How to Survive School When Your Brain Won’t Cooperate

Practical tips for dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or burnout during the school year

Some days, school feels like a huge hill you’re expected to climb with a backpack full of bricks. Between deadlines, tests, social pressure, and expectations from literally everyone, it’s no surprise that anxiety, depression, ADHD, and burnout make focusing or even showing up way harder than people realize.

If your brain feels like it’s fighting you this school year, here’s a guide to help you get through it with compassion, practical tools, and zero judgment.

When Burnout Makes You Feel Numb

Burnout often hits teens who push themselves too hard for too long. You feel exhausted, detached, and like nothing matters anymore.

What can help:

• Identify what’s draining your energy most.
Homework? Social pressure? Activities? Something at home? Naming it is the first step.

• Lower unnecessary expectations.
Not every assignment has to be perfect. Not every club needs 110% from you.

• Take real breaks, not just scrolling.
Try stepping outside, resting, listening to music, doodling, or stretching.

• Talk to an adult you trust.
Burnout isn’t a phase, it's a sign your body and mind need support.