How to deal with assignment/university anxiety?

[BM_Dek]

Hey, I'm in my 3rd semester after bring enrolled for 1 year in university. Usually when I get stressed, its a healthy amount that just pushes me to do my work, but for this assignment in particular that I submitted, the amount of stress has been something I never experienced before.

Leading up to the assignment, about 3 days before and until I submitted, I experienced a complete loss in appetite, and anything I tried to eat that wasn't a meal replacement shake wouldn't stay down, and id throw up just from the extreme stress i was feeling. I also experienced a shortness of breath and problems sleeping, as anytime I tried to sleep the voice in the back of my head would tell me I should be doing the work, and that id fail otherwise.

I submitted the assignment to the best of my abilities, but i can't help but feel like I've failed the unit, and that stresses me out so bad, with the time and money I'll have to spend on re-doing the unit if this is true. There's a chance I'll pass the unit, but it feels stupid to hope I will if I dont, as i feel like I messed up this assignment that needed to be submitted, and if I dont get a good enough grade I'll definitely fail, I've done the calculations heaps of times over.

I was just wondering what are some ways to cope with this stress, I feel like I can't participate in my normal hobbies or my normal physical activity of the gym due to the stress messing up my eating habits or sleep schedule, and if I do fail I really don't know what's next for me academically, and I've never felt so stressed about something like this in my life.

[Croix]

Dear BM_Dek~

I'd like to welcome you here to the Forum, a place where if you look around you will see many who have been very stressed while at uni. You are in your third semester so you have already achieved a great deal, many drop out after a couple of months leaving the serious students, of which you are one, to continue on.

By the third semester of the year I have found many students have study fatigue and feel less confident and worry more. This is something many face.

I guess the first thing to say, as an ex-lecturer for many years, is that unis want their  student to pass, it helps the students and the reputation of the uni itself, so will normally go out of their way to help those with difficulties. 

Before going further I'd strongly suggest you see your doctor and explain the symptoms you have been getting and see if you can be diagnosed and offered treatment - even if only temporary.

With  a certificate from a doctor a visit to the uni counselors can be very productive and you should discuss your difficulties with them.

At the moment you are worried about one assignment, and that looks like you are not looking further ahead. That assignment will take care of itself. If you do not pass see the councilors or head of school and ask for a supplementary based on your medical certificate (I said it would come in handy:)

If you pass you have the rest of the degree in front of you and so as not to end up stressed out again you need to plan. This is not just a calendar of when things are due (and the start date beforehand for working on them) but also matters to make life easier and less stressful. These include being in a study group, establishing good working relationships with your lecturers and tutors, trying to include a unit you enjoy even if not related to your degree, and having a healthy life, with exercise and other interests.

Uni is a different world and does create stress, however you can overcome this by studying in an organized manner, receiving and giving help, and having  other interests you enjoy.

Good luck with the assignment

Croix