I’m reaching out for advice and tips on how to survive Year 11 because I’m really struggling right now. It’s only the fourth week of Term 1, and I’m feeling completely overwhelmed. I’m taking four ATAR subjects (Geography, History, Psychology, and English) along with two Certificate II courses (Visual Art and Workplace Skills), and honestly, I feel like I’m drowning in work.
My workload includes memorizing the entire brain and its functions, understanding the nervous system, and learning about lobotomies. I’m also tasked with knowing psychological ethics and what they entail, studying American history from 1850 to 1939, and grasping the concept of capitalism. On top of that, I need to analyze short stories and novels, manage work packages for my certificates, and tackle a seemingly endless stream of homework. I often find myself juggling the need to memorize a lot of information while completing assignments that require lengthy written responses.
I’m already feeling overwhelmed, and it’s taking a toll on my mental health. High school has always been challenging for me, but now it feels like I’m heading toward a breakdown. The stress is affecting my social life, and I can’t spend time playing video games or hanging out with friends because I’m constantly catching up on homework. I’ve tried managing my time, but the sheer volume of work makes it feel impossible.
To make things tougher, my parents are pushing me into ATAR subjects, and they don’t seem to understand how much I’m struggling. They think my workload isn’t that heavy and that I’m just being lazy, which has created more tension between us. After not completing a couple of English essays, I received a call home, and now my privileges are at risk if I fall behind again.
I’m losing motivation and often just want to stay in bed instead of facing school. My parents don’t acknowledge mental health issues, so they act like I should handle everything without complaint. They’re very strict, and I’m unsure if their behavior is toxic, but it’s definitely causing me a lot of stress.
If anyone has tips or advice on how to manage this overwhelming amount of work while maintaining my mental health, I would greatly appreciate it. I want to navigate this year without falling into a dark place. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re dealing with an incredibly heavy workload, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are some strategies that might help you cope with your situation:
Break Tasks Down: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break your assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, if you have to memorize parts of the brain, focus on one section a day rather than the entire thing at once.
Prioritize Your Work: Decide which tasks are most urgent or important. Tackle those first. A priority list can help you focus on what really needs to be completed.
Set Specific Goals: Instead of broad objectives like “study psychology,” set more specific goals like “review brain lobes for 30 minutes.” This can make your tasks feel less daunting.
Use Active Learning Techniques: Instead of rote memorization, try methods like flashcards, teaching the material to someone else, or creating quizzes for yourself. This can help make the material stick more effectively.
Create a Study Schedule: Designate specific times for studying each subject. Include short breaks to recharge. Even 5-minute breaks after 25 minutes of focus can improve your productivity and mental clarity.
Talk to Your Teachers: If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, consider reaching out to your teachers for support. They might be able to provide additional resources or suggest strategies specifically for their subjects.
Seek Support from Friends: If possible, have study sessions with friends. Sometimes discussing material with classmates can help solidify your understanding and make studying feel less isolating.
Practice Self-Care: Make sure to take care of your mental health. This might include setting aside time for activities you enjoy, like video games or hanging out with friends, even if it’s just for a short time.
Consider Professional Help: If you’re feeling suicidal or in crisis, please seek out support from a trusted adult, counselor, or mental health professional. You deserve to talk to someone who can help you navigate these feelings.
Communicate with Your Parents: It might be worth trying to have an open conversation with your parents about how you’re feeling. Maybe express to them that you feel overwhelmed and ask for their understanding and support.
Remember, it’s okay to struggle, and seeking help is a strength. You don’t have to go through this alone, and with the right strategies and support, you can find a way to manage your workload while also taking care of your mental health.