Ask Jigsaw: How can this be normal?

Friday, 17 July 2020

how can i know now, being unable to seek advice from my GP or any professionals due to the coronavirus outbreak, whats wrong with me?

last week it was like my mind was running at ten thousand miles per hour with no way of controling it. my thoughts would be going so fast at any given time that if i didnt write them down as soon as i have them id have forgetten them.

but now its like nothing. its like theres only ever one thing on my mind on repeat over and over again. its the feeling of emptiness and nothingness, the feeling that makes me think: this isnt living, i might as well be dead.

of course i thought the fact of self isolation and social distancing is probably the cause of this feeling but this is not the first time ive felt this way its just up until now ive been able to distract myself by the people i care about and their problems.

but now as a 15 old alone in my own head with my own thoughts ive been forced to confront these feelings and emotions and have come to the conclusion that this cannot be normal otherwise how have so many people NOT committed suicide you know?

-idek anymore *Please note this question has been edited in length from the original submission

Hello idek anymore,

It sounds like you have been on a bit of a roller coaster recently, from thoughts racing to feeling numb. The fact that we don’t have access to all of the same supports and distractions as usual can certainly amplify the feelings and concerns that were already there.

Brian

Jigsaw Clinician

There are still mental health services operating, although perhaps in different ways.

The first thing to say is that many GPs are still available to offer advice, and there are still mental health services operating, although perhaps in different ways. There is a list of mental health services that are operating on the HSE website here. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide then it is particularly important to get support with this. You can call Pieta House on 1800 247 247.

However, it is also important to know that the reactions that you’ve noticed, such as mind racing and feelings of emptiness are not an unusual response to the current situation. Our minds and bodies often respond automatically when we are faced with a threat. These thoughts and feelings can be really uncomfortable and upsetting and we can look at ways to manage them. You can read more about minding mental health at this time here.

It can be difficult, but if there is someone you trust that you could talk to about how you have been feeling this could be really helpful.

Best wishes,

Brian, Jigsaw Clinician