performance anxiety regarding university

[artlover]

Hello,

I am currently in my last semester of university. I really love my degree and the area of study I am immersed in, however, as much as I love my degree I have been really struggling this semester to stay motivated and 'on-top' of assignments. I have become really anxious when it comes to completing my assignments, which has resulted in numerous panic attacks. I always get the sense that what I am writing isn't good enough, and that I am not on track to answer the assignment's question. I don't really understand why I get so anxious, as throughout my degree I have achieved relatively good grades.The one assignment I have submitted so far this semester, I also received a good grade- despite my feelings of anxiety and stress. I think part of the reason as to why I feel so anxious is because I am a perfectionist when it comes to my assignments. It got so bad the other night that I was even contemplating dropping out of university all together. I think this 'giving up' attitude is driven by my anxiety,and not my own person. Because this is my last semester, I love what I am doing, and have worked very hard to get to the point of study that I am at today- I don't want to drop out, but I am really tired of the chatter in my head telling me that it is a plausible option and an easy way out. Has anybody else experienced similar feelings in regards to their studies or work? I am really tired of putting myself through this self-destructing cycle where I seem to beat myself up all the time. I keep telling myself not to place such an emphasis on study, as I don't need to get high grades all the time- but just pass. But for some reason, despite telling myself this, I can't seem to budge the negative though patterns and the pulsing, clamped feelings of anxiety. Any advice would be really appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read my post. 

[Shan41]

Hi,

This is how I feel about my year 12 studdies, and I really don't know how to overcome it, I too would like to hear what anyone else has to say about this. 

Thanks, Shan x

[Girl_Anachronism]

Hi Artlover,

I had similar issues last year, when I was denied my degree despite studying all of it at one university and than went to another university to finish it. Despite the uni giving me a better experience and doing nothing wrong, I found the passion I had for university go out and slid further down into anxiety and depression as the year went on.

I too am a perfectionist so I just couldn't figure a way out. It was only as I was standing outside my exam room, unable to make myself go in, crying that I went and sought help.

Do you see a psych or GP for anxiety? If you don't, or even if you do, your university counsellor would be a worthwhile trip. They are fully trained psychs and specialise in study problems like yours. They are also completely confidential so you don't need to worry about other people finding out if you don't want to.

Do you find you study better in groups? Even if you can just find one friend for a subject to work on the assignment with, you can double check with them if you are on track. A fellow perfectionist friend of mine had a similar friend in uni who was a lot more slack and less talented than he, but they went together to hand assignments in so my friend could not deliberate  endlessly if he could do better. They had a time to meet and go hand in together.

I preferred to study alone, but i found if I was struggling with an assignment what I would do is write out a plan, broken down directly from the question. I would then simplify it as much as possible- no extra credit research, just what I needed to do. I would then write that in my diary to keep track of the assignment and  stick it on a post it on my monitor as I was writing it so if i got caught up in details I would just refresh my mind, go make a cup of tea, look back at the plan and stay on track that way.

May I ask what you are studying? I was studying Chemistry but I also did parts of History, Graphic Design and Biology degrees.

Shan - Your high school should have an equivalent counselor. Year 12 for me, due to a variety of issues was worse and more Hellish than any year of university studies. It gets better once you get past high school, trust me on that.

Welcome to BB, both of you, and I hope you find support here. I hope you can write back soon.

GA

[shellybytheriver]

Hi artlover,

I too am experiencing the same thing. I am in my second last semester of university and I have gone into a spin..I fell like I am not good enough, that I  am not going to pass. I can't understand it, this is what I have been working towards and I am suddenly terrified. I too am a good student and have never had any trouble achieving good grades.  But now I feel as if the stuff I write is not good enough.  I try to keep up regular exercise as I find that helps. The problem is I really can't discuss how I feel with any of my uni friends, because they just look at me blankly and tell me not to be silly, likewise family. I think I am going to go and talk to a lecturer that I like about it and see what they suggest. And when I wake at 3am and wonder why the hell I am doing this.....I try to clam down, listen to my breathing and  hug the nearest available cat.But you are not alone, I feel this too and I bet other people do as well. Keep handing those assignments in....

[Genevieve]

These are the exact feelings I have. I have grown up quite the perfectionist but seem to self sabotage when the anxiety takes over. I have withdrawn from courses so many times but the few I managed to stick with i received good to very good results. I enjoy what I am studying but the overwhelming fight or flight takes over for assignments. I try to tell myself a simple pass will do, its not the end of the world, try to enjoy the learning process but I feel what I'm doing isn't right, isn't good enough. I know I'm overthinking it and wonder how I will ever finish my degree and lead an interesting life with such strong performance anxiety.