is anyone else the same? (school related)

[skw]

Hi,

I have currently started year 11.  It has only been 4 weeks back at school and I'm already feeling anxious and sad. Everyday I get home from school and feel like crying and I'm always really worried about going to school the next day.

Currently as i am writing this, it is nearly 3:30am in the morning.  I've woken up feeling extremely anxious and sick. Because I'm in yr 11, i can't afford to miss any lessons and feel extremely pressured to do well ,so i can get into uni. I'm currently doing 3 TQ3 subjects and find I'm not coping. I don't know what to do because im really not enjoying going to class and feel dumb in every lesson i have.

 If you have any advice,  please help. I  am also quite shy and don't have very good social skills either. I always fear failing and being judged.

 Thanks for taking the time to read.

[Shannanabanana]

Hi skw

 I can't exactly give you any advice but I can tell you about me because you sound exactly the same! 🙂 2 years ago in year 10 I developed severe anxiety with severe psychical affects as well. I was so anxious every day about going to school and other people knowing just how bad I was really doing I cried every time my foot tripped up if someone was around because I thought it made me look stupid. I ended up dropping out because that's what suited me but that might not work for you. It might be worth talking to a school counseller about your study concerns or anything they can help 🙂

I can tell you that my anxieties have got better with time which seemed impossible at the time but its really not.

Thanks for posting I hope somebody else here can tell you something too 🙂

Shannon

[Zeal]

Hi skw,

Welcome to the forum!

I am now 23, but I remember well how anxious and shy I was throughout high school. In Year 12, I wasn't taking any medication for my anxiety, and my anxious thoughts prevented me from getting good-quality sleep and concentrating on study. I did fine in Year 12, but not as well as I could have. I still got into my first preference at university, as the entrance score wasn't too high. There are many options after high school, and multiple uni-entry pathways. If study doesn't go to plan next year, there are even ways of doing bridging study at TAFE to access university now!

I'm sorry to hear that your anxiety is making school and life in general so much harder. Speaking to your school counsellor, as Shannon suggested, is a good idea. You can definitely finish Year 11 and 12. If you seek help and be realistic with subject choices and personal expectations, you can forge ahead 🙂 Your teachers are there to help you, so don't be afraid to ask for extra help or to tell a trusted teacher that you are struggling with the pressure. It sounds as though you haven't received help for your mental health before. If this feeling of anxiety and sadness doesn't pass soon, I think visiting your GP is a good idea. Some people have the idea that going to your GP is really only for physical sicknesses and blood tests, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

Your GP can talk to you about how you've been feeling emotionally (and physically, with the nausea), and give you advice about how to proceed. They may create a mental wellness plan for you, or suggest you try a few sessions with a counsellor or other professional. It's up to you and your doctor. Being in Year 11, I'd imagine you'd already be 16, which means you can attend this appointment without the knowledge of your parents. However, having parent support during tough times is so helpful. I don't know what I would have done without my parents all through high school when I had anxiety, and afterwards as well.

Like you, I was shy and lacked social confidence in high school. I honestly thought I'd never improve, but I started becoming less shy and fearful in social settings when I was about 19. It was much better by the time I was 21. Time and experience are your friend when it comes to overcoming obstacles like shyness and self-consciousness.

I hope something I've said has been useful or of comfort 🙂

Best wishes,

SM

[skw]

Thanks so much for commenting! Knowing that I'm not the only one who thinks like this makes me feel like I'm not alone. I really appreciate it 😃

[skw]

Thanks so much for commenting and all the advice, I really appreciate it. I will definitely take onboard the advice, as it was very reassuring and comforting. Hearing your story also helped a lot , as it sure does definitely help knowing that I'm not alone and there are so many people to help and support me, as well as people going through the same situation.

Thanks again 😃

[Zeal]

You are very welcome!

Keep looking on the forum (especially in the Young People and Anxiety sections) for more personal stories and advice 🙂

The weekend is approaching! Enjoy it!

[AirJordanFan93]

Hi skw

10 years ago when I started high school I struggled with such issues. 2nd day of school I was in tears and couldn't face showing up at all since it was just too hard for me to do so. I eventually conquered it the best I could. The best advice I could give is to find a teacher at the school you trust and get along well with. The head of year we had from year 8-10 was very good to me and it gave me a trusted teacher to tell things to when things got rough and I was having a tough time of it.

I know all to well the pressure High School puts on students when they are 15-17 to have their entire futures planned out at such a young age. Its generally a thing I am against and its because I dealt with such pressures they put onto students.

[skw]

Thanks very much for your advice! I think it will become very useful 😃

[AirJordanFan93]

Now problem SKW