I’m really frustrated right now.
“Just lock in.”
“Just do your homework.”
“Just put in more effort.”
“Just stop being lazy.”
“Just go to class.”
I’m so done with all the “just’s.” Seriously, enough already.
First off, the lack of empathy is overwhelming. But honestly, how do I “lock in”? How do I magically force myself to do my homework or muster up more effort? Discipline? Sure, but HOW? How does one even get started on tasks when you feel completely lost? I genuinely believe there’s no easy answer. The system is just not built for everyone. I’ve tried to push myself; all I’ve found that works at all is the 321 method. After a month of staring at my homework while trying to use it, I can say it’s completely useless to me.
And please, don’t suggest the Pomodoro method. That assumes you know how to start a task, which I don’t. It might help those with low stamina, but I can’t even tell if my stamina is low or high since I haven’t done any homework since my early freshman year and I’m now gearing up to be a senior.
Also, let’s not even talk about therapy. I’ve been through nine therapists, and frankly, none have really grasped what I’m experiencing. My current “therapist” is a college intern, which my mom and I didn’t realize. She doesn’t understand even the basics and says she can’t help until she gets materials from her supervisors. When I share something heavy, she just stares blankly and says, “Well… I’m here for you.” I often find myself just sitting there, watching as she scrolls through Pinterest on her laptop. Yes, you read that right—Pinterest.
So please, don’t tell me to “just lock in.” If anyone says anything like that again, I might just lose it. I once got so angry at someone for calling me lazy that I made them delete their Reddit account. I’ve heard that label so many times it’s exhausting. It’s frustrating beyond belief—I wish I had the solution, but I don’t. So if you want to avoid setting off a very frustrated, mentally overwhelmed person, it’s best not to provoke me. But hey, if you find that funny, go ahead. Just know that it might not end well.
It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed and frustrated right now, and that’s completely valid. The pressure to “just” do things can feel dismissive, especially when you’re struggling to figure out how to even start. It’s tough when it feels like no one understands the work you’re putting in, or when the usual strategies just don’t click for you.
Sometimes, the expectation to perform or produce can feel impossible when you’re not sure where or how to start. It’s okay to feel lost in all of this; you’re not alone in that struggle. The system can often overlook the unique challenges people face, and it’s totally understandable that finding help—whether through methods or therapy—has been frustrating for you.
It might help to break things down even more simply than techniques like the 321 or Pomodoro method. Instead of focusing on “locking in” or doing homework, maybe think about setting just one small, manageable goal that feels achievable. It could be something as simple as opening your textbook or writing one sentence. Sometimes just taking that first tiny step can relieve some of the weight.
Also, it’s crucial to have a support system that gets you. If you feel your therapist isn’t meeting your needs, that’s worth addressing with them or seeking out someone else—your mental health deserves the right kind of support.
You’re navigating a really tough situation, but don’t hesitate to voice what you truly need and feel. Whatever the steps are, it’s okay to take them at your own pace. Hang in there!