is it normal to feel this scared of A Level exams?
it just feels like there's been a dark cloud over my head for months now.
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
Original post by Anonymous
it just feels like there's been a dark cloud over my head for months now.
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
No, not normal. Most people aren't this anxious about exams. The considerable majority don't get nightmares/repetitive thoughts and are impaired as severely as you because of anxiety. Remember that most people are normal, although there's a significant minority who are outside normality.
Go see a GP or a specialist. You could look at anxiety disorders, even adjustment disorders.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by Anonymous
it just feels like there's been a dark cloud over my head for months now.
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
Hey,
I think it would be good if you saw your school counseller for support bc I think the stress of a levels is only going to get worse as you come closer to the exams. Its important to have good mental health while you revise ,so that you can fully focus on your revision, rather than have these worrying thoughts.
Good luck for your exams and I hope you feel better soon
BTW i am doing my exams this summer as well, so if you want someone to talk to. I am happy to help
Original post by Anonymous
it just feels like there's been a dark cloud over my head for months now.I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
That's not normal. How old are you?
thank you everyone, maybe I will look into counselling
I really struggled during my A Levels exams and I experienced very similar things to you. Every waking minute was spent thinking about essays, revision notes, what could come up, how prepared I was and there was not a moment that I would not think about work. I used to think about essay plans to soothe me to sleep. I have quite a severe form of OCD which meant that I was getting these repetitive thoughts to the point that I actually became physically unwell and nearly had to miss one of my exams because of it.
The one thing I found that helped was trying to compartmentalise, so trying to set myself 3 or 4 hours after school that I would do work for and then after that I would have to go to bed whether I wanted to or not. You can get through this. I have done a lot of damage to myself through working myself to oblivion that I still talk about in therapy to this day (I did my A Levels in 2021). Something that was raised was that I could have gotten those same marks, without having to do as much as I did. I got 94% in A Level History and it was not necessary to put myself through so much extreme stress in the long-term.
The one thing I found that helped was trying to compartmentalise, so trying to set myself 3 or 4 hours after school that I would do work for and then after that I would have to go to bed whether I wanted to or not. You can get through this. I have done a lot of damage to myself through working myself to oblivion that I still talk about in therapy to this day (I did my A Levels in 2021). Something that was raised was that I could have gotten those same marks, without having to do as much as I did. I got 94% in A Level History and it was not necessary to put myself through so much extreme stress in the long-term.
Hi,
we are an english class reading about your problem with your A levels, we think that you should try to look for medical help because handling too much stress could be dangerous for your mental and even physical health. We wish you best of luck, we hope you do well in life.
hugs from Mexico,
Class 8.
we are an english class reading about your problem with your A levels, we think that you should try to look for medical help because handling too much stress could be dangerous for your mental and even physical health. We wish you best of luck, we hope you do well in life.
hugs from Mexico,
Class 8.
Original post by Anonymous
it just feels like there's been a dark cloud over my head for months now.
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
I have nightmares about my a level exams and repetitive thoughts about opening the papers only to find I can't do anything. I do physics and, although I've spent a lot of time practising questions and getting good, I still become a nervous wreck in exams. I resorted to essentially finding out everything I could about my physics mock papers so that I would do well. I did do well, but only because I was prepared for the questions. and now I feel terrible and more of a failure than ever, with my teachers and parents congratulating me when I basically cheated. I have never really gone into a test having no idea what the questions might be (I have done every single past paper I can get my hands on), and the one time I did last year, I didn't do very well. I would be genuinely devastated if I couldn't meet my grades for my firm choice, I mean even typing this is making me cry. I am trying meditation but I am still crying daily and getting these repetitive thoughts. Is this normal? is this what everyone is going through right now?
It is not uncommon for students to experience anxiety and stress during exams, especially when it comes to high-stakes exams like A-levels. The pressure to perform well and meet expectations can be overwhelming, and it is understandable that you would feel nervous and scared about the prospect of not meeting your grades. It is important to remember that everyone copes with stress differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, it is good to see that you are taking proactive steps to manage your anxiety, such as meditation. It may also be helpful to speak with a trusted friend, family member, or professional (like me :-) )for additional support and guidance. Remember, it is okay to ask for help and take care of yourself during this challenging time.
