Feeling so exhausted with life

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There’s always this constant anxiety or fear that im going to mess things up, and it’s jist really exhausting? Like im burying myself with school work and I dont know if im just trying to distract myself from it or just exhausted myself more because some days, it’s almost like i wish I would just collapse and not wake up from it?

It doesn’t help as well that I dont feel like i deserve the good things in life like a good career or even the concept of falling for someone.

It just feels like each day is another battle again and again

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Hi @Anonymoususer654,

I’d like to reassure you that it is completely valid to feel the way you’re feeling.

In major life stages such as school, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed when you’re having to juggle multiple tasks.

I’d like to gently encourage you to take it one step at a time, as I can see that you are trying your best to cope. You don’t always have to get it right on the first try, but it’s your effort that counts!

Here are some resources that you may find to be helpful:

Mindline’s Self-Care Library: Thought Reframing - Self-Care Exercises

Mindline’s Service Wayfinder: mindline.sg | Free Mental Health Resources & Mindfulness Tools in Singapore

National Mindline (24/7 Mental Health Helpline): Call 1771 or WhatsApp +65 6669 1771

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Dear @Anonymoususer654

Thank you for reaching out. I observe that the constant worry you’ll mess up, pushing yourself with school until you’re empty, and thoughts like “I wish I’d just not wake up” are indicative that you’re over capacity. Please know this is fairly common as many students your age are juggling many multiple responsibilities. These signs you shared do not mean that you’re weak or unworthy, dear. You have a lot on your plate and what you need and deserve is care and relief.

Please know that you matter and your safety is a priority. If those “not waking up” thoughts feel strong or you’re in danger, please reach out immediately to Samaritans of Singapore at 1767 or the CareText WhatsApp 9151-1767. You can also go to IMH 24-hour Emergency Services for urgent help, and call 999 (police) or 995 (ambulance) in an emergency. The national mindline reachable by calling 1771 is also available 24/7. There are many professionals trained to help you, so please do not feel alone in the struggles.

May I also suggest that you can try one small reset: name what’s true (“I’m feeling scared and exhausted”), take three slow breaths with a longer exhale, drink some water, and text one safe person, “I’m having a challenging time. I don’t need any advice, please just keep me company for a bit.”

You can also reduce the load you’re carrying. I believe this can help facilitate your recovery. For example:

-Schedule your day, allocating time for necessary school work to be done first , and clearing free time for you to recharge and recover for the rest of the day.

-Include tiny grounding activities in the day such as a shower, a short walk or music that soothes and regulates breathing.

-Follow a routine and keep to it closely, observing the same wake and sleep time daily.

-Speak to a trusted adult, parent and school counsellor so that you’re not carrying this by yourself. Asking for help is a strength, and services I shared here are set up to support you, not judge you. Additionally, the counsellor could help you develop and co-create a plan to establish a daily routine and techniques to use to reduce fear and manage anxiety.

Please know that you are not broken because you feel numb or unworthy; those are common symptoms when stress and anxiety pile up. By slowly taking steps suggested above, you can better manage stress and anxiety. Reach out here for support too, please be reminded that you are not alone. Keep going in your desired direction one tiny step forward at a time.

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