School stress (procrastination)
Hi this is my first time posting. I don't really know how this works, but here goes.
I have been struggling with school and school stress, especially for tests and test weeks. I have had stress for tests for as long as I can remember, but lately it has gotten bad.
Not necessarily the stress, because I have been feeling a little numb (just crying and sitting, staring and thinking) . But grades. I have always procrasinated, but it has gotten so much worse. I have gotten into the spiral of stessing because I have so much to do -> procrasinating because of that -> stressing more and so on.
1-2 years ago I was talking to a school counselor, but it didn't help. I have tried all the study tactics known to man. Nothing seems to be working for a long time. I don't know what to do.
I have added stress, because lets just say my grades aren't the best. But if I don't get good grades I will need to repeat this school year, which I absolutely don't want, but I don't know how I'm gonna get good grades, while feeling like this. I just don't know.
Repeating the year, might not be so bad, because university will look at the grades from this schoolyear, so I would have higher grades than right now. But my parents won't be happy, and I won't be happy, because what if the same happens again, then wat. Btw I do the highest level of highschool in my country, but my brother did it too, and passed easily. So my parents expect me to do the same, but they don't seem to get how hard it is for me.
Sorry for ranting.
@limeCity5330
Hello!
Firstly, you don’t need to apologise for ranting! I’m glad you’ve made this post. It takes courage to open up about how you’re feeling and allow yourself to be vulnerable. I’m proud of you for reaching out.
I understand. I always found tests stressful. There can be a lot of pressure from family, teachers, and even just yourself. Some stress can be a good thing, it motivates you to work hard to get better results. However, it sounds like you are experiencing so much stress it’s preventing you from being productive. It’s really challenging to pull yourself out of that spiral. I struggle with procrastination a lot as well. I find getting started can by the hardest part. Try deciding you will study for ten minutes, now. You can do whatever you like after. Sometimes after getting started, you won’t mind continuing for longer. If not, at least you studied for ten minutes rather than none!
It’s great that you spoke to your school counsellor. Knowing when you need help can be difficult. It’s frustrating when you try many things that don’t help. However please don’t give up! Try to give yourself small, easily achievable goals. Just focusing on one thing at a time can help you feel less overwhelmed. Make sure you give yourself regular breaks. It can be tough when you have so much to do, but pushing through without giving yourself chance to rest will leave you exhausted and you’ll struggle even more.
I think you’re right in saying repeating the year might not be so bad. I get it’s not ideal, and it sounds like you’re feeling some pressure to pass first time because your brother did. Although we are often made to feel like it, school and exams aren’t the most important thing in the world. It’s good to care about your education and do your best, but you it’s not worth getting so stressed it affects your mental health.
Please be kind to yourself. School is tough. You’re doing an amazing job to have gotten this far!
