I am feeling very demotivated, lost, and emotionally apathetic. I don’t feel like interacting with people or attending any social occasions. I am a competitive exam aspirant, and lately I have been experiencing panic without any clear reason.
I deleted all my social media accounts because they were affecting my mental state. However, when I delete them, I start feeling a sense of FOMO, and when I reinstall them, I feel restless and anxious. Because of this, I keep deleting and reinstalling them, which is mentally exhausting.
Is it okay if I completely avoid social media and social gatherings for the next 5–6 months and limit my interaction mostly to my parents while focusing on my preparation?
Answers (9)
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Hi
Feeling demotivated, emotionally numb, and disconnected from people is often a sign of mental exhaustion, especially when you are under long-term pressure like competitive exam preparation. The panic you are experiencing without a clear reason, along with this constant cycle of deleting and reinstalling social media, shows that your mind is struggling to find balance between wanting peace and fearing isolation. This does not mean you are weak or failing. It means you are overwhelmed and trying to protect your mental health in the only ways you currently know.
It is okay to reduce social media and unnecessary social interactions for some time if they are disturbing your focus, but completely cutting yourself off can sometimes increase loneliness and anxiety. A healthier approach is to set clear limits rather than total avoidance, and to slowly build routines that support both your studies and emotional well-being. With proper therapy, you can learn how to manage panic, regain motivation, and create a balanced lifestyle that helps you succeed without burning out. Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
Dear,
I ’m really glad you spoke about this. What you’re describing is exhausting. Feeling anxious, blank, demotivated, and stuck in this loop of deleting and reinstalling apps, that itself tells me your mind is tired and your nervous system is overloaded.
You are not weak. You are not lazy. You are not failing. You are burnt out and anxious.
When the brain stays under pressure for a long time (especially in competitive exam prep), it goes into survival mode. In survival mode:
You feel panic “without reason”
You feel emotionally numb or disconnected
You don’t feel like meeting people
You keep craving distraction but also feel worse after it
About social media and this FOMO loop
Right now, social media is doing two things:
It’s overstimulating your already tired brain
And it has become a coping mechanism when you feel empty or restless
So your mind is stuck in a tug-of-war:
When you delete it → anxiety + FOMO
When you install it → more anxiety + restlessness
This is not a willpower problem. This is a nervous system regulation problem.
Yes, it is absolutely okay to step away from social media. In fact, for your current mental state, it’s healthy but don’t do it in an angry, extreme way.
Do it gently and decisively.
For example:
Decide: “For the next 30 days, I will not reinstall these apps.”
Tell one or two close people how to contact you.
And then don’t keep negotiating with yourself every day.
Your brain needs one clear decision, not daily battles.
About avoiding people and social gatherings
When someone is anxious or emotionally exhausted, the brain naturally wants silence and safety. So wanting to stay with your parents and avoid people is completely normal.
But I’ll be honest with you here, like a real counsellor would:
Completely cutting yourself off from the world for 5–6 months is not a good idea.
Not because you’re wrong but because long isolation slowly feeds depression and fear.
What’s healthier is:
Keep your world small and safe
Talk mostly to your parents
Maybe keep 1 very safe friend or relative in touch
Avoid crowds, functions, draining people
Think “reduce and simplify”, not “disappear”.
The symptoms you’re describing are important
You said:
Demotivated
Lost
Emotionally numb / apathetic
Panic without reason
Avoiding people
Mentally exhausted
This is not just “stress”. This is anxiety + burnout + early depressive signs.
This does NOT mean something is wrong with you as a person.
It means your mind and body are asking for care.
About your studies
Right now, your brain is not in learning mode. It is in protection mode.
So if you force yourself:
You’ll feel blank
You’ll feel slower
You’ll feel more hopeless
You don’t need more pressure.
Next Steps
You need very gentle, realistic routine
Short study blocks
And first priority is mental stability
Once the anxiety settles, focus and motivation come back on their own. I see this all the time.
Some very simple, human advice
Please try these
Go for a daily walk (no phone)
Fix your sleep and wake time
Do slow breathing when anxiety comes
Eat regularly, even if appetite is low
Stop judging yourself every day
And please hear this:
If panic, numbness, or heaviness continues for more than 2–3 weeks, please talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Sometimes we need professional support to reset the nervous system. That is not failure. That is maturity.
One last thing, from heart to heart
You are not behind in life.
You are not broken.
You are tired.
And tired minds don’t need punishment.
They need rest, safety, and patience.
If you want, tell me
How long you’ve been feeling like this
Whether your sleep and appetite are okay
Whether panic comes suddenly or with thoughts
I can guide you more personally.
Taking a social media break can be helpful. Staying away from distraction and being around people where you feel safe is fine. Also try mindfulness and therapy for emotional regulation and calming the nervous system. You can contact me at nine eight seven one four five six eight four seven.
What you’re experiencing is a sign of mental overload, not weakness. Yes, taking a structured break from social media and limiting social interactions for a few months is absolutely fine if done the right way. Panic, emotional numbness, and restlessness are treatable, and early support can prevent them from worsening. With proper guidance, you can regain focus, calm, and confidence much faster. I would strongly recommend a consultation so we can address this correctly and safely.
Next Steps
Next steps for you
Book a psychiatric consultation – early help can reduce panic and improve focus quickly.
Do not isolate completely – stay connected with parents and 1 trusted person.
Fix a simple daily routine – sleep, meals, study, and short breaks at the same time daily.
Pause social media properly – avoid delete/reinstall cycles; decide once and stick to it.
Seek help immediately if panic, hopelessness, or lack of motivation increases.
With the right plan, you can feel stable and in control again.
Health Tips
When panic starts, press your feet firmly into the floor for 30 seconds — it tells your brain you’re safe.
Feeling demotivated, emotionally disconnected, and experiencing panic symptoms during prolonged competitive exam preparation is not uncommon. The repeated cycle of deleting and reinstalling social media suggests ongoing internal conflict between the need for focus and the fear of missing out, which can increase anxiety and mental fatigue. These experiences indicate emotional overload rather than personal weakness, and they require careful understanding rather than abrupt decisions.
Next Steps
It is reasonable to temporarily reduce exposure to social media and limit social engagements if they are worsening anxiety, provided this is done in a planned and structured manner. Consulting a mental health professional can help assess anxiety, panic symptoms, and mood changes, and guide you in creating a balanced routine that supports exam preparation without increasing isolation.
Health Tips
Complete withdrawal from social contact for long periods may sometimes increase low mood and anxiety. Maintaining limited, supportive connections such as with parents or a trusted person is important. Avoid frequent switching between avoidance and re-engagement, as this can be mentally exhausting. Professional guidance can help you find a sustainable balance.
Yes — it’s okay temporarily.
Taking a planned break (5–6 months) from social media and limiting social gatherings can help your nervous system calm down while you prepare, as long as you don’t isolate completely.
Do this instead of total avoidance:
• Keep 1–2 safe connections (parents / one trusted person)
• Fixed daily routine (sleep, study, light exercise)
• No uninstall–reinstall cycle → delete once, commit to the break
• Short grounding practice for panic (slow breathing, 5-4-3-2-1)
Watch out:
If numbness, panic, or loss of motivation worsens or lasts >2–3 weeks, please consult a psychiatrist/psychologist — this may be burnout with anxiety, and early help prevents long-term issues.
You’re not weak — your system is overloaded and needs regulation.
Hello,
Thankyou for sharing your concern here.
Balance is the Key. Extremes of either completely avoiding stimulation or over indulging is causing you mental exhaustion.
Setting healthy parameters of what works for you can help you manage the situation.
Drawing boundaries when you experience discomfort can help achieve the balance.
Counseling can facilitate establishing healthy workable parameters and the motivation to sustain them.
You can consult for further professional guidance.
I wish you success and Holistic Wellbeing.
Happy Healthy Living!
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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