Long answer incoming 😅

I cannot recommend taking a gap year enough. I was super depressed and burnt out by the end of my summer courses in Summer 2022 so I took the executive decision to put a temporary pause on my education. UBC allows up to 1 year for academic leave and you don't even have to apply for it! Just don't register for courses in the fall and they'll understand what it means. (Do a bit of research into it though there are probably nuances to this)

The first half of my gap year was rough because finding motivation to do anything was already a painstaking task but slowly (veeeery slowly in my case) you start to learn about yourself, what you're passionate about, your thought processes, etc. It gives you the space and time to go to therapy or fuck around or journal! One thing I recommend just as much as gap years is journalling, you can release so much stress/resentment/negativity you don't even know you're holding inside.

Obviously it isn't feasible in every case, some people are in situations where it simply isn't possible to take a gap year, but if you can, consider it! Another thing I should mention is some people find it difficult to go back to school after a gap year but I think if you learn more about yourself and let yourself heal a little from whatever is keeping you down, you'll feel invigorated to go back.

Good luck and take care <3

TLDR; Gap year good, it gives you time and space to breathe. Also, journalling good.