young male trying to find strength on day-by-day basis?

It sounds to me like you may be stressed out from pushing yourself too hard and worrying too much. The best source of inner peace and strength physically, as well as emotionally, can come from your turning your life to God. Trusting God is not always easy. Maybe taking time off from your studies would help you? A change might be good for a little while. Often time, God's plan, can be different than our own plans. Keep that in mind as you move forward. Perhaps finding a job and dropping your studies for a few months, and not pushing your girlfriend, would help to get you back on track, and restore your self confidence? If your relationship with her is meant to be, it will happen, in time. Let go of trying to control things too much. I think it is good you've reached out for advice here. Maybe you should take that one step further, by finding a good counselor you like and respect, to confide in. I am certain the college you are at has a good psychologist on staff, who's services would be free to you perhaps as a student there. Last, but not least, read your Bible often, and highlight those passages that speak out to you the most, and then go back, days later, to re-read those scriptures. God can speak to you through his written word. I recommend you read Psalms written by David. Also, read Romans Chapter 8, Verse 28, written by The Apostle Paul. Peace be with you now, and always.