Overwhelmed with thesis
Hi everyone. I’m a grad student in my final semester of completing my thesis. It’s for my masters of architecture. I have maybe 3 weeks left. It’s been driving me absolutely crazy. I have been picking at it bit by bit, but the overwhelming sensation from the fear of failure and disappointment keeps me from fully going all out and immersing myself.
I’m doing it all hand drawn, which to me works out because it gives me leverage for more creativity and less time spent messing with a program and overthinking things. I have to make a model as well, which is my least favorite thing to do ever. I really do NOT like model making. I want to laser cut a section, and I know I’ll likely get some help putting that together from some undergrads.
I feel so… anxious. I’m letting this pressure devour me, it feels like. It’s like holding my hand over a candle. When I start working, I’m okay— but when I pause to take a break I’m thinking about how much I need left. How will I possibly finish this and be satisfied? I know I’ll disappoint myself regardless, but how disappointed will my professors be? Will I even be able to get this thesis approved?
I’m doing what I can for now. But I’m just not feeling good. What should I do? No personal health days or time off. I’ve had plenty of that due to my avoidance. I nap and let time be eaten up by my anxiety. I want to do better.
Posted Apr 9, 2026, 9:13 PM UTC