Procrastination, constant anxiety, worried about failing university.

[unigirl1994]

Hi guys, just wanted to have a bit of a vent here. I've been struggling with pretty bad anxiety for the last few years and since I have started university in 2013 it has gotten a lot worse. I am studying creative arts and I get so anxious when it comes to my assignments/major works as I don't take criticism well and hate talking to my teachers. In my course we have to create artworks for our final grades, as opposed to written exams/essays/etc. I put them off until the last minute because I'm so worried about failing and disappointing myself/teachers/my mum, even though I know my mum would do anything to help me out if she knew what I was dealing with. I have not told anyone how this is affecting me because I do not want them to judge me/see me as lazy/or be angry with me for not doing better, I also lie to my family about my grades telling them I get credits, when most of the time I just get a pass mark. I do not tell anyone when I have art due and have pulled all nighters before doing paintings, drawings etc, one time even ending up with a mark of 50 (49 is a fail) which made me sad, but also relieved that I passed, even by one mark. I tell myself I will stop procrastinating and get better at managing my time but I just can't seem to get my head around it because I just put everything off due to the stress/anxiety it gives me. As I write this I have a photography assignment due in two days that I have not finished, and also two other art assignments in both 3 and 4 days, which both have many uncompleted side works that I will lose marks for not handing in - not even sure if I will complete the main parts of them to a satisfactory level. I just wanted to see if anyone else has had experience with anything like this and would know of any good methods to help me out because it's making me depressed, anxious and nauseous 24/7. I would really appreciate any help!

[DaneSaysYay]

hiya unigirl1994, welcome to the forum.... hey i just thought some things that hopefully might help you.

i did a performing arts cert years back and do know the pressure, especially if you have to do stuff in front of people. but on the otherhand i dont really think they will fail you. its a pretty win win situation as i did some shockers and still passed, but have you looked at ways of dealing with the anxiety..

just think if you had a tool eg a way of dealing with the feelings and not getting rid of the anxiety, cause a bit keeps it in check, just think how you could better deal with it..

 as for what people think, take the preasure down, some people twice your age are only comming into their own and you have years on your side, hey i was late bloomer creatively and peole still supported me, so i thinl theres a bit of worry on your part, and maybe you would be suprosed how ppl around you might  look at this differently and be way supportive of you,,

 chin up, look into a suitable anxiety calm technique or therapy and go get creative as, im sure its some awesome stuff, dont be so hard on yourself

[unigirl1994]

Thanks for the reply! I have tried seeing a psychologist before who tried to teach me breathing methods and visualisating to calm down, as well as also trying natural medical remedies but sadly none  of then seem to help much in the long run. I definitely think I am going to see a doctor about getting more help, whether it be seeing someone again or trying medication. I appreciate the advice 🙂

[Chris_B]

Hi unigirl1994,

Welcome to the forums.  Sorry to hear that things are tough at uni right now.  You can also call our support service on 1300 22 4636 if you would like to speak with one of our professional counsellors, or use our web chat facility (accessible through the link at the top right of the page) between 4 and 10pm.

Beyondblue also has a website for tertiary students called The Desk which is full of different resources for coping, which many people have found useful, such as:
 

•     Modules to develop problem-solving and self-management skills. Topics include getting things done, staying calm, staying connected and feeling good.
•     Tools to help with everyday issues such as relaxation, challenging unhelpful thoughts, using feedback constructively and problem solving.
•     Quizzes about different areas of life such as relationships, physical health and mental wellbeing.
•     An online Coffee House for students to connect with other students, share experiences, music, art, recipes and more.
•     Links to information and support services to help deal with a range of common issues.

You can access The Desk by clicking here.

Take care and please keep chatting to us here on the forums about how you're going.