Hopes for 2025

I just hope that I’ll be able to push through for a little longer. It sounds so pathetic, but I’m really scared that I’m going into a burnout again. I have it so much easier than so many others and still… A while ago, I really struggled for half a year or so. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and I don’t know if I would be able to push through something like that again. Sorry for complaining, it sounds so irrelevant in comparison to so many so much more difficult fates.

What you’ve said doesn’t sound pathetic or irrelevant at all. Burnout can be incredibly overwhelming, and the fact that you’re recognising it and speaking about it shows a lot of self awareness and courage. Your struggles are valid, no matter how they compare to anyone else’s. Just because someone else might be facing different challenges doesn’t make yours any less important.

You deserve support and care just as much as anyone else. If you’re feeling like burnout might be creeping in again, it might help to think about what got you through the last time, any small comforts, supports, or strategies that worked last time. And you’re definitely not complaining… you’re sharing how you feel, which is absolutely okay here, it’s one of the purposes of this community. Please know that you’re not alone, and there are people who understand and will help you through.

Thank you so much! This means a lot to me and I’m honestly at the verge of tears. 
I don’t know what got me through the last time. I basically worked myself to the point where my body couldn’t put up with it anymore and I frequently fainted and had meltdowns. I was then forced to quit competitive swimming which got me two free days a week with basically no responsibilities other than going to school and walking the dog. I somehow managed to fill those days again and finding myself in a position where it would break me to quit anything but it’ll also much likely break me to continue like this. My body will continue to walk around “zombie-style” but my mind will at some point be exhausted with no chance to recover over night.

Thank you again! What you’re saying makes sense and deep down, I know that I have to step back. It’s hard to do so, but I’ll try. Thank you for those kind words. Maybe it’ll make a difference that I’m not breaking down in silence this time.

It sounds like you’ve been juggling a lot for a long time, and it’s completely understandable that you’re feeling stuck. Maybe focusing on one small thing to adjust and prioritising your well-being, even if it’s just tiny breaks or moments for yourself, could help. The time you gained after stepping back from competitive swimming seemed to give you some relief before, even if unintentionally.

Taking a break from some responsibilities isn’t quitting, it’s allowing yourself the space to recover mentally. It’s easy to fill recovery time with practical tasks, but by doing so, you might be avoiding the chance to truly recharge. Looking after yourself isn’t quitting, it’s an important step toward feeling better.

Also, remember you’re not alone. Posting here and talking to others can help a lot. You deserve to care for yourself as much as you care about keeping everything else going. 

It sounds like you’ve been juggling a lot for a long time, and it’s completely understandable that you’re feeling stuck. Maybe focusing on one small thing to adjust and prioritising your well-being, even if it’s just tiny breaks or moments for yourself, could help. The time you gained after stepping back from competitive swimming seemed to give you some relief before, even if unintentionally.

Taking a break from some responsibilities isn’t quitting, it’s allowing yourself the space to recover mentally. It’s easy to fill recovery time with practical tasks, but by doing so, you might be avoiding the chance to truly recharge. Looking after yourself isn’t quitting, it’s an important step toward feeling better.

Also, remember you’re not alone. Posting here and talking to others can help a lot. You deserve to care for yourself as much as you care about keeping everything else going. 

Thank you again! What you’re saying makes sense and deep down, I know that I have to step back. It’s hard to do so, but I’ll try. Thank you for those kind words. Maybe it’ll make a difference that I’m not breaking down in silence this time.