welcome back, mh.

i don't feel like i have enough info compare our experiences in search for similarities, but your post puts me in mind of how none of my psycho snot knots are tangled from a single thread. i seldom ever have only one reason for breaking off relationships or being unable to stay focused on work. conversely, few of my psycho snot knots untangle in a single masterful tug of the threads. sorting needed.

this is one of the places i feel safe to do that sorting. might i suggest you stick around and give it an honest whirl? it works when i work it. just a suggestion. . .

good advice from Arfie! Keep expressing yourself here - and you'll get some good wisdom and distance to cope with life.

Sounds like a reasonable diagnosis, things that kept you busy and provided some motivation and structure are gone, Can you work towards getting another job.

MSW school is flat out hard, and anxiety provoking, especially with the one or two unpaid long internships one has to accomplish. I was not advanced standing as my BSW was so long ago but I did finish the 2 year MSW and get licensed in my state about 5 years ago.

My MSW degree took more work and was harder than my daughter's Masters in Education. My daughter didn't have unpaid internships and I had to do two. I write not to discourage you but to acknowledge what is for what is. If you recognize how hard, how much work, MSW school is, then it is easier to find coping skills.

I coped by scheduling my day and my week and using a paper calendar to write down dates everything was due, what I needed to read for the week, when I needed to start doing the research for those APA style papers, etc. My APA style book is dog eared from using it constantly. My whole day/week was scheduled and MSW school work written in blocks of time (besides classes).

Just get through your MSW year and the internship, become licensed in your state, and you may look back fondly.

I noticed many students did quit the program and many were angry and burned out all along the way. It helped me to know some other students and have people to share feelings with. It helped me to see I had to persevere. I went to a big state university with a highly thought of social work program but what is called a "diploma mill" meaning anyone with money could get in the program so I saw more drop outs and burn outs than perhaps other programs have.

For some people, they do better mental health wise by not working in social work jobs. I personally have taken breaks along the way and worked other types of jobs, then went back to social work jobs. I knew a lot of burned out social workers, angry, bitter, not nice when I was working as a social worker (early retired due to health issues).

I saw a lot of anxiety in other students and I felt a lot of anxiety in MSW school and in the internships.

Honestly, I had to use all my coping skills and remind myself "this too shall pass". I scheduled every day of the week to focus on my schooling. I reminded myself only (blank) number of hours left in my second horrible internship placement. I journaled at times (quickly, too tired to do long spurts). I ate healthy as I could, I drank enough water, I forced myself to do all the work so I could overcome social work school burn out. I prioritized sleep and mental rest. I talked to a few other students to see if they felt what I felt (yes they did).

Know that you can overcome all these hurdles and come out the other side. Or you can decide not to pursue the MSW degree any longer. It is not for everyone.