Is it normal to get anxious when i don't learn new things?

I probably spend hours everyday googling the most random things. Yesterday I researched the history of Voodoo and Hoodoo and now I'm halfway through 'The Jungle' by Upton Sinclair. I know that desiring knowledge is fine, but whenever I can't absorb some form of information I get anxious to the point of panic attacks and vomiting. I'll just start wondering about the political atmosphere in South Africa and it's almost like I can't do anything else until I at least learn something generally. If I really care about it, not even that is enough.

Hell, I've been reading random articles for the past few hours. I really want to stop but I'm even anxious now that I've taken a break because I feel like I just absolutely have to know something about anything. This information isn't even that useful. It doesn't stop there, though. I also have the compulsion to share it all. I'm lucky my boyfriend likes to listen, but I find myself chatting his ear off about things he likely has no interest in. When he's not available, I get anxious until we can talk again.

Is this normal? Does anyone experience anything similar?

Voting Results
61% Normal
Based on 18 votes (11 yes)
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Comments ( 3 )
  • xxLucifer

    Vomiting and panic attacks are symptoms of anxiety, but vomiting isn't a very common symptom. If it happens a lot that you are vomiting because of your anxiety then you should go see a doctor. As for the anxiety when not knowing something that kinda the definition of anxiety. Anxiety is the fear of the unknown. Although I don't think the reason you have anxiety is very common and if it something that gets in the way of your day to day activities then I suggest seeking some form of help.

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  • samfoxrawr

    It’s normal! (Kinda!)
    It sounds to be like an Obsessive-Compulsive habit, which is kind of standard these days. Around 2% of the population is estimated to have some degree of one, meaning you probably know someone like that. Having one about learning new things, in particular, isn’t a normal habit to have, but it’s (probably) a good one (depending on the severity of reaction at any given time)! That habit, in particular, sounds to me like you have the inner workings of a savant. So, like, awesome job on that!

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  • lordofopinions

    You can't expect to know about everything in detail. If I have passing interests in something and learn just enough to know what its about and maybe concentrate understanding some things I consider interesting.

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