Test anxiety

[Syndicate101]

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So I got hit pretty hard with test anxiety for the first time this past week. It was during an exam which I actually ended up doing pretty well on, but during the first five minutes I was literally debilitated. I couldn't think straight and I knew I could answer the questions in front of me but I just couldn't think at all. It went away after I really trying to calm myself down but it was definitely a scary moment. To anyone who has experienced this, how do you cope with it? Is there something I could do to prevent it from happening again or something I should do in the event it does happen again? Over many tests this was the first time I had experienced something like this.

 

[kevinsword91]

I sometimes find focusing on my post-test plans just before the exam to be helpful in settling my nerves. Just prepare for the test as best you can. At the end of the day your best is all you can do regardless of where it falls on the curve. I find it helpful to remember that the world and your life will keep going no matter what grade you get.

 

[pyrrion89]

If it's really bad, you can discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking propranolol, a beta-blocker sometimes used to treat stage fright. If you do decide to take this route, you should try the propranolol before a practice exam to make sure it is working as you intend it to work. Of course, you should try to experiment with non-pharmacologic therapies before attempting propranolol or a similar-acting drug.

 

[Hospitalized]

You might be forgetting to breathe. Seriously, deep breaths. Your brain needs oxygen. Also, try to replicate test scenarios... Have your friends make a short exam for you and do vice versa. You should get a little adrenaline rush and you can practice your breathing this way. A great study tool as well.

 

[Louis C.K.]

My girlfriend's father, a well-respected surgeon, told me this happened to him once during his undergrad and another time during a pharmacology exam in med school back in the early 80's. He said that these were the only tests in his life where he had felt adequately prepared, but then completely blanked once he started them. It happens to the best of us, and luckily for you, you still ended up doing well on this particular exam. I wouldn't get too worked up about this sort of thing unless it keeps happening more and more, and, at that point, consult some professional help (aka NOT SDN).

 

[ciestar]

This has happened to me, many times.
Talking to a therapist can help you, but I'll share a few techniques that get me through tests…

Pause and BREATHE. I cannot stress this enough. Deep breathing can help you relax and refocus.
I also have "prayed" during exams. Literally, just sit there and empty your mind of all your problems.
It's weird, but it has helped me tremendously. (I also write to cope with stress, so i guess this makes sense for me)

 

[Goro]

Seek out your school's counseling center stat!

So I got hit pretty hard with test anxiety for the first time this past week. It was during an exam which I actually ended up doing pretty well on, but during the first five minutes I was literally debilitated. I couldn't think straight and I knew I could answer the questions in front of me but I just couldn't think at all. It went away after I really trying to calm myself down but it was definitely a scary moment. To anyone who has experienced this, how do you cope with it? Is there something I could do to prevent it from happening again or something I should do in the event it does happen again? Over many tests this was the first time I had experienced something like this.

 

[GomersGoToGround]

Lots of good advice here, and it's all person-dependent.

I've had a few of those moments as well, even though I've been in some crazy situations before.
Personally, I've tried a lot of things, but what's helped me the most has been focusing on the feelings.

Not out loud, because that's weird, but inside, explicitly tell (redundant?) yourself that you are feeling very anxious, and list a few possible causes. Not anything like "I have no idea what I'm doing", or "I didn't study at all and will absolutely fail", but more along the lines of "Feeling anxiety of knowledge gaps or fear of failure, etc."

Doesn't work for everybody, but often times, acknowledging what you are feeling and stating it in clear terms helps reduce some of the spin that it brings to the table.

Additionally, I also use the 'ole "You know what you're doing. Let's reason through this question dude, if it doesn't click, keep moving."