year 12 student struggling with loss of motivation, flunking school

[josh174]

I don't actually know whether I'm just constantly really depressed or whether I actually have depression but either way I'm struggling to find motivation to do school work and pass my tests. Every time I do badly in a test the stress and anxiety piles up and then in the next one I feel worse about it, and most of the time end up flunking it. I don't know what to do and I'm getting super stressed about my future and having mild breakdowns.

[leesy_lou]

Hi josh174,

Sounds like school is an incredibly stressful environment for you at the moment... well virtual school environment considering the times. Has it always been like this for you or is this new this year?

I hear you say that talking to your parents of GP is not something you want to do right now and thats okay. Sounds like sharing your experiences with someone else is more comfortable for you, such as friends or on here!

From one stressed studier to another, we are here for you.

[josh174]

In previous years going back to the start of high school I had depressive episodes, but I just put it down to growing up and teenage mood swings, although of late with COVID and some other events happening over the last few years it's become more prominent than ever and I'm fairly sure mood swings aren't this bad.

[leesy_lou]

Hey Josh,

Sorry for the super late reply. I was on a formal placement with BB as apart of my course (I'm studying psych) and it finished up a couple weeks back.

Your reflections about the start of high school are really interesting, the power of hindsight hey. What your saying is that you have felt this way before but considered it as more "growing pains" then perhaps depression or a mental health problem. Show really good self-insight that you can identify that there is a but of a pattern going on. I would imagine that the transition to high school would have been very new, and stressful, probably quite similar circumstances to what's happening now maybe?

It might be helpful to know that in general mental health issues can come and go, depending on the circumstances. We can think of particular life events (say starting in a new school, COVID-19) as triggers. These things can kick back in an underlying mood disorder, or concerns. Does this resinate at all?

I hope I'm not too late, and I hear back from you soon Josh174

[Mandyther]

Hi Josh, your message is very timely for me because my son is in year 12 also and is really struggling like you. Can I say from the perspective of a mum, we don’t always know what to say and we have no experience dealing with Covid, this is new for everyone. I can say that today I registered my son for counselling sessions. I also spoke to someone at beyondblue who was fantastic. I told her that I was also feeling overwhelmed with Covid and having a hard time and she helped me to see how hard it must be to motivate yourself to work hard in year 12 with Covid thrown into the mix on top of all the other daily stuff we deal with, and you’re at a tough age to boot.
This really helped me put myself in my sons shoes. We parents sometimes nag because we know what you are capable of but ultimately we just want our kids to be happy, decent humans. Maybe try to get your parents to realise how hard it is to be motivated right now, and get them to put themselves in your shoes. It has helped so much for my relationship with my son. Also, I can see how relieved he is now knowing we have a plan in place. I’m sure you would feel the same. You might not have a close relationship with your GP but you may be surprised how understanding they are, and at least you’ll have a pathway to feeling better. Hang in there Josh, this year won’t define your life!

[Jasjit]

Hi Josh,

I completely agree with you!!! Year 12 is a very different and uniquely challenging year and especially at this time!!! I was also having breakdowns and panic attacks whenever I would not get a high grade because I wanted to get the highest ATAR.

And ATAR is not the ONLY way, once you finish your year 12 there are other ways to get into your desired degree! I did not do this, but you know taking a gap year after year 12 is the best thing because when you take a break and come back you come back very strong!

So for now, probably focus on the process of simply studying - like for every subject what can I do weekly? daily?. If I had done this, I would have done it better. By the way, what are you planning to study? Maybe I could help out?

[josh174]

I was planning on studying Mechanical engineering and/or Industrial design, but now with my grades slipping I don't know whether I can do Mechanical engineering, and I'm now doubting whether I want to do it or not.

[Jasjit]

Wow! That's a thought! Mechanical Engineering is great!

But again there are other pathways to get into your desired course!

So now doubts are coming in, tell me about what is your vision for the future? What do you see yourself as in the coming years? What do you want to become in life? Maybe addressing those questions might help clarify!

Also, it is NEVER too late to start fresh!

Looking forward from hearing to your response