Struggling with Uni

[Guest_10405]

This is my first time posting or talking about how I feel at all. But I’m an online psychology student wanting to be a clinical psych but i am struggling so much with my course. I’m getting average scores but it feels like every day there is a new step or score I need to reach to get into honours or masters and I’m far from them all!! I’m dreading uni starting back up in march so much so that it’s effecting my sleep now even though it’s months away. I just feel like I’m too stupid to be getting the scores I need let alone any experience but I’m working and doing uni full time and I can’t drive so I’m stuck at home when I’m not at work and feels like I have no time and no support from people in my course. I have no idea what to do next because my course is making me feel so stressed and depressed and not good enough but I have no idea what else I can do. This is probably really stupid but i just feel so alone and like i have no chance of ever becoming a psychologist even though im putting everything i have into it. I’m just not good enough!

[melodica]

Welcome to the forums.

I can relate to the “am I on the right path” spiral. I’ve tried a lot of different courses over the last few years, and I know the mix of pressure, self doubt, grief, and exhaustion that can come with that. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It often means you’re pushing yourself inside a system that is demanding and not very supportive.

Also, psychology training pathways can be competitive, and the culture can sometimes feel judgemental and status focused.  If you’re feeling isolated or like you’re constantly being measured, that’s not a personal flaw. A lot of good people feel crushed by the structure, not because they’re not smart enough.

A few things stand out in what you wrote
You’re working and studying full time
You can’t drive and you’re stuck at home when you’re not at work, so your world can get small fast
Your sleep is already getting hit months before semester starts, that’s stress, not a sign you’re not capable

If clinical psych is still your goal, it might help to widen the path rather than abandon the dream. There are closely related degrees and careers that are more supported, more practical, and still let you do meaningful client work. Counselling, social work, occupational therapy, youth work, community services, peer work. Some of these can get you into therapeutic work sooner, with less gatekeeping, and with cultures that can be more collaborative. And if you later decide to return to psych, you’ll do it with more experience and stability behind you.

You’re not stupid. You’re overwhelmed, under supported, and trying to meet moving goalposts while running on fumes.

If you can do one small thing this week, talk to someone official before uni restarts. Student wellbeing or counselling, disability support, or your course coordinator. Ask what realistic pathways look like and ask what adjustments and support options exist given your workload and transport limits.

This moment doesn’t predict your future. It just means something needs to change so you’re not paying for your degree with your mental health.

[Psychdiaries2]

Hello, 

I’m sorry to hear about the tough time you’re having right now. I promise you, you’re not alone. Uni life can be stressful and time-consuming, and your feelings about the future are valid. I guarantee you, everyone feels overwhelmed about the future at some point in their lives.

Firstly, I’m a psych student too! I relate to the pressure of aiming to get perfect grades and overthinking about honours and masters all the time. I heard that the score to get into honours is about 70 (could be lower depending on the uni and how many students want to do it). You said you’re getting average scores, so this is great! I know the assignments can be challenging. If you’re struggling and want to improve, I would highly suggest asking questions during class or sending your teacher an email. That’s probably the best thing you can do in uni to be well prepared. 

Also, I would recommend researching into different career paths. For example, I found out there is this course called a grad dip which is basically exactly like honours except without the research component, and the score to get in is lower. Many people have gone down this route and still became psychologists! See if there is anything else that peaks your interest. There are actually many different study/career options. 

See if you can get on a discord server for your course. My cohort has one and it’s been relatable to see others going through the same things as me like assignment stress and questions about the future. Perhaps you can find out about that and join one when uni starts back up again. 

About your difficulty sleeping, I understand how frustrating it can be when anxiety interferes and keeps you awake. Have you spoken to anyone you trust about how you’ve been feeling? I would also suggest to write everything out on paper-kinda like a brain dump to get everything out. That’s usually what I do and it helps me feel a bit less heavy. Maybe you could also try some meditation when you can’t sleep and/or deep breathing exercise. If this issue persists, then I think you should consider talking to your doctor for some advice.

Lastly, I just wanted to say that you’re not a failure. You are working so hard and need to show yourself some grace. You need to believe in your ability to achieve your goals. You are smarter and more capable than you think! Having a negative mindset is not going to help you to succeed. You are good enough. 

I hope things get a bit easier for you. I wish you success in your uni course and that you may get the support you need. Take care 🙂