Test anxiety

[Splash01]

Hello! I have had test anxiety since about 2005 when I was in 5th grade. Its gotten worse over the years and I’m now 23 in the middle of college and terrible, I mean TERRIBLE test taker. I’ve tried just about everything.

Meditation

Classical music while studying

Therapy

Brain exercises

Actually studying

Tutor

Listening to classical music while taking the test

Testing alone in a room

Testing alone in a room with classical music and given unlimited amount of time to take the test

Yoga

Meeting with the teachers

Study groups

Taking the test in a group

Literally EVERYTHING! I seriously do not know what to do anymore! I’ve had teachers/professors belittle me in front of the entire class, I’ve had them tell me I’ll never function in the real life which btw I’m NOT sped and have a very good IQ, they’ve said I’ll never be a good teacher, etc. I get all A’s on my homework and projects but F’s on my tests. My education professor wants to know what’s happening in my mind and wants to help but how is she going to help if I’ve tried EVERYTHING! I literally hate having depression and anxiety.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Splas01 and welcome to this caring forum. I am sorry to hear about the difficult time you are having. I have done some research and thought that the following websites may be of help --

mind.org.uk/information-sup.... It is a UK based charity and I know that you are from the USA, but it does give a lot of information "14 ways to beat exam stress".

Also, there is evidence to suggest that Imagery Rescripting And Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can decrease test anxiety--anxiety.org/managing-test-a.... I am sorry to hear about the negative comments you have received. This does affect our confidence. You have tried very hard to overcome this and tried many things. It is good to hear your Education Professor wants to help you. I always found it helpful to think that as long as I had tried my best, then that was okay. I then felt less anxious. This may work for you too. I think trying our best is all we can do. You are doing so well. Be kind to yourself and if you do become a teacher, you will understand if students experience this problem and will be able to help them. Can any other forum members help and advise Splash01, please? Please let us know how you are getting on. Thank you and best wishes.

[interesting03]

When I have that problem, I try to take a few deep breaths and reassure myself that the test I am about to take will not define my life. I try to get out of my head and just take the test or exam. Sometimes I think of it as an online quiz that really doesn't mean anything. It calms me down and motivates me to put the answer that I think is best so that the answers become more accurate. lol. I know its kinda silly, but it works for me.

[Blabla4joy]

Are you seeing a psychologist? I’ve recently started seeing one. I am also on meds for anxiety and depression. I have had anxiety so bad I can’t interview for jobs anymore. It was so bad one time I was so nervous two days before and two days after it. I absolutely messed that one up bad. I have all these answers but couldn’t get them out my mouth right or I went blank on some of the questions. It was a disaster. I felt like a fool and don’t even apply for anything anymore because I’ve got now where I had to take a medical leave because I can hardly function on the job I currently have. The night before one interview I never went to sleep. You have got to get some professional help and may need some medication to help. I was trying to move up from my position but instead I’ve falling even lower. I am now getting some help. You need to so you won’t have the same problem with interviewing

[Splash01 in reply to Blabla4joy]

I’m on lexapro and have a therapist!! We haven’t ever talked about my test anxiety specifically but we always talk about my stressors in life! It helps but I’m exactly like you, I have all the answers honestly but I can’t get them out, I literally black out during the test like I’m there but I’m not. Then when I get my test back I’m like what the hell is wrong with me? My parents don’t understand what it’s like and they get mad.

[Blabla4joy in reply to Splash01]

Talk to your therapist about that to. Also you could ask your doctor if there is a better Med for your anxiety. I was on lexepro for awhile. Didn’t help, I am taking zoloft now as well as Welbruton. Over time they increased my dose of zoloft but when adding welbruton the zoloft was decreased. Just saying everyone is different and don’t think that lexepro is the only thing you could take because there are so many different ones your doctor could try. If one is not working another might help with your test taking. Obviously your anxiety hasn’t been calmed with lexepro.