Anyone else feel depressed/empty during down time?

[Rivi]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I don't know if this is just a part of being grad school busy but it seems like every time I get some free time I just end up sitting around and doing nothing. My energy seems low and nothing feels like it is worth doing. Sometimes I may end up working on something school related just to keep my mind occupied. I don't know if this is burnout or just me generally not having much of a social life, but I was just wondering if anyone else had similar experiences?

 

[FadedC]

When I get some time of for Summer I find I usually enjoy it for about a week or two because it's a nice change of pace from the crazy work load of finals. Then I go stir crazy from not having enough to do. This past Summer I had a full two months off and it drove me nuts. At least this coming Summer I may be able to find a Summer externship or something (although as a school psychology student, alot of my usual sites will be off in the Summer as well).

 

[cara susanna]

Er, no. But I've been really busy the past two semesters. I used to feel that way a lot.

 

[erg923]

Er, no. But I've been really busy the past two semesters. I used to feel that way a lot.

I have a Ph.D., but I am essentially a lazy person...so, no. "No" to the original question.

 

[PhDToBe]

I think I get more depressed when I am actually doing school-related work, haha...especially stuff for courses. 🙂 I am also lazy...

 

[cara susanna]

Yeah, I get the feeling less and less in grad school. But I am also pretty lazy. 🙂

 

[AlaskanJustin]

I don't know if this is just a part of being grad school busy but it seems like every time I get some free time I just end up sitting around and doing nothing. My energy seems low and nothing feels like it is worth doing. Sometimes I may end up working on something school related just to keep my mind occupied. I don't know if this is burnout or just me generally not having much of a social life, but I was just wondering if anyone else had similar experiences?

Have you gone to talk to anyone about this? What you are describing falls under the umbrella term "self-care" which is crucial... As embarrassing or stigmatizing as it might be, why not reach out to the college counseling center... even if you only go a couple times just to "talk", anything could be helpful... I am surprised no one else on here has brought up the possibility of adjustment issues that are normal for any graduate student, but I think you can definitely facilitate a healing process by seeking out someone to talk to that is not personally involved in your life.

best

 

[Quynh2007]

initiation is often very difficult for many of us. I suggest you see if any previous hobbies still interest you, like reading for leisure or playing a game (I've spent time playing plants vs. zombies this past year).

Part of my practicum this year includes mindfulness and qigong, and let me tell you, even if it is a placebo effect, this stuff is awesome. I really enjoy just being present, focusing on breath or counting numbers, even for only 5 minutes, it can definitely recharge me.