Overturmoil inner turmoil?

Question

I had a semester in high school when I was borderline-failing 2 classes (being usually A/B student) and my mood was in the pits.
What pulled me out of this cycle of self-loathing/self-pity was getting in trouble. Doesn’t matter why (something quite minor), I was pulled out of class by a school policeman and an assistant principal and taken into the assistant principal’s office for a serious talk. I got off with 10 hours of service learning and a disciplinary citation… and most amazingly I broke that cycle of self-loathing/self-pity.
I’m in it again, and not sure how to get out. I’m thinking of getting in trouble again, but now that I’m older, trouble has a way of settling on my permanent record. I’m looking for anything to get me out of my comfort zone and my mind off my failure. And yeah, I tried “thinking” along the lines that people starve to death and I feel sorry for myself for a bad grade. Doesn’t help. Only makes me hate myself more.
Anything you could suggest?

Answer 1

"I’m looking for anything to get me out of my comfort zone and my mind off my failure."

This is a GREAT way to think. Performing the actions you mentioned is a way of seeking attention. Sometimes negative attention works just as well in the psyche as positive does.

However, leaving your comfort zone is a great way to perform the same actions. Find a hobby or interest and study it. Search for people with similar interests and you'll receive the same attention, this time positive, and you'll have expanded your mind with new experiences.