Feeling Overwhelmed in Programming Studies: How Can I Catch Up?

If you're really feeling overwhelmed and unable to keep up, consider dropping some classes until you're in a better place. This could help you focus on what you can manage without adding extra stress.

Instead of spreading yourself thin over multiple resources, try to master one at a time. Start with a small project, work through debugging, document your process, and then repeat. That cycle really helps build both skills and confidence. Just remember, it's about progress, not perfection! It's great that you're reflecting and asking for help—those are key traits of a good engineer.

University is basically a full-time job, around 40 hours a week. It's important to approach it with that mindset. The feeling of being overwhelmed often leads to an anxiety spiral where you avoid doing work, which makes your anxiety worse. Try breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks that can be done in just 10 minutes. Completing even a small task can motivate you to tackle the next one. And if you hit a wall, just reading up on something you don’t understand can be a small task in itself. Also, using a task list might help you feel a sense of accomplishment by checking off completed tasks along the way.

Honestly, it seems like talking to a therapist is a good step. It's tough to feel that way on a daily basis. If your struggles are deeper, like possibly having ADHD, seeking medical advice might be necessary. We can’t pinpoint what you’re going through, but professional help can offer coping strategies that work specifically for you.