hsc stress or something more?

[ophelieas]

Hi, im not sure whether this is the right thread to post this on, but I'm just assuming that people on here will be able to help.

Lately (over the last three weeks or so), I've been feeling awful. I've been mentally exhausted which has made me physically exhausted, disconnected from my friends, sometimes unable to get out of bed on the weekends, and unable to motivate myself to study. I'm so teary, sometimes I spend hours crying for no reason, and at school the smallest things make me tear up. My friends have asked if im annoyed at them because they've said I seem disconnected and really snappy, but the thing is I just feel like I just can't partake in conversations, and sometimes im so mentally drained, even on days that I've done nothing, that I can't go out to parties and things.

Pretty much im just curious whether this is just part of the HSC, or something more. I have quite a large workload, but I've always managed it really well, and since I'm aiming for a high ATAR it's not plausible for me to drop anything. Thanks to anyone who replies.

[Scuba_Steve]

This might seem blunt, but there is more to live then your hsc, do not let it stress you out. I will be one to admit it is stressful and very draining studying for. But as u get older you well realise it's not the most important thing in life.

Most kids stress over trying to impress there successful parents, not sure if that is you, but I studied real hard in school to be like my parents as I thought it's what they expected, I ended up getting a trade and my hsc meant nothing, I did what I feel in love with and that's building, I know earn more then my parents did after their 8 yrs in uni lol

school is stressful, it's normal, but as you get older you will realise it's funny 😉 don't let it bring you down,

i know you may not want to hear it right now, but some people are born runners.

if running stresses you out. Don't run. More to life then running, u can still do many things in life that give you a great life not running. Ok running is studying as u must know lol

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey ophelieas,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for being here. I'm sorry that you're struggling with HSC and it sounds like you're having a really rough time.

I think that this is actually a really good question, and I think it can be an incredibly fine line between what is just the HSC and what is depression. HSC can cause a tremendous amount of stress and create everything you've described - it is 'normal' and it will pass. Depression can also be a lot of things that you've described, but it generally continues even once studying for your HSC is over.

Having said that though, if you were diagnosed with depression, what would that be like? Everyone copes with things differently, and if you are having trouble coping, then it's totally okay if you'd like to reach out and talk about things more.

I think it's important too to try and find a bit of balance. Studying for your HSC is temporary. Despite all the pressure on you - it will be over soon, and despite what everyone says - it does not determine your future. I know I personally had teachers and counsellors telling me that if I didn't get good grades I would never have a good future. Absolutely not true.

I hope this helps a little,