What Should A Student Do When They Feel Like Giving Up? A Gentle, Step-by-Step Guide

If You’re in Crisis, Please Read This First

If you’re reading this and you’re in serious emotional pain, let me start by saying this: You’re not alone, and you matter.

If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, please pause here and reach out for help immediately. In India, you can contact:

AASRA Helpline: +91-9820466726 (Available 24/7)
iCall (TISS): +91-9152987821

There are people who care. Your life is far more valuable than the pressure you’re facing right now.

Your First 10 Minutes: A Tiny Reset for Your Tired Mind

I know how heavy everything feels. That kind of weight doesn’t come from laziness or weakness. It comes from caring too much, trying too hard, or being overwhelmed for too long. If you’re here, it means you’re still trying. That matters more than you know.

Let’s take the tiniest first steps together:

Just Breathe: Inhale for 3 seconds. Hold. Now exhale slowly for 5. Do this 3 times. It’s okay if your heart’s still racing.
Step Outside: Don’t go for a walk or anything big. Just open a door or window. Feel the air. Hear some sounds. You exist outside of your problems.
Drink Water: Not coffee. Not soda. Just a glass of water. It seems simple, but it’s an act of kindness to your body.

Now take a deep breath. You’re doing okay. You’re still here.

Give Yourself Permission to Do Only One Thing Today

You don’t need to fix your life in a day. You don’t need a 5-year plan. For today, give yourself permission to do one small thing that feels slightly better.

Listen to a calming song.
Write down how you feel (even if it makes no sense).
Text someone a simple: “Hey, can we talk?”

That’s all. The rest can wait. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to feel lost. You are allowed to just be.

Why Am I Feeling This Way? Let’s Try to Understand

That hopeless feeling doesn’t come out of nowhere. It’s often a sign that something deeper is going on. Let’s figure it out, together.

Burnout? You’ve been pushing non-stop, and now you feel numb or tired all the time.
Isolation? You feel like no one gets it. Maybe you’re surrounded by people, but still feel alone.
Imposter Syndrome? You’re convinced you don’t belong. That you’re faking it and sooner or later people will find out.
Overwhelm? Too many assignments. Too many expectations. Not enough hours in the day.
Lack of Purpose? You keep asking yourself, “Why am I doing all this? What’s the point?”

If any of these hit home, it’s not a flaw in you. It’s a sign that you need support.

Okay… So What Can I Actually Do Now?

Let me help you with a few small strategies. Pick one. Or two. Whatever feels doable today.

If It’s Burnout: Try the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes. Work gently. Then rest for 5. Repeat just once today.

If It’s Isolation: Don’t force socializing. Maybe just study at a library or a café. Being around people, even strangers, helps.

If It’s Imposter Syndrome: Start a “brag file.” Write one thing you did well this week. Even if it’s “I didn’t give up.”

If It’s Overwhelm: Divide your tasks into:

Must-Do Today
Can-Do Tomorrow
Can Wait

Then, email or talk to a teacher. Ask for an extension. They’re human too.

This Is Not the End. It’s a Pivot Point.

Let’s reframe something. Feeling like giving up doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It might mean that your current way of doing things isn’t working for you. That’s okay.

You’re not giving up on yourself—you’re just ready to try a new path, even if it starts with rest.

One of my favorite reminders is: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the next step.”

That step might be reading this article. Or talking to someone. Or taking a nap.

Whatever it is, I’m proud of you for still trying.

Final Words: You Are Not Alone

If this article found you at your lowest, I want you to know that I see you. And even though I may never meet you, a part of me is walking this road with you.

Please consider sharing how you feel with someone—a parent, a friend, a teacher, or even a helpline counselor. You don’t need to carry it all by yourself.

And if you ever forget this, come back here. Read these words again. You matter.

With warmth and strength,
Your friend at puneripages.in