Depressed

I'm feeling incredibly low and isolated. I couldn't complete my one-year Master’s degree in the expected timeframe—it’s been 2.5 years, and I’m still not finished. I know it's my fault, especially since this course was my only responsibility. Despite having a good BSc and taking every single assessment extremely seriously I don’t understand why am I a failure. I’m struggling to understand where I went wrong. Coursework essays took me an excessive amount of time, and while my grades were decent, by the time I finished the taught modules, I was so burnt out that the dissertation felt like climbing a mountain.

I don’t know whether to feel ashamed or sorry for myself?

Reply 1

animazddhdnm

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm feeling incredibly low and isolated. I couldn't complete my one-year Master’s degree in the expected timeframe—it’s been 2.5 years, and I’m still not finished. I know it's my fault, especially since this course was my only responsibility. Despite having a good BSc and taking every single assessment extremely seriously I don’t understand why am I a failure. I’m struggling to understand where I went wrong. Coursework essays took me an excessive amount of time, and while my grades were decent, by the time I finished the taught modules, I was so burnt out that the dissertation felt like climbing a mountain.
I don’t know whether to feel ashamed or sorry for myself?

I need you to hear this properly you are not a failure. You took on something genuinely hard, and it ended up taking longer that doesn’t say anything bad about you as a person It just means you’re human.
You worked so hard on your coursework you pushed yourself way past the point most people would’ve stopped and by the time you reached the dissertation you were exhausted That isn’t weakness that’s burnout. And burnout doesn’t care how smart or capable you are.
Honestly Taking longer doesn’t mean you messed up It means you kept going even when it was brutal That takes strength not shame.
And you don’t have to pick between being ashamed or feeling sorry for yourself. You’re allowed to feel sad, tired, frustrated all of it is valid. But please don’t beat yourself up like you somehow ruined everything. You didn’t. You’re still trying, and that means something.

Reply 2

Nitrotoluene

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm feeling incredibly low and isolated. I couldn't complete my one-year Master’s degree in the expected timeframe—it’s been 2.5 years, and I’m still not finished. I know it's my fault, especially since this course was my only responsibility. Despite having a good BSc and taking every single assessment extremely seriously I don’t understand why am I a failure. I’m struggling to understand where I went wrong. Coursework essays took me an excessive amount of time, and while my grades were decent, by the time I finished the taught modules, I was so burnt out that the dissertation felt like climbing a mountain.
I don’t know whether to feel ashamed or sorry for myself?

You're not a failure.
-You've earned a bachelor's degree and passed your master's modules with decent grades—concrete proof you can do this work.
-The real issue isn't your ability. It's the voice in your head.
Stop asking "Why am I a failure?" and start asking "What's making this thesis difficult?"
That exhaustion after your modules was a signal: you'd pushed hard and needed rest. Ignoring it just makes the work harder.
Here's what might helps:
-Stop the shame spiral.
-Shame and feeling sorry for yourself can really zap your energy and stop you from moving forward.
-If you're struggling, reach out for help.
-Chat with your boss about what's holding you back, or think about seeing a professional to work through any mental roadblocks you might have.
-Take a genuine break—not a guilty one.
Make it manageable: Think "write one paragraph today" or "outline one section this week." Small, specific, doable.
-If the harsh self-talk continues, professional support can make a real difference. This may go deeper than academic stress.
Your worth has nothing to do with your thesis timeline, IMHO...of course!

Ciao,
Sandro

Reply 3

MrBayo9

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm feeling incredibly low and isolated. I couldn't complete my one-year Master’s degree in the expected timeframe—it’s been 2.5 years, and I’m still not finished. I know it's my fault, especially since this course was my only responsibility. Despite having a good BSc and taking every single assessment extremely seriously I don’t understand why am I a failure. I’m struggling to understand where I went wrong. Coursework essays took me an excessive amount of time, and while my grades were decent, by the time I finished the taught modules, I was so burnt out that the dissertation felt like climbing a mountain.
I don’t know whether to feel ashamed or sorry for myself?

I don't know whether this was to gather sympathy or genuine reflection. I hope it's the later and this is what I have for your.

There are sometimes even as individuals we get faced by different life challenges that test resilience. Often time, it is expected that there will be set back however it's shouldn't be for an extended period

A one year programme for 2.5 years now is worrisome. And I want you to take practical steps to get out of this situation.

Know the exact problem and make little steps to overcome it. Don't ever give it to playing the victim game because it is always the easy option. Don't. You have to be accountable and take baby steps to improve.

If you need someone to help you along the transformation journey. Reach out to me, I will be willing to assist.

Reply 4

ClarisseG59

Original post

by Anonymous

I'm feeling incredibly low and isolated. I couldn't complete my one-year Master’s degree in the expected timeframe—it’s been 2.5 years, and I’m still not finished. I know it's my fault, especially since this course was my only responsibility. Despite having a good BSc and taking every single assessment extremely seriously I don’t understand why am I a failure. I’m struggling to understand where I went wrong. Coursework essays took me an excessive amount of time, and while my grades were decent, by the time I finished the taught modules, I was so burnt out that the dissertation felt like climbing a mountain.
I don’t know whether to feel ashamed or sorry for myself?

I really feel this because I went through something similar, but realized later on that taking longer is human. Honestly, you’ve kept going for 2.5 years. That says a lot about your strength (physically and mentally). Well, I know some friends who take longer with things like dissertations (they could really feel overwhelming). You're just having a rough time, man. You're not a failure!

Quick Reply

Latest

Trending

Articles for you

A-level Psychology Paper 1 (AQA) unofficial markscheme - 17 May 2024

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.

Try out the app

Continue on web