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Why can't I force myself to go to class?

145 Answers
Last Updated: 04/20/2022 at 9:19pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jessica McDaniel, LPC, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have been practicing cognitive behavioral psychotherapy since 2007 with a diverse group of adult clients with various diagnoses, all races, and socioeconomic classes.

Top Rated Answers
TheAdmirableCreatureAmanda
November 5th, 2016 2:28am
You know some days are harder then others... every once in a while, I wake up and I know I just can't make it to class, so I take a me day. I don't go to class and instead get some more sleep, the hope is always that when I wake up, I will feel better. Give yourself some time and get some rest.
Anonymous
November 19th, 2016 9:54am
Sometimes, going to class just means all the workload you're going to have, facing other classmates, having to participate in discussions and tasks. Especially for those dealing with social anxiety, it's difficult. Our minds have a hard time being brave and and saying it's now or never. But, you've got to know that at the end of the day you go to class to study and learn. Maybe when you put your focus on studies and really think about why you're going for class, it might encourage you to go instead of you forcing it upon yourself.
SincererelyAlice
March 3rd, 2017 6:58pm
Even though there was a time you could, those feelings and the motivation cannot be found everyday. It seems to spontaneously disappear, or maybe not so spontaneously if you try to understand its cause; still though, even though you know of the reason you should and that your motivation was strong enough once, it cannot bring it back for the time being.
TaranWanderer
April 12th, 2017 2:04pm
There must be a reason you have trouble going, whether it be related to the actual class itself, or to something else troubling in your life. It's okay to have a hard time getting yourself to do things, even if you know you should do them. Try taking it slower, do little steps. Ask for help from people in the class if you can, if they can share notes or explain the lecture. Try to think about why you're having a hard time going to class, and work towards getting yourself to where you want to be. Just remember to not beat yourself up about anything you're not doing, and focus on the things that you are doing.
Anonymous
May 7th, 2017 3:56pm
Well, there are a number of reasons that you may not wish to go to class that range from a terrible teacher to depression. Only you can decide where on that scale you are.
Tamagotome
July 21st, 2017 12:09pm
It might be an issue of depression. I've had the same problem in my life and I went to a school counselor and it actually really helped! If you don't like your counselor, speaking to a friend you trust could also help. Or just talking to someone here on 7 cups!
Anonymous
August 19th, 2017 7:58pm
find out what is triggering my anxiety when I need to go to class and what I can do to change the way I feel
Anonymous
November 10th, 2017 6:22pm
You can't force yourself to go to class is because you may be medically incapable of, sick or illness not recovered, homeschooling, got in trouble and many other ways too.
Henryoverhere
January 7th, 2018 1:05am
When you fall into a rut it is very difficult to get moving, especially if you are behind and do not want to face the class, try to be courageous and take initial steps towards going
Anonymous
January 24th, 2018 6:35pm
You just cannot force yourself to go to the class because it is not something which you're doing for other people. It's something you're doing for your own good. So you should be interested in what you do
RagaHere
June 13th, 2018 3:30pm
Human brain is a fantastic computer and tells us what and what not to do every single time. This decision is taken based on the past experiences. When we love something, brain entices us to do that by releasing hormones which makes us feel good, which is not the case when we do not like something. It all comes down to loving the things that we do. Going to class can be made as good experience by finding out all the positive things about it which you love. And looking forward to it.
musicalEnergy94
June 27th, 2018 3:38pm
anxiety can cause a person to not go to class, you may not feel like you can pass the class or it's too early in the morning to go. there are so many distractions now in this world so it hard to force yourself to go to the class. success comes when you put in the effort and push yourself to make it to that class. if you envision yourself at the end of the class with an A or B it may help you be successful
slimreaperr
July 12th, 2018 4:04am
Good question. By using the word "force," you're implying that you WANT to go to school, but there's something that's blocking you. Any ideas what that block might be, and where it might have come from?
SuperSandi
July 21st, 2018 7:14am
Judging from my experience when I was in school, I didn't want to do anything that I wasn't interested in... And when my parents weren't around 2 make sure I'm doing what I need to do, it really wasn't any motivation or consequences. If I didn't want to go, then I didn't go.
dzhfjhelper
July 22nd, 2018 10:31am
Because you won't be really happy and live successfully. It was like being forced to bully and if you force you won't be able to concentrate same as bullying. I experienced forcing myself to try to make a random question and everything was all messed up to ask.
Allears247
July 25th, 2018 11:25am
You could, you are just choosing not to. You probably have a lack of motivation thats holding you back. Think of your goals as a reminder to keep pushing.
Anonymous
July 25th, 2018 12:30pm
There may be something within the classroom environment that is deterring you. Perhaps a pupil or a group or pupils? The teacher? The work? Or maybe worries about your own performance?
Anonymous
July 29th, 2018 5:09am
You need to feel motivated to learn and grow into your own individual and persevere through the stress and hard times to reach a goal.
comfortableRiver97
August 2nd, 2018 10:40am
The use of the word forcing is a strong word. Sometimes going to school can cause nervousness or even anxiety if there are underlying issues such as peer issues or school work issues etcetera.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2018 3:48am
Your having a hard time going to class, what do you think may be giving you a hard time getting the motivation to go to class?
Anonymous
August 22nd, 2018 5:29am
It could be a mix of laziness and depression. If you feel like you would rather sleep all day or just stay in bed, than go to class then that's a sign. Some things that are helpful to get you to go to class are, making a friend in your classes so you can hold each other accountable, introduce yourself to your teacher/professor so they can put your name to a face and take notice when you aren't showing up, talk to your school counselor about why you aren't showing up for classes and set up weekly meetings so they can help you stay on track. Those are just a few things that might motivate you to go to class.
MarianaBessa
September 6th, 2018 8:57am
Forcing ourselves to do certain things rarely work. We only do things we like or that will bring us some benefit in the long run. So instead of forcing yourself to go to class you could try to change your perspective about it. Question yourself why you want to force yourself, why it is good for you, why it will help you accomplish the future you aspire to achieve. Think about the things you like about school (even if it doesn't seem like there are many) and focus on them. Try to target the things you don't like about school and identify the ones you can change. Sometimes small changes do a lot for us. Good luck!
BlackPumpkin
September 19th, 2018 1:30am
Sometimes, we get so emotionally, physically, and mentally overwhelmed that we hit what is known as 'burnout'. This is a psychological state of complete exhaustion. Now, you may not have hit the burnout stage, however exhaustion levels may be a reason why you can't seem to go to class. Other factors that could contribute to your attendance are motivation and drive. If you aren't motivated to learn a certain subject, you likely won't feel self pressure to show up to class. My advice would be to attempt to motivate yourself to attend classes. For example, pick something you love (i/e running, grabbing some ice cream, etc) and reward yourself with this behavior after you successfully attend class a few times. This will cause reward pathways in your brain to activate, and over time you could 'trick your brain' into believing the class is fun (there's your motivation!) and worth going to.
Anonymous
October 11th, 2018 2:01am
I don't know your full situation so there could be endless possibilities. However, the most likely could be you don't feel safe in the classroom. Maybe you dislike your teacher, or don't feel you trust anyone in the class (like friends) It could also be that class stresses you out. For example, an overload of work or you have anxiety. You possibly feel afraid you'll say something wrong or mess up. I'm no professional, so don't take my advice to word but it could possibly be one of the things mentioned.
Maryska
November 4th, 2018 4:00am
Well sometimes with our mental health struggles, we find it difficult to be motivated about much of anything. I often find with depression that I can’t force myself to do much of anything besides the absolute basics of functioning through life. This is more than worth discussing with a professional if you can access one. There is no need for you to feel bad or guilty for not being capable of going to class from time to time. Just make sure that you’re completing what you need to get your credits and continue your scholastic life without too much impact.
WinglessYetFlying
November 9th, 2018 10:32am
Hello there.. As a student myself, I understand exactly how this question appeared.. Now perhaps you're facing hardships at school, like bullying, not doing well enough, or being alone.. Or generally not feeling motivated to go at all.. And thats understandable, really. But remember that nothing goes right when you force yourself, because you'll only screw up more. Think of ways you can motivate yourself to just go through with it. If you are facing problems, reach out further to someone. Be friends with a person you'd be willing to see everyday. Or motivate yourself by imagining the beautiful future you'll have if you just go through the years. Its hard, yes, but not impossible, and we all understand you ^^
Anonymous
November 11th, 2018 3:18pm
It can often be extremely challenging to will yourself to go to class, or even get out of bed. Perhaps you feel stress or pressure from a friend, family member or colleague. Maybe you feel scared of socializing or embarrassing yourself. Honestly, it could be any number of things - have you got any unfinished deadlines? Are you able to get a full night's sleep? Don't let yourself think you are a letdown, it is completely natural to feel scared of going to class. Please talk to someone, whether it is one of us here on the site, a friend or someone in your family. Your health and happiness is so important x
TheHappyZone
February 2nd, 2019 12:03pm
Nothing is rarely ever as simple as to just "force" yourself to do it. Most things need purpose and motivation. This way it feels good before, during, and after you've done it. Have you set a path for your future? Is there clarity about who you are and want to be? Do you know how you want to proceed? These are all questions one can ask themselves in finding out if they have the motivation needed in accomplishing things. I recommend searching on websites, such as YouTube, for "study motivation" or "motivational stories". Maybe that could be a start. Another way would be to seek out a school guidance counselor that can set you on the right path of success, motivation, and purpose. Good luck!
Pianorose
May 4th, 2019 5:15am
There are all kinds of reasons why you might be unable to force yourself to go to class; the best way to determine the cause is to do an honest assessment of your physical and mental health. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating healthfully? Are you drinking enough water? Are you taking time for yourself to unwind from stress? Have you been exercising regularly in a way you enjoy? Are you feeling unmotivated for classes alone or for other areas of your life as well? Are you avoiding class out of fear or frustration with the material or professor? Are you working yourself too hard between classes, work and other activities? Take a few minutes for some self reflection and assessment, then once you’ve pinpointed the cause take time for some self care in whatever area you’re struggling with, and if it’s too much to handle on your own consult a health professional for extra help.
beautifulsoul247
May 18th, 2019 4:35pm
I am studying French simply because it pleases me when nothing else does. I have been doing so since 2016. Many I started with already finished the course. I am halfway through. I only go once a week because daily classes are too overwhelming. I dread leaving the house, rubbing shoulders with people and having to talk when I'm not in the mood. It frustrates me that I have to push myself every Saturday. But I remind myself that I love it more than I hate the discomfort. It works sometimes. I have missed classes for months at a time. But I've managed since the year began.