How to treat my anxiety?

[ToughGuy]

I need your help… I’ve been suffering from anxiety since 2014, when I failed my first exam. Now this fear is even more powerful than me, I can’t control that. I can’t prepare for exams, because when I even try to open a book, I feel terrible… My heart starts to beat so fast, my hands are trembling and I wanna jump from the window… So I can’t prepare for exams, this is intolerable..
I’m afraid to visit a doctor, because they’ll send me to a clinic…

What can I do?

 

[janemariesayed]

Your Doctor may not send you to a clinic. He will only do that with your consent so you don't need to worry about that. Tell your Doctor how you are feeling. He may be able to give you some medication that will help you to relax while you are preparing for your exams. Your exams are important so you really do need to take them. If you don't pass them, don't let it get you down. We all have our God given talents and that's what we need to find, just as you need to find your talent. If you aren't so good at one thing, you will be good at something else, thats the way life is. So although you have every right to be anxious about passing your exams, there are still many doors open to you.

I hope you will manage to talk to your Doctor, because he can help you.

 

[Alex]

Can you speak to a friend or a teacher? Most schools have a counselor and that can help because they are used to students who are under stress from exams. I think trying to do that first, is a good step to take. You may not have to see a doctor just yet, and some counselors can arrange therapy to help in the first instance.

If the school has no counselor, perhaps ask a teacher that you know well, and if you are unsure how to approach them, write them a note or email as sometimes writing it down is easier.

 

[cheritaisrandom]

I need your help… I’ve been suffering from anxiety since 2014, when I failed my first exam. Now this fear is even more powerful than me, I can’t control that. I can’t prepare for exams, because when I even try to open a book, I feel terrible… My heart starts to beat so fast, my hands are trembling and I wanna jump from the window… So I can’t prepare for exams, this is intolerable..
I’m afraid to visit a doctor, because they’ll send me to a clinic…

What can I do?

I suggest you start by simply calling or emailing your doctor. Unless it's a case where you feel like you're going to harm yourself or someone else, you won't go to a clinic. Most hospitals have great therapists and group classes you can attend to help you cope with your anxiety. If you're ready to take your life back, I say give it a shot. Good luck!!!!


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[DanStelter]

Hey ToughGuy -

A counselor is almost always a good idea. Universities usually offer you several free sessions. Can't guarantee that.

The best cure for your anxiety is to go right into the situations that drive it through the roof. So, start with opening your book to begin studying. Your anxiety will rise just like usual.

But instead of closing your book, simply leave it open. Let the anxiety run around and do it's thing. Notice that it eventually passes. You're okay. All you're doing is studying. That's it.

Your brain can't think about two things at the same time. So, focus on what's in the book. Keep letting the anxiety do whatever it wants to. Constantly focus your thoughts on what's in the book.

Something like,"Ahh okay, I needed to know that." "Now, I need to understand this." "Oh, and I better write this down next." Your anxiety only has the power you give it. And the more afraid it you get, and the more you avoid the situations that cause it, the bigger it gets.

So direct confrontation works best.

I understand this won't be easy. That's exactly how it worked for me. Difficult at first. Felt like my body and mind wanted to do anything but what I wanted. But each time you do it, you'll realize it gets easier. Eventually, it gets natural.

Talk about how it went afterwards with your counselor, trusted friends, or anyone on this forum. Talking about it decreases the power of it when you do so with an attitude of wanting to let go of the anxiety.

I don't know if you exercise. But you might consider exercising vigorously before you study. It releases positive endorphins and tires your body and mind out. It'll be harder to get anxious.

You can try medication, if you want. It sort of numbs your mind and reduces your anxious symptoms so you can focus more on the task at hand. It's not perfect. But it might help you increase your performance now while you gain skills at managing your anxiety.

Hope that helps!

 

[Alexandoy]

I don't think you can fight off anxiety by yourself especially by the symptoms that you mentioned. I had those symptoms several times before I finally decided in going to a doctor. With the prescribed medication, I felt better and my confidence came back. But I only take the medication when the symptoms are starting. Now I have been taking the medication maybe twice or thrice in a year because I have learned to control my anxiety by being focused on other things and making myself often occupied with sensible activities. My advice is for you to see a physician first and not direct to a specialist.