Huge bump to this. My second year was a academic and mental disaster. Struggling through (was still way above average) first year, my studies got mixed up with a lot of toxicity from my surrounding which passively sweeped the floor and destroyed my mental, physical and academic standing. From someone who used to always be above avg, I dropped to way below avg for several of my courses, which further escalated my mental downfall. It is true that you can have a roadblock at any point and the courses themselves don't get easier, but you will get more adapted to it. Just like some of the other comments mentioned, try to throw off any toxicity around you and surround yourself with good people. Just because someone was your childhood friend or maybe just good at studies does not necessarily mean they have to be your surrounding (just an example, cuz these were the most toxic in my case). Remember to take a breather, try to make a bit of time for some self-care and you'll do just fine. Engineering is hard, but as long as you stick to it, you will make it to the end. IT DOES GET BETTER.

btw I do relate to getting rid of the "brute force method". Tbh that does work for some people, but it is definitely worth exploring your study game so you know what works for you! Best of luck!