I'm no longer a hard working person, is it burnout?

Question

I'm one of the top students in my school.i used to study up to 10 hours on regular basis without feeling bored.i had so much energy,motivation  I was UNSTOPPABLE. Since February I just stopped putting effort into things, I waste so much time.don't even feel guilty.I'm 18.So the first semester I got an average of 94%which is good, but not what I expected from the long hours and long months Of studying I did, I was crushed&disappointed. More like heart broken.My friend got 97% she worked as hard as I did.But she has what I wanted and worked for.I felt this was like a trauma or something.So i went from a student who worked up to 10 hours To a person who actually can't achieve i'm shocked I can't process why I'm acting like this
I'm confused between a burn out /Depression /trauma
Which one fits those signs?
1-lack of motivation(nothing ever motivates me)
2-insomnia
3-Loss of appetite(I lost 6 kgs)
4-unable to focus 
5-unable to complete simple tasks I used to sleep after finishing everything now I go to bed at 8:00 PM!

Oh I tried taking time off school, It didn't work out. I have 44 days left for this semester to be over.

Answer

Hi MxMxM, 

I have noticed that you posted this question on here 3-months ago. I hope you are doing better & that my answer still be helpful. Congratulations on being a top student. Well done !! I work with people in burnout and I had experience with the above too. 

Long hours do not necessarily mean success. At one point it is time to get the energy from a different place than 'working hard'. That doesn't mean not to learn and give your school and homework attention - it means to give time for you and discover what you enjoy outside the mental work of school. 

What makes you happy? What do you like to eat? How much time are you spending with your friends? What sports do you enjoy? 

To answer your question - are you in burnout? May be, I describe burnout as a natural cycle of growth and we all go through it to some extend, it's not a bad thing, it just very uncomfortable. It's giving you a nudge that something else requires attention - you. 

If you have any further questions - please just ask.

Answer

I also hope that you have already dealt with your motivational problems, but if not, then I join in the opinion that you need therapy. Otherwise, it could have a very negative impact on the rest of your life.

I'm no longer a hard working person, is it burnout?

Answers (3)