Bulletin Board Post

School

Hard To Concentrate In School

<div class="ExternalClass6E2F56A6C4AC468DBD9205929486C24E">So recently I've been concerned whether I'm struggling with anxiety or not. Recently I've been stressing for tests, midterms, and presentations in school and often I start sweating and my heart starts racing and I find it a bit harder to concentrate while I'm in school. At night I find it harder to fall asleep or to stay asleep and I'm always tired when I wake up, even if I get a "good night's sleep". I'm not sure what to do what's going on. Thank You. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassBE6C84589BA94F549AA1520238450C60"><div><div class="ExternalClass6E2F56A6C4AC468DBD9205929486C24E">Thank you for contacting Your Life Your Voice. It isn’t easy to reach out when you are struggling, but we are glad that you did. You indicate that you experience anxiety. It sounds like school has been a big trigger for you. It might help keep a log of the times you felt anxious. When you look at the list start brainstorming a plan for the next time you have to deal with that situation. For example, if tests cause you anxiety due to their length, talk to your teacher about doing half of the test while in class and half of the test after school so you can concentrate on each question and do your best. Talk to your parents and teachers about the feelings you are experiencing, they may have some really good pointers for you, after all, they used to be students once upon a time and understand how school pressure feels. Try to identify what your thoughts are prior to feeling anxiety. Many times anxiety is brought on by negative and irrational thoughts we have about ourselves or situations. For example, you might think "I’m not smart enough”, “I am not going to do well on the exam”, "I won't have enough time to finish the test" or “I can never do better”. The next step is to then use positive self-talk during these situations when you begin to feel anxiety coming on. This may include telling yourself "It is ok to be anxious; a lot of people become anxious;" "I am ok;” , or "Feeling nervous and like I cannot breathe is uncomfortable, but I am not in danger". You can also tell yourself, "It is ok to relax now because this will pass;" or "I studied hard, I can do this." Instead of reflecting on negative thoughts try to counter the negative thoughts with positive thoughts about yourself. Finally, try taking slow, deep breaths when you start to feel yourself getting anxious. Generally when people get anxious they start to breathe fast and shallow. Slowing down breathing will help you relax. Attached is a link from the <a href="/" style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);">www.yourlifeyourvoice.org</a> website that may be helpful to you: <a href="/Pages/tip-Anxiety.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/tip-Anxiety.aspx</a> We want you to know that we are here for you. Take care, Naina, counselor </div></div> </div>

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