What It's Like To Burn Out In College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What It's Like To Burn Out In College

Reigniting your flame.

109
What It's Like To Burn Out In College

What does it mean to burn out? Burning out is a term used to explain a period of time where an individual is exhausted and loses motivation for their job, schooling, and other activities. I didn’t think that such a thing could affect me, but it did. I was naïve, I took a plate that was too full, too heavy, for me to handle. I took on school, the honors program, writing, working 24+ hours a week, and still managed to have a social life. But for what?

Earlier this week I noticed that I was more overwhelmed than usual. I have an anxiety disorder so I initially dismissed my symptoms as that, but I was wrong. I was panicky, nauseous, exhausted and felt extremely depressed. So depressed and unmotivated that I didn’t care to do my work or watch TV or do anything for that matter. I wanted to lay in bed and be untouched. I felt horrible, more horrible than I had ever felt before and for the first time in my life, I asked for help. I sent my advisor at school an email. She agreed to meet with me and I carried on the rest of the week as best as I could.

When I met with my advisor she had me explain to her how I was feeling. I told her I was unmotivated, that I was angry and irritable and I told her I was exhausted. Beyond exhausted. She looked at me and I could tell that she was concerned. I continued to talk to her about my week until she eventually looked at me and said, “Well, of course you feel this way, you’re burning out.”

When she said that I swear I felt like my heart had stopped. When I think of someone burning out I think of a middle aged man or woman who has worked at the same job for years. Most of these thoughts are based on the countless movies I’ve watched, but still, I never associate burning out with a freshman in college. It felt kind of bad to hear her say that. I felt as if I was doing something wrong because in my opinion, I wasn’t doing too much in my life. In fact, I thought I wasn’t doing enough.

My advisor quickly explained that it’s normal to burn out, no matter what age you’re at and the more I look into it, the more I realize she’s right. Burning out is fine. You have so much going on in your life and it’s normal to be exhausted. Most importantly, it’s okay to be exhausted. I know that they say that life will stop for no one but if you need a break, take it. At the end of the day, your health is the most important thing and you cannot succeed if you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Burning out is a horrible feeling to endure, so if you feel like life continues to take your breath away, stop and take a breather and reignite your flame.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

4719
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774785
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1385
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments