Dear Todd:

You had a horrible year but you functioned very well, considering, graduating college and making reasonable choices. I hope you find comfort in that you are capable this way, capable of facing difficult times and functioning effectively.

Naturally, when you feel burnt out, you want to hide, so to rest. You are very tired. Nothing but resting is going to take care of this tiredness, exhaustion. So make that happen, resting.

Before you do anything else, rest.

I agree that you shouldn’t pretend that you are fine, that all is okay, etc. What you are doing here, on your thread, is a good thing, expressing how you feel and how you have felt for a while.

I suggest you let your girlfriend know that you need a period of calm, asking for her cooperation in this regard. Sharing with your partner is a good thing, but at this time, while you are burnt out, it is better that she doesn’t share more distressing issues with you unless necessary. It is also important that you don’t interact with difficult people at this time, unless necessary and to the extent necessary.

The trip to Europe sounds good. But rest some before leaving.

anita