Don't think I can do uni anymore...

[Meemoo1234]

I'm a first year student and my first exam is next Monday. I've had IBS D since I was 15 and I'm coming up for 19 now. Exams have always been the worst time for me, the dread that starts weeks before the exam, the crippling pain and fear. Most of the year I can manage it all, but Just before the summer when exams approach I go into total shut down. And I Just can't do it anymore, I want to drop out of uni, I do get good grades in exams, but I just can't bear it anymore, someone help me

[Endo101]

Does your university know about your situation? If not, it may be best to speak to a personal tutor

[Anxiouspony12 in reply to Endo101]

I agree with this don't quit uni if your doing well which it sounds like you are. This is your future here the anxiety might pass if you leave uni then you lost a lot in your life & it could make you more anxious in the future. Being anxious is dead normal with exams I can't think of anybody who I doesn't get it. I hope you can find some help for it though of it's really bad.

[Sekida]

Please don't! Give yourself a break. A couple of exams that you have to miss is always better than quitting uni. Allow for set backs and please be glentle with yoylurself. If you can't do it all at once, take it easy and lower your expectations of yourself. Think that if you quit the fear will live happily in your mind, so don't, just treat yourself as if you were your best friend. And let failure and unexpected outcomes be part of life... That'll let you have a life! I know its easier said than done. I'd start with very short term plans eg: what am I going to do tomorrow. That's it. Trust yourself! 💝

[Hidden]

Dropping out of uni would make you feel better today - but not long-term.

You can be proud to have dealt with IBS-D this far and achieved what you have. You have come this far. don't give up now. Instead, think about what could make the exam period better for you? Being allowed to be seated by the door and have unlimited access to toilets? Ask your tutor for this. Actually taking the exam on the toilet would be even better if it's a long exam. Who knows, they might even agree. You can't do much cheating unless you write stuff on the toilet roll!

Maybe some herb-based meds (containing plants like hawthorn and valerian) from your local Chemist can help to calm your nerves. For me, deep breathing really helped stop the stress reaction: sickofibs.com/well-being/a-...

I have just posted an article on IBS-D and a potentially overlooked cause that might interest you: sickofibs.com/ibs-symptoms/...

Hope something here helps you

[Lisahelen]

Ask your uni gp if they can prescribe something to calm you, as it sounds like its exam stress. They must be used to the phenomenon.

[musesvoni91]

Hi, when I started getting ill I spoke to my Gp and managed to get medical leave from university for a year. You need to speak to both your Gp and the university about this and I promise you they will be very accommodating when they understand what your going through. Take a year off to get better then decide what is best for you. Please don't make any rash decisions in the mean time. Do what is best for you not anyone else. Stay strong x

[Hidden in reply to musesvoni91]

Do speak to your tutor at uni and tell them, they should make allowances for you. Please don't drop out, you'd really regret it if you did. Good luck with your exams 🍀💐x

[Jayneelizabeth]

ibs really common in the population, just they dont say and we would not know, best to battle on with difficultty.

[Lalalala91]

Please carry on with uni. I'd say what everyone else has and talk to uni about your concerns, it sounds like you're anxious about the exam situation & that can make stomach problems even worse. Perhaps them sorting things like regular breaks and In a room with less people could help. X