[Anonymous]

Ok, so every time I have an exam I miss it because I am too physically scared to turn up. I end up getting really ill with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea all sorts...so I have to see the doctor who will then write a note. The uni haven't called me in yet (although I am a repeat student at uni) though I am scared this time they will. I have had bad experience with exams in the pass and also the pressure is too much as if I fail I can't retake the year like other normal students. However this had led me to feel like a freak compared to my peers who waltz into every exam despite their fears and come out on top. I have created such a bubble of misery here in my room, counting down the days till the exam, having nightmares about failing, making plan after plan for revision, crying myself to sleep...that I have drained myself of all energy and positivity. It's gone on for so long I don't know what to do. As I am studying medicine I am too scared to speak to a member of staff because they'll gain an unfavourable impression of me as I've already had one too many problems and they probably think it's about time I "pulled myself together". I want to see a counsellor but not sure if this will go down on my record. I want to talk to friends but if they find out I've been missing exam after exam through year they might tip of a member of staff. I don't know what to do

[Gaius Julius]

You are not a freak. Everyone has nerves during exams (despite what they may say) , it is just that yours are a lot more prominent. Do not worry about talking to members of staff or counsellors. It will be in complete confidence and no-one will think any less of you. In fact, they will be pleased because they will finally know why you haven't been turning up to exams, and they will help you to get over the problem.

[bikipip]

You are not a freak. Go and see your doctor, and someone at the uni (there should be a counsellor or someone you can speak to confidentially), they may be able to arrange that you do exams in a separate room. It could be something like social anxiety disorder, which can be helped with therapy. I know you are probably worried that this will affect your degree or future career, but it won't be any worse than you current situation. Your records will be held confidentially, just because you are doing a medical degree it doesn't mean you are not allowed to suffer from any problems like this!

[Anonymous]

The more I panic the less I revise and in the end when the exam comes I have done no work. Happens every time... I just can't pull myself to revise for an exam and then I'm too scared to go in

[Amandeep_Psych07]

I'm EXACTLY the same as you...the pressure and the expectations, and the fear of failure...it's just one, big vicious cycle. I want to know how to break out of it too.

[Anonymous]

Originally Posted by Amandeep_Psych07

I'm EXACTLY the same as you...the pressure and the expectations, and the fear of failure...it's just one, big vicious cycle. I want to know how to break out of it too.

I know...and the worse thing is you can't even tell your parents because they'll just panic and treat you like a failure, making you feel EVEN MORE (if that's possible) of a failure than you already feel. it's one big bloody mess.

[Anonymous]

I used to panic so bad in exams, i would get really really faint. Now i take Kalms, and i don't get dizzy at all (you can also try putting Rescue Remedy in you water). Also Kalms Sleep help if you're having trouble sleeping before an exam.

[red.ninja13]

sounds likey anxiety attacks. you should go to the doctor, they will be able to help, they might give you some vallium which will help calm you down.

[xBillyBrownx]

You panic when you keep thinking about the impact of your every action and the consequence of everything. Don't. Don't think about failure. Just tell yourself you won't fail. Whenever a negative thought comes to you try to distract yourself. Focus on your studying and remember that you'll never fail if you work hard. Good luck