Dealing with burnout

[PurpleUnicorn5]

I have been dealing with burnout for the last 1 year. I can sense that I'm slowly recovering but not able to start my studies again. Afraid to go through the process. I've been trying to start small but whenever I plan I end up scheduling too much and I feel overwhelmed to do anything and get anxious so I procrastinate. I don't know how to come out of this executive dysfunction even though I have been trying very hard to get out of it. Anyone going through or who have went through any of this? How did you deal with this?

[linuxusr]

Hello PurpleUnicorn5: I am assuming that you are referencing burnout from academics, university perhaps? Can you be more specific? I'll be happy to respond further and try to be of help if you can offer more details.

[PurpleUnicorn5 in reply to linuxusr]

I was talking about burnout from academics, I am prepping for a competitive exam. I have started to study again today. It is difficult for me to be consistent with being productive in general and with respect to studies too. I need to learn better to emotionally regulate myself in times of stress. What other details do you want me to specify?

[linuxusr in reply to PurpleUnicorn5]

Thank you for this clarification, PurpleUnicorn5! Well, what subject, which exam, and when you say "competitive," what are the ramifications for your future life, if say, you were to fail or not do well on the exam? With so much at stake it is no surprise that you would have so much anxiety and worry! That anxiety and worry would be justified! It would be a question of whether or not that anxiety would be so problematic that it would sabotage your chance of success. On the other hand, suppose you ARE successful in the upcoming competitive exam. Would that mean then that you would NOT feel burned out?

[PurpleUnicorn5 in reply to linuxusr]

I am from India and the exam is CA Final Exam. My career depends upon this exam. I don't think the success in this exam will impact my burnout feeling but at least it could mean I can still be productive while recovering from burnout.

[linuxusr in reply to PurpleUnicorn5]

Anxious? Stressed? Feeling terrible? I can't blame you one bit! I mean, really, who WOULDN'T be anxious under these circumstances? The future of your entire life is on the line! If your score is unsatisfactory, can you retake the CA Final Exam? "Burnout" has a different meaning than what you are describing with respect to the exam. In the U.S. "burnout" references a process over extensive time, either in an academic or career context (or maybe even a relationship context), where you are slowly losing interest and motivation and moving closer and closer to the point where you must terminate that activity and, hopefully, find another one in which you are better matched. So I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "burnout."

[PurpleUnicorn5 in reply to linuxusr]

For me, burnout means the exact same thing you described and that's what I'm going through too. But I can't leave or quit this exam. I can retake the exam every six months but it's exhausting.

[linuxusr in reply to PurpleUnicorn5]

I got it. "Burnout" from having to possibly re-take the exam every six months which means a chronic state of anxiety and worry. A chronic state of anxiety and worry over time could wear you out to the point where you say, "I can no longer tolerate this. Time for Plan B." Have you taken the exam or is this your first time? If you have taken it and this is a repeat, how close are you to a passing score? Are you close enough to a passing score such that you think you have a reasonable chance of success if you keep trying??

[PurpleUnicorn5 in reply to linuxusr]

Ik I'll pass this if I prepare. I can't just get myself to prepare. It's like my body and mind is all against it so it create different reasons and excuses everyday to procrastinate.

[linuxusr in reply to PurpleUnicorn5]

It's very good that you think you have the capacity to pass it. However, under the circumstances, it makes no sense no attempt the exam if, for the reasons you state, you are immobilized and not able to do what you know you need to do. How about a Plan B? Perhaps take a 1/2 year off and do other stuff--other things in your life that need attention. Call it a vacation, if you wish, a time to recuperate. When you then feel reinvigorated again, test the waters, and see if you can back into study mode and prepare for the exam. If you find that you never can back into study mode, then that's a deeper problem; maybe consider therapy to evaluate it . . .

[PurpleUnicorn5]

I've tried therapy and psychological treatments. The only problem is that I can't get myself to stop trying to study. The maximum I've been able to do it is a month.Even that month made me feel really guilty. This is the first time I'm facing a mental health issue. And in my surroundings, everyone makes me feel like I've become lazy and stupid to stop trying. Even I doubt myself if I'm just giving excuses. The problem this mindset is deeply rooted in me that I can't have any time without trying like it's a waste of time. The financial situation in my home rn doesn't allow me to take a break. I feel stuck but I want to try to study at least for a hour without putting any kind of pressure. I studied for 20 mins yesterday after a long time. Today, I did it for one hour. My approach is to slowly increase this while giving sufficient breaks. Hopefully this'll work. Thanks for listening and taking time to guide me!