Dear golden:

You are not dumb; you are in a very difficult situation. I wish it was possible to have an emergency family meeting in your home, rules put into place so that people get along and there peace and quiet in the house for everyone’s benefit.

Do your best to make your situation better: organize your room, so it is orderly. Keep a daily routine that includes adequate studying for your AP tests, including continuing your daily jog (maybe increase it to two jogs per day, so to further lower your distress).

Minimize your interactions with your family members so to minimize conflicts and arguments. And do post again.

* Regarding gaining five pounds for no apparent reason: it may be water, having had salty food and retained water, not having gone to the bathroom.

One more thing,  check out Head space. com, a website with lots of guided meditations and mindful exercises available for lower stress level and better sleep.

anita