struggling mentally at sixth form
i’m autistic & have severe anxiety, in year 11 i never really struggled with the workload more so the overwhelming pressures of a grammar school environment and socialising - to the point i had awful attendance and learnt most stuff at home. i still came out with 8s and 9s, but my social anxiety severely worsened over the summer (despite being in therapy) because i had gotten used to not having to interact with people daily.
now, im really really struggling with both how much work a levels are, and a whole new environment given i moved schools for sixth form. my first 2 months were fine, my attendance wasn’t amazing but i was coping with the workload, and then suddenly over half term i just completely shattered. i’m so burnt out and have been unable to pick myself back up because every time i miss a day of school there’s more work im behind on, and the fear of going to school is just getting worse and worse. i have panic attacks every time i even think about school and i am completely overwhelmed emotionally and physically. being neurodivergent obviously amplifies this, and i am barely able to function at all.
i was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips on how to cope with the stress and overwhelm, because it’s genuinely ruining my life. i plan on dropping a subject (down from 4 to 3) because i think that will help me a lot, but if anyone has experienced this themselves and got through it i’d really value hearing about it, because i feel hopeless and lost.
now, im really really struggling with both how much work a levels are, and a whole new environment given i moved schools for sixth form. my first 2 months were fine, my attendance wasn’t amazing but i was coping with the workload, and then suddenly over half term i just completely shattered. i’m so burnt out and have been unable to pick myself back up because every time i miss a day of school there’s more work im behind on, and the fear of going to school is just getting worse and worse. i have panic attacks every time i even think about school and i am completely overwhelmed emotionally and physically. being neurodivergent obviously amplifies this, and i am barely able to function at all.
i was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips on how to cope with the stress and overwhelm, because it’s genuinely ruining my life. i plan on dropping a subject (down from 4 to 3) because i think that will help me a lot, but if anyone has experienced this themselves and got through it i’d really value hearing about it, because i feel hopeless and lost.
Hi
First of all, I'm autistic with ADHD, so I have been where you are now. It sounds like you are experiencing autistic burnout. The transition between GCSEs and A levels can be a difficult one as there is quite a jump in workload and challenge. When we start to burnout everything gets really overwhelming. This can make our anxiety and any sensory issues worse. I spend a lot of time in my home studying right now and I find that when I go out my tolerance for noise, people, lights etc is lower now which you probably noticed too post lockdown.
Is your school aware that you are autistic? Do you have a PLP or any reasonable adjustments in place? You need to speak with someone in pastoral care, and get a parent, sibling, or friend to help advocate for you at this stage and go along with you to a meeting.
I think that dropping from 4 to 3 subjects is a smart move. It may also be possible to retake a year or to spread your A levels over 3 years. If you are struggling then it is up to your school to make sure that your needs are met. By talking to someone, or, if you are like me, by writing something down, you might be able to start to identify what you need. In an ideal world what would really help you right now? Start from there and write it or record it, or map it or draw it. Work with your brain in a way that is most comfortable.
Would it help to have a laptop with Dragon, so that you could speak your essays? Would software that reads to you help? Do you need timeout during the day to spend in a quiet place by yourself? Can you use noise cancelling headphones in the classroom? Would it help to have some sort of work buddy? Would hybrid study help? You might be able to reduce the number of hours that you spend in school or college, for example. As autistic people we might need support to create an environment and situation that works for us and our brains. It is up to our schools and places of education to help with this.
I am sorry you are feeling hopeless and lost. It's a horrid place to be in and I completely understand. Please seek out some support. If I can help with any other questions, please let me know.
In solidarity
Sarah
First of all, I'm autistic with ADHD, so I have been where you are now. It sounds like you are experiencing autistic burnout. The transition between GCSEs and A levels can be a difficult one as there is quite a jump in workload and challenge. When we start to burnout everything gets really overwhelming. This can make our anxiety and any sensory issues worse. I spend a lot of time in my home studying right now and I find that when I go out my tolerance for noise, people, lights etc is lower now which you probably noticed too post lockdown.
Is your school aware that you are autistic? Do you have a PLP or any reasonable adjustments in place? You need to speak with someone in pastoral care, and get a parent, sibling, or friend to help advocate for you at this stage and go along with you to a meeting.
I think that dropping from 4 to 3 subjects is a smart move. It may also be possible to retake a year or to spread your A levels over 3 years. If you are struggling then it is up to your school to make sure that your needs are met. By talking to someone, or, if you are like me, by writing something down, you might be able to start to identify what you need. In an ideal world what would really help you right now? Start from there and write it or record it, or map it or draw it. Work with your brain in a way that is most comfortable.
Would it help to have a laptop with Dragon, so that you could speak your essays? Would software that reads to you help? Do you need timeout during the day to spend in a quiet place by yourself? Can you use noise cancelling headphones in the classroom? Would it help to have some sort of work buddy? Would hybrid study help? You might be able to reduce the number of hours that you spend in school or college, for example. As autistic people we might need support to create an environment and situation that works for us and our brains. It is up to our schools and places of education to help with this.
I am sorry you are feeling hopeless and lost. It's a horrid place to be in and I completely understand. Please seek out some support. If I can help with any other questions, please let me know.
In solidarity
Sarah
Original post by Anonymous
i’m autistic & have severe anxiety, in year 11 i never really struggled with the workload more so the overwhelming pressures of a grammar school environment and socialising - to the point i had awful attendance and learnt most stuff at home. i still came out with 8s and 9s, but my social anxiety severely worsened over the summer (despite being in therapy) because i had gotten used to not having to interact with people daily.
now, im really really struggling with both how much work a levels are, and a whole new environment given i moved schools for sixth form. my first 2 months were fine, my attendance wasn’t amazing but i was coping with the workload, and then suddenly over half term i just completely shattered. i’m so burnt out and have been unable to pick myself back up because every time i miss a day of school there’s more work im behind on, and the fear of going to school is just getting worse and worse. i have panic attacks every time i even think about school and i am completely overwhelmed emotionally and physically. being neurodivergent obviously amplifies this, and i am barely able to function at all.
i was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips on how to cope with the stress and overwhelm, because it’s genuinely ruining my life. i plan on dropping a subject (down from 4 to 3) because i think that will help me a lot, but if anyone has experienced this themselves and got through it i’d really value hearing about it, because i feel hopeless and lost.
now, im really really struggling with both how much work a levels are, and a whole new environment given i moved schools for sixth form. my first 2 months were fine, my attendance wasn’t amazing but i was coping with the workload, and then suddenly over half term i just completely shattered. i’m so burnt out and have been unable to pick myself back up because every time i miss a day of school there’s more work im behind on, and the fear of going to school is just getting worse and worse. i have panic attacks every time i even think about school and i am completely overwhelmed emotionally and physically. being neurodivergent obviously amplifies this, and i am barely able to function at all.
i was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips on how to cope with the stress and overwhelm, because it’s genuinely ruining my life. i plan on dropping a subject (down from 4 to 3) because i think that will help me a lot, but if anyone has experienced this themselves and got through it i’d really value hearing about it, because i feel hopeless and lost.
With regards to your severe anxiety and anxiety, you need to see your GP.
There is a lot of support out there such as:
-The Samaritans, you can call 116 123, which is available 24 hours a day
-Mind, 0300 123 3393
-Saneline, 0300 304 7000, from 4.30pm-10.30pm
-The mix, 0800 808 4994, 11am-11pm
-SHOUT, text 852258, 24 hour text service
-Crises, 741741, text service
-Papyrus, 0800 068 4141, if you have thoughts of suicide or in emotional distress
-Rethink mental health, 0300 5000 927
-No Panic, 0800 138 8889
-Relate, they have a chat advisor
-NHS mental health, 111
-Kooth, www.kooth.com, a chat, message website
-7cups, www.7cups.com, 24/7 online chat
-Support line, 01708 765200, email: [email protected]
-Anxiety UK, 03444 775 774, 9:30am to 17:30pm Mon to Friday, a text service 07537 416905
-Young minds, www.youngminds.org.uk
-Calm, calm.com
-Mental Health 24/7: 0800 008 6516
-hubofhope website, useful contact information for your local area
You can self refer yourself to talking therapies on the NHS website.
Young minds website has a variety of information for mental health, from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress to loneliness etc.
There is the mind forum
Also Facebook groups
You can join support groups
You can contact a crises team if things get very bad
Plenty of resources online, infor mation regarding well being.
Original post by BinlyMegaChippy
ADHD isnt real (focus up mate)
I really hope that’s a joke
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