Study - My main trigger

[Mystery_Belle]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently sitting on my couch pretty much unable to move from a feeling I can't describe. I know I have to move either to the kitchen table to a cafe to get started on an assignment due tomorrow. But once again the fear is creeping in and I just can't start. I've had 5 weeks to work on it and I am now telling myself yet again it is not worth it, I'm not smart enough, Don't both. I just can't do it. Anyone have any tips or words of wisdom. I'm frozen and don't know what to do.

Thanks

[Croix]

Dear Mystery Belle~

It's good to hear from you. I had a quick look back and it seemed that you've had a couple of positive experiences here - that's great. I also had a listen to that track from Guns of Gold - not bad.

I'm not sure what your current status is, and you don't mention it in your message. Are you currently on any form of medication and therapy for anxiety and depression? I do know you were starting down that road a while ago.

Please let us know, it will make having a meaningful talk easier.

You sound as if you feel like a frozen scared animal in the headlights - but you can make things better. I've read what you said in the past, you are an intelligent and able human being.

Ok, your assignment (I'm assuming you are at uni , though its all much the same): As someone who had to deal with uni students and their assignments for a fair number of years I can tell you firstly you are not the only one who procrastinates and then wonders if it's worthwhile. Really that's the anxiety speaking. You get anxious so avoid it and you don't start, then the time runs short and matters go downhill ever further - fast.

Secondly the situation has not become irrecoverable, even if it might seem like a short term relief it it had. Contact your lecturer or councilor and explain the situation, if they request it get a medical certificate and then an extension on the date.

Then straight away do your best and hand it in - that's when the relief will kick in - and it will be as a result of something you have done - not just something you have avoided. You will feel a lot better about it - and yes I know you then have to worry about the marking - one thing at a time.

Lecturers want their students to pass -it's that simple. So I'd be surprised if you didn't get a bit of leeway. If not see your GP and explain the situation and ask for help/advice.

You are not alone, you are facing a situation many others have. Based on what you've written over the years I've faith you can overcome (even if this is not the first time you've stalled on an assignment -my apologies if it is:)

My best wishes

Croix

[Guest_322]

Hi Belle,

You're obviously very stressed and sounding overwhelmed. I think Croix has touched on some possible reasons as to why you're feeling as you do. I agree that it's more likely nerves and other stressors causing you to feel that you aren't smart enough rather than it being a reality.

I'll take a stab at giving maybe practical advice (?) I'm not sure if it will be helpful at all but I'll give it a shot.

I think disability services at most unis handle assignment extension requests, personal problems and mental health. I'm assuming it's the same at TAFE but I could be wrong. Perhaps you could consider emailing or calling disability services at your uni or TAFE (or other)?

In terms of the actual assignment. Here are my suggestions (please bear in mind that I don't really know your background so it might not be good advice):

- maybe give yourself 5 minutes more on the couch and then tell yourself that you're getting up (maybe set an alarm on your phone asap)

- maybe make a plan to tackle the key components of your assignment. The reason that I'm suggesting this is it can help make an overwhelming task seem more manageable (like breaking down a big job into micro jobs).

- allocate an approx. word count to each section (weighting per section should give you an indication).

- Then maybe write a no. next to each part to indicate the order that you will tackle the various components.

E.g. 2000 word essay

Introduction (approx. 250 words)- 2

Body (approx.1500 words)- 1

Conclusion (approx.250 words)- 3

References (usually not included in word count)- 4

Edit- 5

Attach cover page- 6

Submit- 7

Also it might help to tackle the big ticket areas first (e.g. the body in essays and reports are worth more marks than the intro and conclusion so maybe write that part first).

Maybe focus on getting a skeleton essay/report/etc done before worrying about punctuation, etc- that can wait.

If you are unable to get an extension and you don't finish the assignment on time, maybe try some quick mental maths. E.g. ask yourself whether handing in an incomplete assignment on time (& therefore face no late penalty) versus a slightly late submission (meaning a late penalty but all assignment parts complete) will give you the higher mark. I personally use this strategy if I'm really pressed for time but still want to maximise my marks.

I hope this is a tiny bit helpful. If not, feel free to ignore everything that I've written.

All the best!

Dottie x

[geoff]

hello MB, some good replies back to you, but if you at uni now something inside of you has taken control and usually that could be depression of any type, but until you are able to overcome this then your time at uni will not be productive, you will also miss lectures, assignments and lose total disinterest in wanting to go.
This is the time when I would suggest that you defer your course, because at the moment you are wasting your time even trying, as you will procrastinate which only means you will fail, so avoid this and postpone it, and if you decide at a later date then you can pick up where you left off.
Generally when this happens the person loses interest in the course and will never go back to it, but by doing this you would have found something else to do, but now I think you should go and see your doctor before it all becomes too much for you. Geoff.

[Mystery_Belle]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your kind words and advice. It has helped me realise that studying is my really big trigger when it comes to anxiety and panic attacks. I was able to complete the assignment and got 49/100 which was just one mark off a pass, more than I thought i would acheive.

I'm back to my doctor this weekend to be put on antidepressants again, in the last week I have had several panic/anxiety attacks when trying to write my final essay. I want to succeed so bad, I want to become a teacher but I'm really holding myself back and it is hard. I understand the work, I just can't seem to breath when i sit down to type. At least I'm about to have a uni break and a few weeks for the anti depressents to hopefully kick in. I never should have stopped them honestly.

Thanks again lovelies