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[Guest_55109823]

Hi everyone,

I’m a uni student with exams in about two weeks. Recently, I’ve been dealing with intense anxiety and stress. It’s really affecting my ability to function so I’m not sleeping well, I can’t focus on my study, and I’m feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained most days.

I’ve booked an appointment with my family GP, but I’m really nervous. I’ve never been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition, and aside from a couple of sessions with the uni counselling service last year, I haven’t sought professional help before. I’m worried the doctor won’t take me seriously or might say I’m not yet eligible for a medical certificate because of that. The uni guidelines state that you need a med certificate or at least a letter of support/stat dec with certificate of attendance.

I saw a regular GP in my area over the weekend because I thought I could get it sorted quicker, but he said he immediately said he couldn’t provide a certificate because he hadn’t seen me in a recent timeframe. This has only compounded my stress.

My issues have lasted for a couple of years and I thought I was improving earlier this semester, which is why I’m only going through this process quite late because my anxiety has returned. I genuinely feel like I’m not in a state to prepare for or sit my exams properly, and I want to apply to defer . I’m just scared I won’t be able to do so.

Any advice or support would mean a lot right now. Thank you and sorry to trouble anyone with this!

[indigo22]

Hello,

Welcome and thank you for reaching out to us.

It really is unfair, the amount of pressure that is put on young people in education, that type of prolonged stress causes all kinds of mental health and physical health issues. You are not troubling anyone, it is why we are here and I am glad you decided to talk about how your are feeling. We all need help on occasions to stay afloat and this is the perfect environment for support.

There is no need to feel nervous about your visit to your family GP, it will not be a big deal, just take a deep breath to calm you down and talk as you have done here. It may help to write a few things down that you want to remember to talk about so you feel more at ease. Be sure to mention the sessions with the uni counselling service that you had and mention that you feel you need some longer term support now as things have been spiralling for you. If this GP knows you, they will see a difference in you and will listen to what you need help with. I can understand the other GP not being willing or able to help with this particular situation, as they don't know you and have no background knowledge to go on.

Even if the GP gives you a diagnosis, which again is not a big deal, remember that it is a diagnosis of something you are dealing with (like a broken leg, or a twisted ankle), it does not define who you are, so don't allow any label to make you feel worse about yourself. Just look at it as something you need help to heal from.

We will be here to support you when you want to talk and I am also giving you a number for a helpline where you can talk with a professional in real time. They can also give you advice on support in your area. Be sure to put the number into your phone so you have access when you need it. There can sometimes be a bit of a wait, but please don't let this put you off.

Kids Helpline - available 24/7 up to 25 years of age - 1800 55 1800

I hope this helps and please feel free to continue this conversation if you wish.

Take good care of yourself,

indigo

[Summer Rose]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

So sorry to hear that you’re feeling unwell but pleased that you have an upcoming appointment with your family GP. It takes courage to reach out for help, so well done to you.

Your doctor is there to help you and I want to encourage you not to overthink it because of your experience over the weekend. That doctor just didn’t know you or your history.

It might pay to ensure that you have a double appointment booked (if you don’t already) to ensure that you have plenty of time to talk.

Both of my adult children have had occasion to apply for such a deferral for mental health reasons. Their universities were not caring or warm—the process is cold—but they were fair. Remember this is something that happens everyday to many students—you are not alone and it’s okay.

It might pay to talk to student services about your application and support documentation—just to ensure that all your materials are correct. From memory, both of my children picked up good tips about what to do and what not to do by having these conversations.
Student services can also assist you to figure out your next steps and explain how you can access additional supports going forward to ensure that you can access your education in a level playing field with your non-anxious peers.

Kind thoughts to you