Burnt out

I'm not sure about other states, but here in NSW you basically start year 12 work at the beginning term 4 of year 11. So basically you start working on your major works, assessment tasks etc that actually contribute to your final HSC (year 12) mark (which can be quite scary to some).

It was really hot last year, I remember it clearly because it was hard to concentrate doing anything, let alone class work. I also remember a lot of people (especially the girls) panicking because "it's the real thing".

I didn't realise it at first, but I wasn't taking in anything in class, it was starting to get really difficult for me especially in three subjects that I did, Business Studies, Modern History and Maths.

It was really hard for me in those two subjects because I suddenly stopped understanding what the hell was going on, after 3 terms of cruising through them at a fairly good pace.

I'm pretty sure I burnt out, meaning I just couldn't take in any more information, because the pace suddenly picked up dramatically and everyone was nervous about the fact we were doing year 12 works now.

Year 11 for me was busy enough, I had a lot of school work, considering I did 7 subjects and I had a lot of external pressures as well, parents arguing and other personal issues.

I really started to panic about mid-term, because the situation for me was worsening, and I thought it would reverse itself, but it didn't. I had a chat to my year advisor, who gave me some good advice, she also told me to see the school counsellor, which I reluctantly did.

The counsellor explained to me that there are a lot of options for people in my situation, such as special provisions for exams, temporary emergency accommodation, or mid-long term accommodation if someone needs a break from the home environment.

She also explained to me that there are many other options available, too many to list. It really made me feel better once I talked to someone about what troubled me.

The school term (and year) finished about a week or two after I had a chat to her, the long school holidays started, and that's what I really only needed, a long break from school (not too long though).

When I got back in February, I was back to my old self, I felt completely refreshed and I didn't feel so nervous or depressed about school anymore. I didn't realise it but I *really* needed a break and someone to talk to!

I'd just like to say for anyone that's having problems out there, talk to someone about it, because it really helped me, it gave me a better perspective to things and its so much better to say whets bothering you to someone, because I'm someone who tends to bottle things up, but for me it really feels good when I have someone to talk to, because its what helped me.

Check out some of the stories and resources on ReachOut.com about dealing with busy and stressful times:

• Going mental over exam stress? (Story)
• Exam time: Hints for managing stress (Fact sheet)
• Exam time: Hints for effective studying  (Fact sheet)