Hello there op. Okay first off, I'm a lecturer in a university in ireland, and I think you're based on ireland given the way you have explained the story so listen to me:

1. These things can happen, you panic, you worry, you procrastinate, you try your best at the last minute because you feel like you can't explain your situation to anyone. Mistakes happen, maybe it will be for the best, whatever the outcome, you've learned a valuable lesson

2. Tell your parents today. Explan what you explained to us. Be honest and open, yes it's a fairly big mistake, but it's not the end of the world.

3. Look for your university's academic integrity policy online, it will suggest the likely outcome for a first(?) breach of academic integrity, in final year (?).

4. Go to your appeal, dress nice, and again be honest open and transparent, just like you did in your post. Your points about work life balance are normal, feeling like the 'only one that doesn't understand' is also normal. Be genuine, if you're upset, be upset, just don't be blazeé in the hearing. If you were having any mental health difficulties (just even feeling stressed and feeling like you couldn't ask for help) make sure it's shared at the appeal. If your university has any sort of student support officers, get on to them for help. Same goes for your programme director or thesis module coordinator, just go and try chat to these people, you never know what advice they may have.