I am a perfectionist and im also a teenager that has not work a day in my life i know its not an excuse but this internship is so draining and i have gotten several mental breakdowns over this there was once i wanted to end myself bc i would rather do that then to risk getting terminated or failing my course bc the thought of me failing is just scary and i wish there were co workers there to help me but no its just me and this trainer and i tried asking her sometimes but sometimes she doesnt know it as well and i just have to try my best not to cry at my workplace bc thats unprofessional my teacher said there was no other choice i could only go on with it or terminate which means all my effort is gone and ill instantly fail my intern. I dont want that but what can i do ive tried my ultimate best but i know its not enough
Hi @Fattypatty,
Thank you so much for sharing, I can hear just how overwhelming and stressful this internship has been for you, and it’s really brave of you to reach out and talk about it. Being a perfectionist can make these kinds of situations feel even more intense, and I want you to know that your feelings are completely valid.
It sounds like you’ve been putting an immense amount of pressure on yourself to succeed, and I can understand why the thought of failing or getting terminated feels so scary. When you care so much about doing well, the idea of things not going perfectly can feel like the end of the world. But I want to remind you that perfection isn’t the only way to measure your worth or success. Sometimes, just getting through a tough situation is an achievement in itself.
I know it’s hard when you feel like you’re alone in this and that there’s no one at your workplace to help guide you. It’s okay to feel frustrated or even scared in moments like these. The fact that you’re still showing up and trying your best, even when it feels like it’s not enough, shows incredible strength and resilience.
The perfectionism you’re experiencing is pushing you to believe that anything less than perfect is a failure, but that’s not true. Realistically, no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes or faces challenges, especially when they’re doing something new. It’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to not have all the answers. What’s important is that you’re doing the best you can with the resources you have.
I also want to talk about the mental breakdowns you’ve been having. It’s really tough to feel so overwhelmed that you don’t see a way out. If the pressure is getting to the point where you’re thinking about harming yourself, it’s really important to reach out for help. This might be talking to a trusted adult, a school counselor, or even a mental health professional. They can help you find ways to manage the stress and support you through this tough time.
You mentioned that your teacher said you either have to go on with it or terminate the internship, and I can see how that feels like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. But remember, no situation is worth sacrificing your mental health. It’s okay to step back and reassess what’s best for you, even if that means making a difficult decision. You are not a failure for needing to take care of yourself.
Finally, I want you to know that it’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. You’re still learning, and that’s exactly what an internship is for—to gain experience, make mistakes, and learn from them. It’s okay to not be perfect, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone in this, and there are people who want to support you, whether that’s a teacher, a counselor, or someone else you trust.
Take things one step at a time, and try to be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. You matter, and your well-being is important. Take care, and remember that it’s okay to take things day by day. We’re here for you.