School Anxiety

[Rosie_Spencer]

Hey everyone, As you probably guessed from the title I am a high school student (year 10) and i have like really bad anxiety sometimes. Its nothing like I don't have any friends or I don't know how to walk into and room and stuff its more like when i get in trouble by teachers. For example today i got in trouble for the first time and it was about giving my notes for a test that I got from a girl to another girl and my teacher sent the whole class the email saying she's very disappointed and very angry. I haven't been able to sleep and she's asking for everyone to hand in their notes and I'm doing them now but I can't seem to find the motivation to do it like its so weird. This never happens, I know that i need to get it done rlly badly but i can't. I physically can't and instead of it i could be cleaning my room but I'm just sitting here thinking about it and thinking about it. I have no idea what to do. I also get terrified talking to adults and if i talk to my teacher I would probably break down in tears.

[CJames]

Hi Rosie,

Firstly welcome to the forums, it's a great place to share any of your experiences/concerns/worries, sometimes it's even a place to vent and feel comfortable in a judge free zone. I wish you the best of luck in your journey across the forums.

In around 31 days, I'm set to graduate year twelve, and I can't wait. I'm so excited to get out there into a working environment, get some cash, urgh the dream 🙂 It's terrific also to see you have a collection of friends for support.

With this also comes nerves and anxiety, as does with everything Rosie. It sounds like you have a lot of worries at the moment, my best advice relax 🙂 Now I understand this is easier said than done, but there are some perfect coping mechanisms. I too had severe anxiety from a really young age, especially in primary school where often I wouldn't attend due to that reason.

I suggest a quick google search of 'overcoming anxiety' 'anxiety resources for youth' 'anxiety beyondblue'.

Now you need to try a range of different techniques; sometimes one will help, other times they won't. I also on top of this suggest speaking to your parents/or legal guardian about your concerns?

I'd like to ask quickly, how do you think the other students manage their anxiety? Let's say in regards to speaking to the teacher? Or let's say be a little 'cheeky', so to speak in class?

Another thing, between you and me, often in high school we exchanged notes for a test, don't ask what we did when we got the test in our hands :P, Shh it's our secret. Look it may be a big concern for you, but I wouldn't worry too much regarding some sharing of notes.

Do you always have trouble sleeping, Rosie?

Look, I definitely understand your situation of losing motivation to do things, it happens here and then. Do you think that maybe you're trying to put off cleaning your room for example?

I definitely see some signs of anxiety Rosie; I think it would be perfect for you to speak to someone about it. Have you thought about seeing your school psychologist? May you even be able to leave a not regarding your concerns? Might be a better option if you feel talking is an issue.

It's time for bed, least for me.

Keep in contact Rosie, I wish you the best and I'll be looking forward to your reply.

Best Wishes,

C.

[rubyonyx]

I don’t really have any advice but getting in trouble by teachers terrifies me too and ohmygosh I’m not alone. I also cry when talking to teachers.

If you can try and get the notes done at least 50% maybe or 80%? When I can’t finish things I try to do it with the mindset of doing it 80% well. Maybe that helps, maybe not. Hope it works out

[LavenderTea]

Hey Rosie,

CJames has given you a lot of helpful info about anxiety so I'm just going to add one little bit here.

Reading your post reminded me of a time when I told my own teacher that I hadn't completed a homework task, and started crying - my teacher had been so confused, and told me to stop, and that it was okay. This also reminded me of another teacher who, at parent-teacher interviews, told my mum that I had to learn that sometimes things are "good enough".

The reason I'm sharing this with you is so that I think it might be helpful, in that, what I realised over these situations, might be similar to what's happening for you. Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves, or think about all the different conversations we can have with a teacher, and then stress ourselves out to the point that, when we finally do talk to the teacher, there's an emotional release (i.e. crying).

Similar to what my teacher suggested, and what rubyonyx said, you could try being less hard on yourself, accept that some days you're not going to feel like doing anything, and that when you do get around to completing your homework or your notes, you can remind yourself that it doesn't have to be perfect, but rather that it's "good enough" and you've given it a try at least. I find that when I put more pressure on myself to do well, then I procrastinate more, but practicing some self-acceptance, and understanding that it's okay to have off days, will make the task seem less daunting.

Hopefully this helps,

LT.