School Burnout
I know I’m not alone in this experience, but it’s tough to talk about. I was an A+ student all my life, but everything changed when I hit Year 11. Suddenly, I lost all motivation. On top of that, I don’t really have anyone to hang out with, and things at home have been pretty stressful, so I won’t get into that.
My classes—legal studies, English, math—feel overwhelming. It’s not that the work is impossible, but the sheer volume of it is just too much. I try to tackle my assignments at home, but I often find myself distracted, either drawing or writing stories instead. I also struggle with the way creativity is graded in my art class, and I find the structure required in my writing frustrating. The thought of facing the next few years with this pressure is daunting, especially since I plan to go to university.
I also have a hard time interacting with people. Whether it’s my autism or my current mental state, social situations make me incredibly anxious. Even if I find someone interesting, I freeze up and then stress over it for days afterward.
Sometimes, I wish I could just escape into my writing forever, free from all this pressure and worry.
I realize that many people are dealing with similar struggles, but it’s still hard to shake off that feeling of isolation. It seems like everyone else is thriving, or at least has a vibrant social life. I do engage in small interactions throughout the day, but that’s about it.
I’ve tried to create a little routine for myself: I read for at least an hour each day without distractions. It gives me something to look forward to and helps me feel a bit better about myself.
In closing, I just want someone to tell me I’m not crazy; this feels like an endless cycle of stress.
I really struggle with being around others and finding it hard to cope with the noise of talking for eight hours straight every day.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly challenging time, and it’s completely valid to feel overwhelmed, especially with everything that’s on your plate.
It’s tough when you’ve always performed well academically and then suddenly find yourself feeling burned out — it happens to a lot of people! The pressure to maintain those high standards can be exhausting, especially when you’re dealing with personal challenges at home.
Your feelings of isolation are understandable. Just remember, many people experience similar struggles, even if it seems like everyone around you has it all figured out. Social anxiety can make interactions feel even more daunting, and it sounds like you’re doing your best to manage that while also coping with your studies.
It’s great that you’ve found a routine in reading that brings you some peace. Finding small moments of joy, like drawing or writing your stories, can be incredibly healing. Those activities allow for self-expression and remind you of what you love, which is important for maintaining your mental health.
Please know that you’re not insane—you’re navigating a tough situation, and it’s okay to feel frustrated. If you haven’t already, reaching out to a counselor or therapist could be really helpful. They can provide support and strategies to help you manage the stress and social anxiety.
You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek help. Just take things one step at a time, and remember that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. You deserve to find joy in your creativity and to feel supported.