Desperate for Advice: Surviving Year 11
Hey everyone,
I’m currently in Year 11 and honestly, I’m struggling a lot. It’s only week 4 of the first term, and I already feel completely overwhelmed. I’m enrolled in 4 ATAR subjects (Geography, History, Psychology, and English) as well as 2 Certificate II courses (Visual Art and Workplace Skills), and it feels like I’m drowning in work.
Right now, I have to memorize an extensive amount of information, including the entire human brain and its different parts, the nervous system, lobotomy procedures, psychological ethics, historical events in America from 1850 to 1939, definitions of capitalism, types of hazards, and even literature analysis. On top of that, I have to manage work packages for my certificates and a seemingly endless pile of homework. The pressure is relentless—I’m spending so much time just trying to memorize everything while juggling actual assignments that come with strict word counts.
I’m genuinely feeling lost and overwhelmed, to the point where it’s affecting my mental health. High school has always had its challenges for me, but this has pushed me into a deeper state of anxiety and depression. I can hardly enjoy my social life anymore; I can’t play video games with friends or hang out because I’m always catching up on work.
Time management doesn’t seem to help, as the workload feels unmanageable. It feels like all I do is work, with no time for anything else. Unfortunately, quitting ATAR isn’t an option for me, as my parents are pushing me to stick with it, yet they don’t seem to understand the intensity of my workload. They view my struggles as laziness, which has created a rift between us. I even received a call from school because I couldn’t keep up with two English essays, and now there’s even more tension at home. My parents have said that if I receive one more notice about my homework, I could lose my laptop and other privileges.
I’m losing motivation to do anything; all I want is to lie in bed and avoid school altogether. My parents also don’t believe in mental health issues, making it hard for me to convey what I’m going through.
If anyone has any advice or tips on how to manage this overwhelming workload while also taking care of my mental health, I would really appreciate it. Thank you for your support!
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re carrying an enormous burden, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed with everything you’re facing. Here are some tips that could help you manage your workload and mental health:
Break it Down: Try breaking your tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Instead of thinking about memorizing everything at once, focus on one topic or section each day. This can reduce the overwhelming pressure and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each small task.
Prioritize Tasks: Identify which assignments are most urgent or have upcoming deadlines, and focus on those first. Make a list of everything you need to do and prioritize it. This will help you tackle the most pressing concerns and maybe relieve some pressure.
Set Realistic Goals: Set specific and realistic daily goals for your study sessions. For instance, you might aim to memorize certain sections or complete specific parts of your homework, then take a break or reward yourself afterward.
Schedule Breaks: Don’t forget to schedule short breaks during your study time. Even a 5-minute break every 25-30 minutes can help refresh your mind and improve productivity.
Reach Out for Help: If you have teachers, mentors, or school counselors, reach out to them about how you’re feeling. They might be able to provide accommodations or additional resources to help ease your workload.
Communicate with Your Parents: When you’re feeling up to it, try to explain to your parents how much pressure you’re under. It can be helpful to share specific examples of the workload and how it’s affecting your mental health. Perhaps you can request a family meeting to discuss your concerns and the importance of understanding mental health.
Find Support Groups: Look for support groups at your school or online where students share their experiences. Knowing you’re not alone can be really comforting, and these groups can offer practical strategies and emotional support.
Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, whether that’s drawing, reading, or taking a walk. Even though it feels like you have no time, self-care is essential for maintaining your mental health.
Consider Professional Help: If your feelings of depression intensify, seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial. They provide coping strategies and support tailored to your situation.
Reassess Your Load: If it’s possible and you’re finding it truly unmanageable, consider having a conversation with a school counselor about adjusting your course load or exploring different options that fit better with your current circumstances.
Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your mental health matters, and finding a balance is crucial. Take things one step at a time, and prioritize your well-being. You’re not alone in this; there are people and resources that can help you navigate through it.