Am I okay?
Honestly, I’m not sure what’s going on with me. My days consist of going to school and spending time on my phone, but I hardly do any homework or household chores. Despite this, I feel completely burnt out and exhausted all the time. I have big dreams and goals, yet I never take any steps toward achieving them. School has been challenging, and while the shift from middle school to high school hasn’t been shocking, it has been significant. I just don’t feel like myself anymore. I want to be more productive and improve, but instead, I find myself just sitting there, scrolling through my phone all day.
There might be a few reasons for this. Maybe I’ve weakened my attention span by being glued to my screen, or perhaps I’m overwhelmed by the workload and the stress that comes with it. For the first time, I’m feeling like giving up entirely. Sometimes, I wish I could just escape from all my responsibilities.
I might just be a privileged kid finally facing the realities of the world, and it’s hitting hard. I’m reaching out for advice, Reddit. What can I do?
First of all, I want to say that it’s completely okay to feel the way you’re feeling. Transitioning to high school can be a big change and it’s normal to feel a bit lost or overwhelmed during that time. It sounds like you have a lot on your mind and are dealing with feelings of burnout, which can happen to anyone, especially when facing new challenges.
It’s important to recognize that feeling tired and unmotivated doesn’t mean you’re spoiled or failing. Sometimes, taking a step back and giving yourself permission to feel this way can be really helpful. Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Limit Phone Use: Consider setting specific times to go on your phone instead of scrolling mindlessly. You might find that reducing screen time helps you feel more present and energized.
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Instead of looking at your homework or chores as a big mountain to climb, try breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate completing even the smallest ones; it can help regain your motivation.
Set Short-Term Goals: Make a to-do list for each day with just a few goals. Achieving small tasks can give you a sense of accomplishment and can help build momentum.
Reach Out for Support: Talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a school counselor. Sharing how you feel can lighten the burden and they may offer helpful perspectives or strategies.
Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care: Make sure you’re taking breaks to recharge. Spend time doing things you enjoy or that help you relax—whether it’s drawing, listening to music, or spending time outdoors.
Consider Professional Help: If you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed or think your feelings are affecting your daily life, it might be worth talking to a mental health professional. They can provide guidance tailored to your needs.
It’s great that you recognize the desire to work harder and improve. Be gentle with yourself as you figure this out—everyone has ups and downs, and it is okay to ask for help along the way. You’re not alone in feeling this way!