extremely depressed post a levels

Every day all I can think about is the possibility of missing my uni offer. I constantly attempt to count up my marks even though I know I wont be able to remember my answers properly or know what mark I'd actually get, and I obsessively try to work out grade boundaries. it is all driving me insane I cant distract myself from it, I just keep going back to overthinking eveyrhting I possibly can about it. As soon as I remember something that might have gone wrong it stays on my mind until I sleep and then is on my mind as soon as I wake up the next day. I dont know what to do, Im very worried

Reply 1

emily-05

13

I have just done my A-Levels and I understand the stress of not hitting your uni offer. All you can do is stop yourself before your thoughts spiral, eg: "What if this mistake in this paper has caused me to miss my grade?" and then you would shake your head to yourself and say (out loud if possible) "I have done my best" and try to breathe through the stress and this should condition your brain to feel a bit better about it. Obviously this would probably only have a minimal difference but I think any help is help right? Also if you are going on holiday this year (even within the country), then this offers an opportunity for a positive experience to outweigh the negative thoughts. I would say the other important thing would be to talk to friends and family if possible because even though they can not change the outcome of anything, they can give you comfort and support you :smile:

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

17

Original post by Anonymous

Every day all I can think about is the possibility of missing my uni offer. I constantly attempt to count up my marks even though I know I wont be able to remember my answers properly or know what mark I'd actually get, and I obsessively try to work out grade boundaries. it is all driving me insane I cant distract myself from it, I just keep going back to overthinking eveyrhting I possibly can about it. As soon as I remember something that might have gone wrong it stays on my mind until I sleep and then is on my mind as soon as I wake up the next day. I dont know what to do, Im very worried

Hi there,

I've been in your position and it's not easy waiting for your results.

When I was feeling anxious waiting for my results, I would instead try to plan ahead. I started planning as if I already had my results and my university offer. I would make packing lists, have a look at the societies my uni offered, what I wanted to do during Freshers' week.

This helped me to start relieving some of the worry I had about my results as I started to get excited about university.

Until you know your results officially, there will probably always be a bit of worry in the back of your mind. But if you try to control it by changing your mindset little by little, it might help take away the more intense worry about results day.

You could also try to arrange to do something to celebrate on results day. Regardless of your results, you should still celebrate completing your exams! A Levels are certainly not easy! You could meet with friends, go for some food, or just have a movie night at home. But remember to be congratulate yourself for getting through your exams.

I hope things get easier for you and best of luck for results day.

Emily 🙂
Student Rep at BCU

Reply 3

deniz07

8

Original post by Anonymous

Every day all I can think about is the possibility of missing my uni offer. I constantly attempt to count up my marks even though I know I wont be able to remember my answers properly or know what mark I'd actually get, and I obsessively try to work out grade boundaries. it is all driving me insane I cant distract myself from it, I just keep going back to overthinking eveyrhting I possibly can about it. As soon as I remember something that might have gone wrong it stays on my mind until I sleep and then is on my mind as soon as I wake up the next day. I dont know what to do, Im very worried

I relate to everything you have talked about. I am beyond obsessed at this point and in constant fear of missing the offer to my dream uni. I have been adding up marks since my first further math exam and keep going back to the unofficial mark schemes to check everything again and again. Idk what I’ll do if I don’t get into this uni since they’re not fond of retakes either. I feel like I messed up an amazing opportunity and blame myself constantly for not starting revision earlier. It really helps to see someone else in a similar situation to mine though. Up until now I thought I was the only one experiencing this. Idek how to enjoy my holiday and feel like I have to wait until August 15 to finally relax. Hopefully we meet our offers and everything works out. 🙏

Reply 4

nusnus12

11

hey guys I felt the same until I realised stressing isn’t going to change anything. Litr u spiralling and stressing on the possible outcomes are not going to change the situation. They’re only going to stress you out even more. You’ve done your exams, well done! The hard parts over. Ik the wait is long but have good hopes and don’t think too much ab it. Next time you find yourself overthinking, say to yourself - ‘is this going to change my situation? Is worrying about this issue going to change anything? Can I change the future? Is there anything I can do right now to change my outcome/results?’ The answer to all these are no, everything happening to do with your results is out of your hands now, you have no control. So enjoy your summer and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Reply 5

nusnus12

11

Being proactive and having an idea of what measures to take if you DONT get your desired grades are good, but overthinking about it has no benefit.

Reply 6

nusnus12

11

I found this quote:

if you can't fix the problem, theres no use in worrying about it
if you can fix the problem, theres no need to worry about it

hope this helps

Reply 7

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by deniz07

I relate to everything you have talked about. I am beyond obsessed at this point and in constant fear of missing the offer to my dream uni. I have been adding up marks since my first further math exam and keep going back to the unofficial mark schemes to check everything again and again. Idk what I’ll do if I don’t get into this uni since they’re not fond of retakes either. I feel like I messed up an amazing opportunity and blame myself constantly for not starting revision earlier. It really helps to see someone else in a similar situation to mine though. Up until now I thought I was the only one experiencing this. Idek how to enjoy my holiday and feel like I have to wait until August 15 to finally relax. Hopefully we meet our offers and everything works out. 🙏

I honestly feel horrible and nothing is making it better. I want results day to come quick but at the same time I never want it to come. Ive been counting up my economics marks constantly which is getting me nowhere bc its subjective so my marks fluctuate so much and its driving me insane. I hope we're both feeling a bit better soon.

Reply 8

X.243llie

18

So glad to know im not the only one feeling the stress and anxiety about results and counting up marks from unofficial ms. For me i just distract myself with gaming, movies, youtube, started riding a bicycle as well as excersise helps a lot. I also try to remind myself that i will ne fine, ill get great grades and grades i deserve. I keep reminding myself about how far ibe come and what an achievement just sitting exams ans getting any result is. So just try to reframe your worries into a positive thought if you can.

Reply 9

hayfever32

6

Try and keep your mind occupied (I know that's easier said than done). Binge watch some shows, try a new activity or hobby, anything that would allow you to direct your thoughts on a different subject

Reply 10

Anonymous #2

Feeling really bad. I am certain I have missed my firm offer and 90% I've missed my insurance too... I can't stand the idea of people knowing my results or the idea of resitting....

Reply 11

PAPYRUS HOPELINE

Official Rep

10

Having those negative thoughts on your mind all the time sounds really difficult, you're obviously working so hard to find ways to distract yourself and it's great that you have been able to speak about what's going for you and and to ask for help. If you're ever experiencing thoughts about suicide don't hesitate to reach out to us (https://www.papyrus-uk.org/).

Reply 12

hayfever32

6

Original post by Anonymous

Feeling really bad. I am certain I have missed my firm offer and 90% I've missed my insurance too... I can't stand the idea of people knowing my results or the idea of resitting....