Hi Snowflake
Welcome to the bb forum.
I’m really sorry that anxiety is getting in the way of your studies. High school is hard enough as it is without having to deal with a MH condition. Hugs to you.
I understand how hard and demoralising it can be, as I supported my daughter who also has anxiety and OCD throughout her high school years.
I know you feel down right now but I see two strong positives in your story.
The first is that you passed everything. That’s a big win.
The second is that you have been brave enough to disclose how you are feeling and start seeking support within your school system.
Your MH condition will enable you to seek “reasonable adjustments” from your school, which should in turn enable you to access your education on a level playing field with your non-anxious peers. How many adjustments can be made will reflect the severity of your illness.
Reasonable adjustments include things like more time to sit exams and tests, being able to sit them in a separate room or even using a scribe. They can also include automatic extensions for assignments and the ability to take a lighter course load.
Less subjects in your final two years can assist you to achieve a higher ATAR and hopefully get you into the university course you want. You will have more time to complete your work and less stress juggling, which should help to improve your performance. If you choose to go down this path I strongly suggest you carefully choose your four (or five) subjects with the help of your careers counsellor.
Many schools document these reasonable adjustments in an Individual Learning Plan.
I would suggest talking to your therapist and preparing a letter to school asking for the supports you need. You’ll then need a couple of meetings to plan and document the outcomes.
It’s challenging but you can do this. With the right school support and a lot of determination my daughter took 4 VCE classes, graduated high school and gained entry to her chosen university course. Hang in there.
Kind thoughts to you
