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Having fomo all the time cannot study
I constantly experience FOMO, which makes it very hard for me to focus on my studies. I am an engineering student and currently have three backlogs, so I know studying is important, but I still end up spending a lot of time watching YouTube videos.
I deactivated my Instagram account because scrolling there was worsening my FOMO, but on YouTube I keep watching motivational and random videos instead of studying.
This cycle is affecting my mental health. I feel mentally restless, get irritated easily, and experience panic at times. Even when I want to study, my mind feels distracted and overwhelmed, and I’m unable to stay consistent.
Answers (11)
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Your condition is understandable. Many suffer similarly. Many social media users have problem with attention span, mood swings and emotional and behavioral changes which affect them significantly. good that you have taken a break. It will take few days to settle. If it has not, consult a psychiatrist for a short course treatment. Good luck.
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It might be ocd
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consultant for appointment.
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Start with counseling and medicine, it will help
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First of all,you have to accept one fact that you are afraid of loosing again in one more exam and afraid of getting backlog again so you are searching for creating actual reasons that you can use once you get backlog this time..reasons like “kyu ki maine youtube video dekha tha isiliye mere fir se marks nahi aye” but in this way you will sympathise yourself again n again and it will not at all help you in passing marks because for that you have to read which you r not being able to read..motivational videos will helpful to you when you actually use those tactics in sustaining your focus in studies otherwise they boost your confidence for short period,but actually will not feed any of your engineering exam content..
Next Steps
Take online consultation for discussion regarding scheduling your life till exam,professional monitoring always helps in exam kind of short term target plans
Health Tips
You deserve peace like you think your fellow batchmates who are smoothly passing are having and you will definitely have that just you need professional and real time paychiatry advisory who can guide you through this tough phase
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Hey, I understand sometimes to stay consistent and only focus on studies can be bit challenging, and I know how the fomo of phone works, it's practically like you can't leave your phone and have a guilt of not studying too.
But do not worry, it will take time, but surely you will be able to get consistent
Next Steps
consult your psychiatrist. they will help you in managing your time and also, help in giving an alternative explanation to your FOMO
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First of all, please know that nothing is “wrong” with you. What you’re experiencing is very common among students today. This is not laziness. Your mind is stressed and overstimulated.
When studies start feeling heavy and overwhelming, the brain naturally looks for easy relief. Watching YouTube or scrolling content is your nervous system trying to escape pressure for a while. It gives short-term comfort, but later increases guilt, anxiety, and restlessness. That is how this cycle gets created.
Right now, your mind is overloaded. Anxiety plus backlog creates an avoidance response. YouTube is not the real problem. It has become your coping mechanism.
Next Steps
Stop telling yourself “I have to study the whole day.” Instead, tell yourself “I will study for just 20 minutes.” Keep the goal very small. Starting is the hardest part. Once you start, momentum slowly builds.
Before you sit to study, calm your nervous system. Close your eyes and breathe slowly for two minutes, or splash cold water on your face. This helps your brain shift from stress mode to focus mode.
Write your backlog on paper instead of carrying it in your head. Then break it into very small pieces. One subject, one chapter, one topic only.
Health Tips
Use the 25–5 method. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. Do this three times, then take a longer break.
You don’t have to completely remove YouTube. Just use it consciously. Decide that you will watch one video only after one study session, not before and not in between.
Remember that focus will feel uncomfortable in the beginning. Your brain is used to constant stimulation, so this discomfort is normal. It does not mean you are incapable.
If you are experiencing panic, restlessness, irritation, and constant overwhelm, please consider talking to a counsellor in real life. This is stress and anxiety, not a motivation problem.
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watching motivational video short term me relief deti hai long term me rarely help karti hai becoz motivation bahar se lena cha rhe hai ye andar se aana chayie
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take help from a professional to know you betterki what you want
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Hi.. will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately. Medicines and therapy can help. Consult online for treatment
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Dr. Seujee Goswami
Psychiatrist
13 yrs exp
Bangalore
Persistent fear of missing out (FOMO), excessive digital consumption, difficulty sustaining attention, and restlessness can significantly interfere with academic performance and mental well-being, especially in young adults. These patterns may be linked to anxiety, poor attentional regulation, and maladaptive coping habits rather than a single diagnosis. A proper assessment is necessary to understand the underlying factors contributing to distraction, panic symptoms, and difficulty maintaining consistency.
Next Steps
Consult a mental health professional for a detailed evaluation of anxiety levels, attention patterns, screen use habits, and study-related stress. Psychological interventions focusing on anxiety management, behavioural structuring, and attention control can be helpful. Medication may be considered only if indicated after assessment.
Health Tips
Avoid self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone. Excessive reliance on motivational or random online content can unintentionally reinforce avoidance and anxiety. Structured routines and professional guidance are more effective than repeated self-help attempts.
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Ms. Sheetal Kusumbe
Counselling Psychologist
21 yrs exp
Thane
Hello,
Thankyou for sharing your concern here.
Your mind keeps wandering , escaping and has normalized being in a stimulated state.
Practicing mindfulness, being in the present moment shall help focus, concentration and overcoming this loop possible.
Counseling sessions with therapeutic intervention can help build a new foundation of creating a balance and harmony in the manner in which you function.
Anxiety, irritability and panic are byproducts of this stimulation. Once you address and work on the core reason, you shall experience progressive healing.
You can consult for further professional guidance.
I wish you success and holistic wellness.
Happy Healthy Living!
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Dr. Indraja Sharma
Psychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Kota
This isn’t laziness—it’s anxiety + overstimulation.
FOMO and backlogs overload the brain, so it escapes to YouTube for short-term relief, which then worsens restlessness and panic.
What helps (short & practical):
• Study in 20-minute blocks only (no full-day pressure)
• Keep YouTube blocked during study time
• Start with the easiest topic first
• Do daily physical movement + proper sleep
• If panic, irritability, or focus issues persist → consult a mental health professional (CBT works very well)
You’re not broken—your nervous system is overwhelmed.
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