Feel empty
Hey everyone, today I woke up and all day I feel empty if that makes sense? Not sure how to explain it but I feel like no purpose kinda. Not sure but is this what burnout feels like? I’m a first year at a BB and still live in a flyover state so I only leave my house maybe twice every month. Maybe I should move?
Edit: although I work a lot, there is pockets of IB I enjoy and think that it’s worth it (doesn’t seem like it sometimes but can reflect on 80 hour weeks vs 100).
I’m catholic and don’t plan on changing but thank you for the reply
Whether you're truly not interested in it anymore or not, I have no clue, but you're undoubtedly depressed if the feeling is permeating all aspects of your life. If it lasts for more than a few days and you feel disinterested with ALL things (not just finance, but potentially even normal aspects of life like cooking, cleaning, exercising, etc.) then you're experiencing a depressive episode.
You should know that it's not your fault and you aren't a bad person or anything for feeling this way. 7% of adults in the US suffered at least 1 major depressive episode in 2017, and that just comes from the people who actually reported it/sought help (meaning that the number is likely much larger). I'd imagine that the number is exponentially higher now because of COVID.
If this feeling persists for more than a week or two then you should seek professional help. It takes a truly strong person to recognize they need help and actually go out and get the help they need - you're not weak for reaching out. Remember this, no matter how rough you're feeling.
In the meantime, try to take mental breaks by doing something productive that gets your mind off work. If you can spare the time (which anyone can) then get some exercise (take a walk) and take a break from your phone, even if only for 10-20 minutes. Read a book, something that's not finance related. Take up another hobby like painting. Remove sources of distraction from your life by getting away from things like the TV, video games, and social media. If you absolutely feel terrible/totally unmotivated, then just get up and take a warm shower (or take a 20 minute bath if you can) and try to relax.
Above all else, try to find some GOOD friends that you can confide in. Go out with them if you can, but if you can't then definitely give them a call and focus only on the conversation. Tell them how you're feeling, and express gratitude that they're taking the time to talk to you. Ask them about their lives and try to get genuinely invested in their wellbeing by truly listening.
You're a good person OP - I'm sorry that you're feeling so rough right now. I can only imagine how hard it is to be holed up and working as much as you are right now. Just know that this is a temporary feeling, and that it will get better with time and effort (even if it potentially gets harder at first). Never lose hope. Feel free to PM me if you need someone to talk to; many people in my life have suffered from depression, and I've even had family members commit suicide, so I'm very invested in the normalization of mental health.