I burned out for the first time when I was 20, it was during my first job as a software developer. After five years of introspection the reasons I burnt out wer

I burned out for the first time when I was 20, it was during my first job as a software developer. After five years of introspection the reasons I burnt out were as follows: * I was extremely introverted and did not reach out to others. When you're 20 its easy to feel like you're the only one, but the older I get the more I realize the second you reach out you're met with a tidal wave of "Me too" as almost everyone has felt similar but not identical feelings. Family, friends, coworkers, professionals (therapists, doctors, etc). have in my experience never failed to support me the second I reached out to them. * I allowed my thoughts to turn almost entirely negative/cynical. The mind does this weird thing where you begin to fear what MIGHT happen so much that there is no more room for positive "headspace". When I started noting the good things in my day there was suddenly less space for negative and cynical thoughts and my overall outlook improved noticably. * I had a false belief in what my life should be. I was 20, I thought I should be partying, dating, getting rich, instantly and all the time. This isn't the way life is, nor is it what life should be. Don't let popular/instagram-culture dictate your reality. Most of life isn't a highlight reel and that is ok because it makes the special moments (like when you DO get to go out with your two friends) all the more significant. * I wanted to feel good all the time. I thought, gee I feel anxious/depressed all I want is for this to instantly go back to "how it was". Overtime I've come to realize life was never perfect, or devoid of anxiety, or fear. Life just was. You're not meant to feel good all the time and that's ok too. In conclusion I think you should not quit, because if you hole up and retreat into yourself it can get much worse. Instead start with the common advice: prioritize life-improving habits like better exercise, sleep, diet, and meditation. This is not an absolute cure, and some days you will feel like you cannot do it, but it will strengthen you and help you reach your overall goals. Then move on to different approaches until you find the one that suits you, for me practicing positivity + forcing myself to do productive things EVEN IF IT MAKES ME FEEL BAD has been helping me steadily. I know you're looking for an instant cure, but there isn't one. You will feel bad at times. You will feel lonely at times. This is the human experience. But do not let these negative feelings stop you from experiencing joy, happiness, glee, serenity, because they surround you everyday - you just have to let them in. I hope my advice helps. You are not alone. In fact I think you're in the majority. Let's find a way to help each-other. My email is in my profile if you'd like to reach out.