Feeling Burnt Out from School
I think many people can relate to my story. I used to be an A+ student throughout my life, but everything changed when I hit year 11. I’ve lost motivation for school and life in general. On top of that, I don’t really have anyone to hang out with, and I’m dealing with some stressful family issues that I won’t get into.
My courses—legal studies, English, mathematics—feel overwhelming. It’s not that the work is too difficult, but the sheer volume of it is exhausting. When I try to study at home, I can’t help but get distracted by my drawing and writing. I also struggle with the way I’m graded on creativity in art class and the rigid structure I have to follow for writing assignments. The scariest part is realizing that I’m on this path for the next few years since I’m planning on heading to university.
I struggle with social interactions, too. Whether it’s my autism or just where I am mentally, I often feel intense social anxiety, even around people I find interesting. I freeze up and then spend days stressing about it afterward.
I sometimes wish I could just spend my time writing my odd stories in peace, free from these worries.
I know I’m not the only one feeling this way—this isn’t an uncommon struggle—but it can be incredibly isolating. It seems like everyone else is managing their studies better or has a vibrant social life, while I only have fleeting interactions with people.
To cope, I’ve started a little routine of reading for at least an hour each morning without distractions. It gives me something to look forward to and helps me feel better about myself.
Anyway, to wrap this up, I really hope I’m not alone in feeling this way. This cycle of stress feels never-ending.
I just can’t stand being surrounded by people and listening to chatter for eight hours every day.
Hey there,
First off, I want to say you’re definitely not insane. What you’re feeling is something many people can relate to, especially during challenging times like year 11. The pressure of academics combined with personal struggles can really weigh heavily on anyone, so it’s completely valid to feel overwhelmed.
It’s great that you’ve found some comfort in reading. Creating a routine that includes something you enjoy can make a significant difference. It sounds like you have a passion for writing and drawing, which are wonderful outlets to express yourself, especially when everything feels heavy.
Remember that school isn’t just about grades; it’s also about finding what you love and discovering who you are. You mentioned wanting to write your stories in peace, and maybe trying to carve out more time for that could help you balance the demands of school with your creative pursuits.
I can understand how challenging social interactions can be, particularly with anxiety. It’s okay to take things at your own pace and focus on small interactions that feel comfortable for you. Sometimes just being around others, even if you’re not actively socializing, can help lessen that sense of isolation.
If you haven’t already, don’t hesitate to reach out for support—whether it’s speaking to a school counselor or finding a support group. Having someone to talk to about what you’re experiencing can be a huge relief.
Just know that you’re not alone in this, and it’s alright to take things one step at a time. Keep focusing on what brings you joy, even if it feels small. You’ve got this! 💛