like writing a to-do list for yourself – it makes each task less daunting and more achievable.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of reaching out to people for support! It's okay to not be okay, and talking through how you're feeling can really help clear some mental fog. If you feel comfortable, maybe try sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or professional counselor – sometimes just saying what's on our mind can make it less heavy.
Take care and remember you're not alone in this!
