I'm tired...

I've been involved in al lot of different projects and organizations since I was in High School. When you are doing work that is very demanding for a long period of time, you tend to burn-out. What I think you really need is a break. Sometimes taking a month off for you and only doing things for you will be rejuvenating. It's not selfish to take time to take care of yourself. But, you have to let the people you work with know. Let them know that you feel overworked. They will most likely understand. If you are happy and well you will actually be better with whatever you are doing. If you are miserable then you are only doing the minimum of your potential.
I've been in a situation recently were I was mentally exhausted. It's not fun and can take a long time before you can finally get back to your normal self. I'm still trying to in ways. So don't let yourself get to that point. Worse case, you will lose any enjoyment and may never feel joy about doing that work again.

So, talk to the people you work with. Let them know that you are not feeling comfortable and enjoying the work. Tell them that you need a break or less responsibilities for awhile. You aren't letting anyone down! If anything, by continuing to work in your condition you are letting yourself down and are not giving your best to your cause. So, if you take your break to regroup you will actually be doing everyone better, including yourself.

Please, don't let yourself become burned out. It's not a fun experience. Take care of yourself. Admitting to others and yourself that you need a break shows how self-aware you are, and knowing when you need help. That's a strong person. As long as you let them know, then you don't have to worry about letting anyone down.

Good Luck

 

Hi Jake!

What you're doing is truly admirable, but you can't keep this up and expect to be able to help as much if you are not taking care of yourself too.

You said you are cursed with a nice-guy personality. May I suggest that this is your main problem, which is not that you're such a nice guy, but that you think you're such a nice guy.

The main problem with this is ego. You have in your mind a conception of yourself "the nice guy" and, in order to get the benefits that come with the admiration of you, you will burn yourself out in the process, because it feels so good to be so admired.

Tell your ego to take a hike, your body and your mind are craving rest and you need to be in shape for the happy day you will finally meet your boyfriend!

All the best!

 

I'm not sure what the "nice-guy personality" curse is. That thought just makes me sad. What's so wrong with being nice? Nice guys should be celebrated, not seen as a curse.

That said, I'm incredibly involved at school, so I know what you're going through. What's worse is when I'm the only person who is active in the club, so it sometimes feels like the success or failure of a certain event rests solely on my shoulders. But I'm not the only person in any of the clubs I'm in. I'm not the only responsible member. There are other people in the organization you're in, right? I can't imagine you're the only person running it! I think you need to come to terms with the fact that they will be okay without you every now and then. I'm sure they did alright before you joined. Don't take them asking if you'll be there as them assuming you'll be there. They'll be okay if you take a break every now and then. And you SHOULD take a break! Like you said, you're only 15. You should not be working yourself to gray hairs. You need to take time to unwind. Plus, you can't be much help to people if you're stressed and exhausted all the time.

As to your friend... if she is as depressed as she says she is, then she might need professional help. Friends are great to help, and can be a great support system, but you can't be her sole source of help. You're too young, and that is a lot of responsibility. And, sometimes people cannot be helped. You can give them all the advice, all the hugs, all the help you can all the live long day, but there ARE people who are only happy when they're miserable. I've had family members and friends like this. Support systems and professional help did nothing. They sought out bad news, bad behaviors, bad anything to vent about. I'm not trying to say your friend is definitely like this, but if she turns everything around on you and focuses solely on the negative, it can be the case.

But suggesting she see a counselor or therapist might be your best bet. It sounds like you have a lot of stress and responsibility. Too much will drive you insane.

 

I think that it would definitely be okay if you take a break from the organisation. I mean, it seems like you're using every free moment to go there. I'm sure everybody would understand, considering everything you've already done.

Your friend does seem really depressed. Maybe you could refer her to a Therapist that could help her. If needed, you could even come with her on her first appointment for the Therapist. It might make her feel better, but it ultimately depends upon how she feels about it.

I mean, you're only 15! You shouldn't be wearing yourself out like this.

 

I commend you on volunteering! That being said, one of life's greatest skills is having the ability to graciously say no. The reason is that as you get older people will recognize your skills/talents and ask you to help them. Before long you can easily be overburdened and stressed out. I once had to tell the Lt. Governor of a state NO to be on her commission because it would have put me over the edge. We all have to look at our limits. Two years ago I resigned from several boards, commissions, clubs and volunteering to take a break. It has been wonderful and no one hates me!