I’m feeling super lost and overwhelmed in poly right now,the workload feels unbearable (I’m in Y1sem2 engineering) and having ADHD,I feel like I can get nothing done. Even now I have a exam tomorrow but I’ve pretty much mentally tapped out for at least two of my modules,and every day feels like the same busy process of catching up,and if I don’t I just drown.
I have barely any time for myself after classes and almost no time for my hobbies on the weekends,so I end up super stressed and unable to move a muscle ,all my projects are mostly hastily done and only to a half decent degree,it feels like I’ve been sold a lie of “poly is chill” but in turn, it feels like I’m in a locked cube with my face barely above the water.
Sometimes I just feel like rolling over and giving up.
My friends seem to be doing fine without any effort while it feels like im putting my everything just to get at LEAST something DONE,and it’s exhausting
Hi @user027278,
That sounds like sustained pressure. First, let’s stabilise. When you’re this overwhelmed, your nervous system is in overdrive. For someone with ADHD, that makes task initiation and focus even harder. Try something simple right now: feet flat on the floor, slow inhale for 4, exhale for 6. Do it a few times. The goal is to reduce the intensity a notch.
The comparison with friends is adding extra strain. ADHD brains typically use more energy for planning, switching tasks, and sustaining attention. When you compare output without accounting for neurological load, it creates unnecessary self-judgment. For now, focus on regulation, not comparison. Regulation first.
You mentioned feeling like giving up. if the pressure feels like it’s escalating or you feel unsafe, please reach out to National Mindline at 1771. It’s confidential and available locally. Talking it through can help reduce the intensity.
In tight time pressure, would you like to try with:
- Short sprints: 20 minutes focused work, 5-minute break. Repeat.
- Very small entry points: open one page, list key formulas, summarise one concept.
- Physical activation before studying: brief movement to wake up the system.
- Limit daily targets: choose 2–3 concrete tasks only.
Half-done is still done. Progress under strain will look different, and that’s okay.
For tonight, just identify one small action that improves tomorrow’s exam readiness slightly. Keep it contained. Right now the priority is to steady your system.
hello, I can see the effort that you are putting in for your course, and I think it is really commendable. <3 Perhaps scheduling short breaks can help us to feel more motivated and energised. rooting for you op!