I’m really worried about my friend. One of my closest friends is incredibly overextended, juggling leadership in over five clubs and taking all AP and honors classes. On top of that, she has countless extracurriculars that I’ve honestly stopped trying to count. Most nights, she manages only about two hours of sleep. I have no idea how she keeps going.
The pressure from her parents is intense, as they expect her to excel while showing much more leniency towards her younger sister. If she gets anything below a 90, it turns into a huge ordeal. I remember a time when she was devastated over receiving an 80 on an assignment, feeling like it was the worst thing that could happen. Her parents genuinely care for her, and she loves them, but that expectation weighs heavily on her.
She’s faced struggles with suicidal thoughts in the past, and I can’t imagine how all of this affects her mental health. Whenever we finally get a chance to hang out (which is tough since she’s always swamped), she opens up about her overwhelming load of homework and grades. The thought of dropping any of her classes, even the ones that are giving her a tough time, is something she can’t consider. I’ve tried countless times to make her see that this is harmful to her, but it feels like my words fall on deaf ears.
I completely understand her desire to get into a good college and pursue a challenging career, but there comes a point where it can all become too much. It breaks my heart to see her pushing herself to the brink, and I feel so helpless as I watch her struggle.
It’s really tough to watch a close friend struggle, especially when it seems like they’re pushing themselves to the brink. It’s clear you care deeply about her well-being, and that’s a great starting point.
It sounds like she is under immense pressure from multiple directions, and while it’s admirable that she wants to do well, what she’s experiencing is definitely not sustainable. It’s important for her to realize that her worth isn’t solely tied to her grades or accomplishments, but that can be hard when her parents have such high expectations.
Have you thought about encouraging her to talk to a trusted teacher or school counselor? They might be able to provide additional support or help her come up with a manageable plan. If she’s open to it, gently suggesting that she take a break or reduce her commitments might help her see the importance of balance.
You might also consider exploring some self-care strategies together, like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Sometimes just having someone to vent to can be incredibly beneficial, so being that friend for her is valuable too.
Ultimately, you can’t fix this for her, but continuing to be there for her, listening, and showing your support can make a world of difference. It’s a difficult situation, but your friendship can be a comforting anchor for her.