burnout in y13
Reply 1
You need to take a small break to regain some energy otherwise you won’t work optimally. Then you revise until the exams for 2 hours a day then do whatever you want the rest of the day. You know you’ll regret not revising so don’t let that happen.
Reply 2
I promise you that hope is not lost!
I had major burnout in year 13 and I managed to come out of it okay. I don’t know your full experience but I can tell you what helped me, and I hope that it can give you some ideas/reassurance.
1.
Pinpoint where the stress is coming from. If it's sheer overwhelm with your subjects and you truly feel like you won't be able to pass all your exams then consider dropping a subject. I left school with two a levels and a welsh bacc and honestly yeah, it was a bit stressful trying to find somewhere since not every uni accepts welsh bacc for example... but unless you're wanting to get into Oxford or whatever, chances are you'll find somewehere who will take you, and there is the option of a foundation year as well. (if you are wanting to get into uni that is!!!) For me personally, if I hadn’t dropped an A level I would have failed at least one of them, if not all, and so it was the right decision for me at the time.
2.
Find someone to talk to. Whether it’s a friend of a family member or a member of staff. Someone you can trust. And just say something like: “I am really struggling with overwhelm/burnout at the moment. I am worried about my exams, as well as my mental health. is there anything that could be done to make school more manageable for me?“ (for example, an extra session with a teacher to help you catch up on something you don’t understand, or ask if maybe your teachers could let you off on homework for a little while to help you catch your breath - they did this for me, i think)
3.
be kind to yourself. burnout is a sign that something is wrong. if you are this stressed, then it’s for a reason. do the best you can but let yourself have rest and do things you enjoy as well. don’t live to study, it won’t make things any better. your mental health is more delicate right now and you need to treat it as such. try to have something in your life - an activity or something - that’s completely unrelated to school.
good luck <3
Reply 3
There is a lot of support out there such as:
-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day
-Mind, 0300 123 3393
-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm
-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm
-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service
-Crises, 741741, text service
-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress
-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927
-No Panic, 0800 138 8889
-Relate, they have a chat advisor
-NHS mental health 111
-Kooth, www.kooth.com, a chat, message website
-7cups, www.7cups.com, 24/7 online chat
-Support line, 01708 765200, email: [email protected]
-Anxiety UK, 03444 775 774, 9:30am to 17:30pm Mon to Friday, a text service 07537 416905
-Young minds, www.youngminds.org.uk
-Calm, calm.com
-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516
-Nightline, usually run by your university
-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area.
Reply 4
It feels really positive that you are sharing how you feel here, looking for some advice around how to manage exam stress burnout. We wonder if you have reached out to a professional about your mental health crisis, maybe your GP. We have found this article on bbc bitesize around how to manage exam stress, which might be useful. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z7pvhbk
It is completely understandable that you feel burned out during Year 13. It is more common than people realise. You are not alone!
I hope these tips will help you.
First of all, recognise that burnout is a signal, not a failure
Burnout is your mind and body telling you that something needs to change. It's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign that you have been pushing really hard for a really long time. Acknowledging it is the first step toward recovery.
Reframe your study strategy
Instead of long, draining sessions, try the Pomodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This method helps maintaining focus and prevent exhaustion.
Prioritise rest and Self-Care
Sleep, nutrition, and hydration are foundational. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night, eat balanced meals, and drink plenty of water. Regular physical activity, even short walks, can boost your mood and energy levels.
Create a flexible, realistic schedule
Map out your remaining time before exams, allocating specific periods for each subject. Be realistic about what you can achieve each day, and include time for breaks and relaxation.
Don't hesitate to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Whether it's a teacher, school counsellor, friend, or family member, sharing your experience can provide relief and perspective. Professional support can also offer strategies tailored to your needs.
Focus on progress, not perfection
Remember, it's about doing your best, not being perfect. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the effort you are putting in. Every step forward is progress, no matter how small.
You are doing something incredibly challenging, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
By taking proactive steps to care for yourself and adjust your approach, you can navigate this period more effectively.
Remember, seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.
You've got this.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
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