I think I'm burned out... really need help

Student Lounge College Life
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I’m a freshman chemical engineering student, and very quickly during my first semester I noticed I was having trouble working. No motivation, no drive, and worst of all, no ability to focus. I blamed it on the fact I’m in a new environment, so I was experiencing that “first semester shock”. Finished with a 2.88. Disappointed, but I wasn’t terribly worried. Plus I was in fairly hard classes; orgo’s real tough! Don’t worry, surely I’ll rebound next semester.

I’m now over halfway through second semester, and I’m still in the same position. Classes are arguably a bit harder, but I’m just a little above water just like the previous semester. I’m expecting my final grade to be about the same.

Recently I’ve been visiting my university’s counseling service via an appointment to hopefully figure out what was wrong, and after a 50 minute long discussion, no conclusions were really made. He thought it was linked to anxiety and possible depression, but that just seems very unlikely. My next one will likely be in a few weeks.

I’ll compare my current situation to how I was in high school. In high school, I was extremely dedicated to my work. I’d get home from school, make myself a quick dinner, then get straight to work. I would work for hours and hours on end without break, and it never really bothered me. If I finished early, I’d be very eager to get ahead, and that’s exactly what I would do. Finished with a 4.0 was very excited to start my life as an engineering student.

Looking back at my meeting with the psychiatrist, there’s one idea that was never mentioned during our meeting. Being burned out. I came from an environment where I worked very hard my entire life (my bedroom). I spent all 12 years of my grade-school experience in the same room to do my work. Now I’m in a completely foreign environment hours away from home. Since this environment is completely different, my brain could potentially be in the state of trying to relax, especially after the final grueling years of high school. I’ll try arguing with myself, trying to convince myself to work. There is some drive, but nothing happens. I just can’t do it. It’s not like the assignments are particularly difficult either; I just can’t get anything done.

If I keep this up, I know my future won’t be looking very bright. It’s gotten to the point where an assignment that would normally take ~30 minutes could take anywhere up to 3-4 hours. What should I do?

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Sorry you are going through this, @snowbie. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but the transitions of freshman year can be very tough to navigate. You are on the right track by getting counseling, but instead of looking for a simple answer and quick fix, give yourself a little time to talk things through to try and get to the root of the problem. Please keep going to counseling!

You are unmotivated and having trouble focusing on assignments, which may indicate mild depression (but don’t rush to medication). It could be emotional or physical.

Emotionally, the change in study environment from home may be part of it. Could you add some items from your home study area to your dorm room? You could be “burned out” but you could also be stuck in a negative pattern of behavior.
There’s no reason to sit for hours like you used to - it’s not working anymore so time to find a new routine. All study and no fun isn’t a sustainable approach to a healthy life, so change things up a bit, focus on one small task at a time, and enjoy some victories. Go for a walk/run/workout for a half hour then set a timer for an hour and a half of work. When time’s up make a note of what needs to be done next and take a short break. Meet a friend for coffee for a half hour, do an errand, then do another hour and a half. Make sure you are getting out socially and find a club or activity that you enjoy.

Perhaps think about your organizations skills. When my D felt overwhelmed in high school she did exactly what you are describing - kind of shut down and took far too long to complete assignments. She’s worked hard on developing better organizational skills and now handles much more of a heavy load in a very effective way (she’s a junior in Chem E). It can be done but it takes a some effort and patience on your part.

Physically, in addition to moving/exercising more, be sure to eat well - processed foods or un-diagnosed food sensitivities definitely can make you feel sluggish and foggy. Talk to your family about what is going on and go see your regular doctor.

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Exercise & socialize.

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Do you like your school? Do you like your major so far? Are you feeling homesick?

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In addition to the great advice of @jmek15 maybe try studying in the library at your school or maybe in a study group with other students. You could just need a change in your surroundings. Good luck and don’t beat yourself up, freshman year is hard for lots of students! You’ve almost made it through though and I bet next year will be a lot easier for you!

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See I think possible depression is very likely. Self care you can do is exercise and try to socialize with otehrs.

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Are you talking to a counselor, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The last one can prescribe meds. If you haven’t seen one, you might want to consider it. Sometimes even in mild cases the meds help take the edge off while you work with a psychologist on therapy to figure out and develop strategies to cope. Eventually, you can often taper off the meds when you are sufficiently equipped to go without them.

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@snowbie Finishing with a 2.88 isn’t bad for the classic “adjustment” period for college because I had about the same GPA as you did during your freshman year. But, some people might think otherwise.

Some majors are more difficult than others, so I’d continue to study and work, but try to find some time to “relax” or “wind down” after a week’s worth of classes. Weekends can be used for catching up on work, studying for tests, sleeping in, and partying. Also, the environmental factor is important, but I’m not sure if commuting would benefit you so you can return to your old room to work/study?

Now, do whatever you want to do, because different people deal with problems at college in different ways. You can always switch majors if you still continue to struggle with whatever you’ve going through, but you may not want to because of your current interests. Furthermore, understand that college is not all about working and studying 24/7. Try to fit in some free time during your day and hopefully, you just might feel better about yourself.

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To me, it sure sounds as though you are depressed. I might ask for a new counselor, now, not in weeks. Depression is a chemical imbalance in your brain. It can be very serious. You should insist on a diagnosis, and you might need to see a doctor or psychiatrist. Do so right away please.