School Pressure vs. Mental Health: Your Tips?

Hey there!

I am a student currently in O levels (9th Grade) and I go to a very competitive school. I've been a straight-A student most of my life but lately, I feel like what I am doing isn't enough.

In my O-level system, we have two types of exams: school exams and CAIEs (Cambridge Assessment International Education). School exams are less strict, where teachers set and check them based on specific chapters or terms, helping track your progress throughout the year and all. On the other hand, CAIEs are the final exams that cover everything you've learned over two or three years of high school. These are more rigorous and important since they determine your future academic opportunities, such as university admissions. While school exams prepare you, CAIEs carry much more weight in shaping your academic path.

My school exams go great but I feel anxious about the CAIEs I will be giving next year.

And although I get good grades, I feel like it's still not enough. I don't have any specific ECs or anything that I am doing right now and, I might shift schools next year as well (which may or may not reset my progress).

For now, I am stuck in a rut and I feel so demotivated. I see students doing better than me and often feel really shameful because I have no work to show and nor am I a child prodigy. I have no energy to continue whatsoever and I had new year's goals that are yet to be achieved (There's around 2 months left till 2025 ... yikes)

What do I do?! Do you guys have any tips?

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