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how do i balance school life and mental health?
I am not doing well school wise because of my mental health
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5 answers
Updated
Ailsa’s Answer
Im so sorry you feel this way, but take comfort in knowing so many other people are also struggling right now, so you are never alone. Try to open up to someone and be honest about your feelings, if you can't do that maybe try to write things down. It won't always be like this and the best is yet to come. So far you have a 100% success rate for getting through tough times. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. Onwards the brave 😊
Updated
Jeya Prakash’s Answer
Jeren,
ChatGPT said:
Balancing school life and mental health can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can manage both effectively. Here are some practical tips:
1. Prioritize Time Management
Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule classes, assignments, and study sessions.
Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid last-minute stress.
Set realistic goals for each day and prioritize tasks based on deadlines.
2. Set Boundaries
Avoid overloading yourself with too many commitments. Learn to say "no" when necessary.
Set specific times for studying and relaxation to maintain a balance.
Limit screen time and social media distractions when focusing on work.
3. Take Care of Your Mental & Physical Health
Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night to stay alert and focused.
Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated to fuel your brain.
Engage in physical activity, even if it’s just a short walk or stretching.
4. Practice Self-Care & Stress Management
Take breaks when studying to avoid burnout (use the Pomodoro Technique: 25 min study, 5 min break).
Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
Engage in hobbies or activities that make you happy.
5. Seek Support When Needed
Talk to friends, family, or a school counselor if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Join study groups for motivation and support.
If stress becomes too much, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.
Regards,
Jeya
ChatGPT said:
Balancing school life and mental health can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can manage both effectively. Here are some practical tips:
1. Prioritize Time Management
Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule classes, assignments, and study sessions.
Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid last-minute stress.
Set realistic goals for each day and prioritize tasks based on deadlines.
2. Set Boundaries
Avoid overloading yourself with too many commitments. Learn to say "no" when necessary.
Set specific times for studying and relaxation to maintain a balance.
Limit screen time and social media distractions when focusing on work.
3. Take Care of Your Mental & Physical Health
Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night to stay alert and focused.
Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated to fuel your brain.
Engage in physical activity, even if it’s just a short walk or stretching.
4. Practice Self-Care & Stress Management
Take breaks when studying to avoid burnout (use the Pomodoro Technique: 25 min study, 5 min break).
Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
Engage in hobbies or activities that make you happy.
5. Seek Support When Needed
Talk to friends, family, or a school counselor if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Join study groups for motivation and support.
If stress becomes too much, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.
Regards,
Jeya
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Jaren,
I just want to start by saying that you're not alone in this—so many students struggle with balancing school and mental health, and it’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed. The fact that you’re asking this question shows that you care about both your education and your well-being, which is already a step in the right direction.
First, be kind to yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re "failing" or "not doing enough," but your mental health is just as important as your grades—if not more. Try to acknowledge what you're going through without guilt. You're doing your best, and that’s enough.
Prioritize what truly matters. Not every assignment, class, or expectation is equally important. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try breaking things down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on the essentials first—what absolutely needs to get done? What can wait? Sometimes, even just starting with a small step can make things feel a little less daunting.
Ask for support. If school is becoming too much, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, counselors, or someone you trust. Many schools have mental health resources, and some professors may be willing to offer extensions or accommodations if they know you're struggling. You're not "weak" for asking for help—you're human.
Take breaks, guilt-free. It might feel like you don’t have time to rest, but burnout will only make things worse. Even just 5–10 minutes of stepping away from schoolwork—listening to music, going for a short walk, or deep breathing—can help you reset.
Lastly, remind yourself that school is just one part of your life. Yes, education is important, but so is your health, your happiness, and your future. Struggling right now doesn’t mean you’ll struggle forever. Things can and will get better, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Take it one day at a time, and know that you’re stronger than you think.
Best wishes!
I just want to start by saying that you're not alone in this—so many students struggle with balancing school and mental health, and it’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed. The fact that you’re asking this question shows that you care about both your education and your well-being, which is already a step in the right direction.
First, be kind to yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re "failing" or "not doing enough," but your mental health is just as important as your grades—if not more. Try to acknowledge what you're going through without guilt. You're doing your best, and that’s enough.
Prioritize what truly matters. Not every assignment, class, or expectation is equally important. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try breaking things down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on the essentials first—what absolutely needs to get done? What can wait? Sometimes, even just starting with a small step can make things feel a little less daunting.
Ask for support. If school is becoming too much, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, counselors, or someone you trust. Many schools have mental health resources, and some professors may be willing to offer extensions or accommodations if they know you're struggling. You're not "weak" for asking for help—you're human.
Take breaks, guilt-free. It might feel like you don’t have time to rest, but burnout will only make things worse. Even just 5–10 minutes of stepping away from schoolwork—listening to music, going for a short walk, or deep breathing—can help you reset.
Lastly, remind yourself that school is just one part of your life. Yes, education is important, but so is your health, your happiness, and your future. Struggling right now doesn’t mean you’ll struggle forever. Things can and will get better, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Take it one day at a time, and know that you’re stronger than you think.
Best wishes!
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Jeren, I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling. Please understand that balancing school life and mental health is a challenge many students face, and it's commendable that you're acknowledging your mental health while also striving to improve academically. Mental health can significantly impact your performance in school, and it's important to address it with care and intention. Here are some specific steps to help you manage both your mental health and your school life effectively:
* Recognize and Acknowledge Your Mental Health: The first step is acknowledging that mental health is just as important as academic success. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it’s crucial to take those feelings seriously. Often, the pressure to excel in school can worsen mental health issues, so prioritizing your well-being is key.
* Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust about your mental health struggles, whether it's a school counselor, teacher, or a parent. Most schools have mental health professionals who can offer counseling or strategies for managing stress. If you're not comfortable speaking to someone at school, consider finding a therapist or counselor outside of school who can provide emotional support and coping techniques. Many schools also have support groups for students dealing with mental health issues.
* Set Realistic Expectations: It's easy to feel like you need to be perfect in all your classes, but setting realistic goals and acknowledging your limits can reduce unnecessary pressure. Understand that it’s okay not to excel in every subject, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Set small, manageable academic goals each week rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list of tasks. This can help break down large assignments into bite-sized, achievable pieces.
* Create a Schedule or Routine: Managing your time effectively can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Use a planner, calendar, or an app to create a schedule that includes both study time and breaks. Organizing your day and sticking to a routine can help you feel more in control and reduce stress. Don't forget to schedule time for self-care, hobbies, and rest as well.
* Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, into your daily routine can help manage anxiety and improve focus. Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations that can help you relax and reframe negative thoughts. Even taking short breaks during your study sessions to close your eyes, breathe deeply, or stretch can help clear your mind and regain focus.
* Focus on Sleep and Nutrition: Sleep and nutrition play a huge role in your mental health. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and avoid the temptation to sacrifice rest for extra study time. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, concentration, and ability to retain information. Eating balanced meals with proper nutrients will give your brain the energy it needs to function optimally. If you're unsure about how to improve your eating habits, consider speaking to a nutritionist or a counselor who can provide guidance.
* Learn to Say No: Sometimes, taking on too many extracurricular activities, social obligations, or work commitments can further drain your mental energy. It's important to recognize when you're at your limit and learn to say no to additional responsibilities. You can always revisit these opportunities once you feel more balanced.
* Find a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. This could be friends, family, or mentors who understand what you're going through. Having a support system where you feel safe to share your struggles can alleviate a lot of pressure and help you feel less isolated.
* Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, even if it feels small. Whether it's completing an assignment, attending class regularly, or making it through a difficult day, celebrating these achievements can boost your self-esteem and motivation. Recognizing small successes can give you the strength to keep moving forward.
* Reach Out for Professional Help If Needed: If your mental health struggles are deeply affecting your ability to function in school or daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists are trained to help individuals manage mental health challenges effectively. If you’re unsure where to start, a school counselor can often provide recommendations.
Jeren, please remember, it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away, and taking small steps toward improving both your mental health and academic performance is a valid and necessary part of the journey. Your well-being should always be a priority, and you are not alone in navigating these challenges.
* Recognize and Acknowledge Your Mental Health: The first step is acknowledging that mental health is just as important as academic success. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it’s crucial to take those feelings seriously. Often, the pressure to excel in school can worsen mental health issues, so prioritizing your well-being is key.
* Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust about your mental health struggles, whether it's a school counselor, teacher, or a parent. Most schools have mental health professionals who can offer counseling or strategies for managing stress. If you're not comfortable speaking to someone at school, consider finding a therapist or counselor outside of school who can provide emotional support and coping techniques. Many schools also have support groups for students dealing with mental health issues.
* Set Realistic Expectations: It's easy to feel like you need to be perfect in all your classes, but setting realistic goals and acknowledging your limits can reduce unnecessary pressure. Understand that it’s okay not to excel in every subject, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Set small, manageable academic goals each week rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list of tasks. This can help break down large assignments into bite-sized, achievable pieces.
* Create a Schedule or Routine: Managing your time effectively can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Use a planner, calendar, or an app to create a schedule that includes both study time and breaks. Organizing your day and sticking to a routine can help you feel more in control and reduce stress. Don't forget to schedule time for self-care, hobbies, and rest as well.
* Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, into your daily routine can help manage anxiety and improve focus. Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations that can help you relax and reframe negative thoughts. Even taking short breaks during your study sessions to close your eyes, breathe deeply, or stretch can help clear your mind and regain focus.
* Focus on Sleep and Nutrition: Sleep and nutrition play a huge role in your mental health. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and avoid the temptation to sacrifice rest for extra study time. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, concentration, and ability to retain information. Eating balanced meals with proper nutrients will give your brain the energy it needs to function optimally. If you're unsure about how to improve your eating habits, consider speaking to a nutritionist or a counselor who can provide guidance.
* Learn to Say No: Sometimes, taking on too many extracurricular activities, social obligations, or work commitments can further drain your mental energy. It's important to recognize when you're at your limit and learn to say no to additional responsibilities. You can always revisit these opportunities once you feel more balanced.
* Find a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. This could be friends, family, or mentors who understand what you're going through. Having a support system where you feel safe to share your struggles can alleviate a lot of pressure and help you feel less isolated.
* Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, even if it feels small. Whether it's completing an assignment, attending class regularly, or making it through a difficult day, celebrating these achievements can boost your self-esteem and motivation. Recognizing small successes can give you the strength to keep moving forward.
* Reach Out for Professional Help If Needed: If your mental health struggles are deeply affecting your ability to function in school or daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists are trained to help individuals manage mental health challenges effectively. If you’re unsure where to start, a school counselor can often provide recommendations.
Jeren, please remember, it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away, and taking small steps toward improving both your mental health and academic performance is a valid and necessary part of the journey. Your well-being should always be a priority, and you are not alone in navigating these challenges.
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hey Jeren!
I'm so sorry to hear that you are struggling. You are definitely not alone. I really appreciate that you are reaching out for advice on this platform. All of the advice given above are great things to consider. My first piece of advice is to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling (family member, friend, therapist, teacher, etc). This will help you express your concerns. Secondly, I encourage you to talk to your teachers so they can help you with your homework. Thirdly, I encourage you to engage in leisure activities that you enjoy (examples: exercise, biking, drawing, listening to music). Leisure activities can help you process and express any stress or anxiety you might be feeling.
Hope this advice helps & feel free to reach out if you need anything else! If you need additional help there are plenty of online therapy resources you can talk to your family/guardians about. Here are a few:
- Grow therapy: https://www.growtherapy.com
- BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
- Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com
I'm so sorry to hear that you are struggling. You are definitely not alone. I really appreciate that you are reaching out for advice on this platform. All of the advice given above are great things to consider. My first piece of advice is to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling (family member, friend, therapist, teacher, etc). This will help you express your concerns. Secondly, I encourage you to talk to your teachers so they can help you with your homework. Thirdly, I encourage you to engage in leisure activities that you enjoy (examples: exercise, biking, drawing, listening to music). Leisure activities can help you process and express any stress or anxiety you might be feeling.
Hope this advice helps & feel free to reach out if you need anything else! If you need additional help there are plenty of online therapy resources you can talk to your family/guardians about. Here are a few:
- Grow therapy: https://www.growtherapy.com
- BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com
- Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com