What youâre going through is real, and it sounds like you're dealing with a major depressive episode, likely with features of anxiety and burnout. The heaviness, the sleep disturbances, the crying spells, and especially the numbness and confusionâthese are not just "excuses" or a lack of motivation. They're symptoms. Last yearâs hallucinations and anxiety attacks were red flags that your nervous system was under extreme strain. And now, with the exhaustion creeping back in, it's your mindâs way of saying, âI need care.â Youâre not weak for asking for helpâyouâre brave for recognising the cycle before it spirals again.
Next Steps
You need a proper psychiatric evaluationânot because you're "mentally ill" in a dismissive sense, but because your brain chemistry needs support. A psychiatrist can assess your condition thoroughly and, if needed, start safe and effective treatment. Therapy, especially CBT or trauma-informed care, can help you rebuild mental clarity and emotional regulation. Based on your clinical picture, a medical certificate for academic rest is not only justifiedâit is necessary. Youâre not trying to escape responsibilities; youâre trying to preserve your ability to continue them in the future. Reach out to the student health services, or you can consult a qualified psychiatrist (you may reach out to me if needed) to begin the documentation and care process
Health Tips
Begin with structure: wake up and go to bed at consistent times, eat three meals even if small, and get sunlight for 20 minutes daily. Avoid isolating yourself entirelyâhave one person to check in with regularly, even through text. Stay away from substances or excessive screen time. For nutrition, add B-complex vitamins, omega-3, and warm food like rice, dal, and banana which help calm the nervous system. Use grounding techniques when panic startsâlike naming 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear. Most of all, give yourself permission to rest and recover. Your worth isn't measured by how much you achieve when you're in pain. You deserve to healâand you absolutely can.