Studying Psychology But Might Be Stressed or Manic

Reader’s Question

I am studying to be a psychologist. Lately, however, I have been having a few problems. I would like a basic diagnosis to confirm my fears that I may have Mania. My sleep has been strained lately and for the first time I have been consistently dreaming. I have been eating more and I feel restless all the time like I have had too much caffeine. I have cut my caffeine intake drastically but lately I feel tired all the time. I never really exercise but I have had the urge to hit the treadmill and I have been a lot compared to my old habits. Maybe I’m being a hypochondriac but I feel I may need some help. Thank you for your time.

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

This doesn’t sound like Mania… Why? You’re worried about it! By clinical definition, Mania is almost the opposite of worry, distress, and fatigue. Instead of uncomfortable restlessness, Mania produces the sense of being energized — a positive feeling. Rather, this pattern of changes suggests stress and agitation — probably from the various stressors in your life — school, studying, family, etc. Folks often forget that something we like can be very stressful. Couples typically have more arguments on vacation than any other time for example. While studying to be a psychologist can be fun and entertaining, it can also be very stressful (believe me…I know). I would recommend reading a few articles on stress and lowering stress. Do a school paper on stress. You may need to incorporate an exercise program as part of your stress-reduction program. Stress will also activate brain neurotransmitters that will create physical symptoms such as leg cramps, stomach distress, headaches, aches/pains, lightheadedness, etc. When this happens, folks often start to feel like a hypochondriac. Nothing serious to worry about but you need to work on stress management and reduction NOW before your psychology classes become more difficult.

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