Dear ataraxia:

It is difficult to live with so much anxiety. It is very difficult to decide on a career path when experiencing significant anxiety. The going to school in itself presents challenges that trigger anxiety.

To reduce your anxiety, let’s look at what is increasing it. I see two things:

1. You “dont want to be left behind by my peers who are getting farther/becoming more successful”- this creates distress that increases your anxiety.

2. You are afraid that your family members perceive you as whiney or that you ” just leech away”.

If you could resolve these two stressors, your anxiety will lessen. Would you like to elaborate on either one, or both?

anita