Panicking

Nico41

I don't know weather this is a rant, question or just my pathetic and panicking self looking for some advice but anyway I am a sixth year student studying for the leaving cert. I have an anxiety disorder and depression and I am only starting to really deal with it this year(worst timing ever by the way). Because of this I've missed a lot of time - this year and last year. Before the summer holidays I missed nearly 3 weeks straight because of summer tests and my panicking about them which lead to major panic attacks, anxiety attacks and a depressive state, but before that I had spent two weeks making sure I was caught up on things I had missed out in during the year. I don't know where the random burst of energy came from, but I worked hard and made sure my notes and copies where completely up to date and I know I didn't miss much in the 3 weeks I missed after, so the whole time I was thinking I was sorted as far as my fifth year work and revision went, I had it all set out for me. Over the summer I tried to study once or twice, not eought as I should, but I done a bit. I had my books in my bag so that I wouldn't loose them. When I went to look for my copies recently, I found the bag empty. Apparently it was cleared so my Uncle could borrow it, but no one's claims to have dumped the copies. I believed them, as my parents never usually throw stuff like that (hardbacks and copies, school related or not) out without asking me if I need them first. I still have nearly everything from 3rd year because they didn't throw them away 'in case I need them'. Thing is, we have searched my whole house and there is no sign of any of my 5th year notes. I'm panicking, as I don't know what to do without them. There is stuff there that won't be covered in school again. I have Christmas tests this week.. not to mention I need to get a move on with revision. I really don't know what to do. I had just convinced myself to stay in school and not drop out. I had just started feeling like I was getting somewhere with catching up on this year's work. I had just began to set goals and a proper study plan for myself, and this happens. I know it's my own fault for not putting them somewhere safe and for not making sure in September I had them all, but I can't go back and do it now. I guess I'm just wondering has anyone had any similar experience? Does anyone have any advice for what I can do now? I can't think of a solution, but honestly I'm panicking so much I don't think rational thinking is something I can manage right now.

Sorry for this post being so long. And if it is a bit melodramatic, sorry for that too, it's a bad habit of mine.

Bazinga_N

Nico41 wrote: »

I don't know weather this is a rant, question or just my pathetic and panicking self looking for some advice but anyway I am a sixth year student studying for the leaving cert. I have an anxiety disorder and depression and I am only starting to really deal with it this year(worst timing ever by the way). Because of this I've missed a lot of time - this year and last year. Before the summer holidays I missed nearly 3 weeks straight because of summer tests and my panicking about them which lead to major panic attacks, anxiety attacks and a depressive state, but before that I had spent two weeks making sure I was caught up on things I had missed out in during the year. I don't know where the random burst of energy came from, but I worked hard and made sure my notes and copies where completely up to date and I know I didn't miss much in the 3 weeks I missed after, so the whole time I was thinking I was sorted as far as my fifth year work and revision went, I had it all set out for me. Over the summer I tried to study once or twice, not eought as I should, but I done a bit. I had my books in my bag so that I wouldn't loose them. When I went to look for my copies recently, I found the bag empty. Apparently it was cleared so my Uncle could borrow it, but no one's claims to have dumped the copies. I believed them, as my parents never usually throw stuff like that (hardbacks and copies, school related or not) out without asking me if I need them first. I still have nearly everything from 3rd year because they didn't throw them away 'in case I need them'. Thing is, we have searched my whole house and there is no sign of any of my 5th year notes. I'm panicking, as I don't know what to do without them. There is stuff there that won't be covered in school again. I have Christmas tests this week.. not to mention I need to get a move on with revision. I really don't know what to do. I had just convinced myself to stay in school and not drop out. I had just started feeling like I was getting somewhere with catching up on this year's work. I had just began to set goals and a proper study plan for myself, and this happens. I know it's my own fault for not putting them somewhere safe and for not making sure in September I had them all, but I can't go back and do it now. I guess I'm just wondering has anyone had any similar experience? Does anyone have any advice for what I can do now? I can't think of a solution, but honestly I'm panicking so much I don't think rational thinking is something I can manage right now.

Sorry for this post being so long. And if it is a bit melodramatic, sorry for that too, it's a bad habit of mine.

First things first you just need to take things one step at a time. If you can't find your 5th year notes don't panic. I'm sure if you asked people in your year if you could borrow their notes for an evening so you can photocopy them they won't mind. It's nothing to get overly worried about! There's also plenty of resources online if you need them.

As for revision, pick two subjects a night and study them for forty minutes each. Take a fifteen minute break in between each subject. Just keep doing that every day and you'll be flying! You just need to do a bit everyday and you'll do great.

Does your school have a guidance counselor? If so, I'd recommend you set up a meeting with him/her. It'd be great for you to have someone to discuss this with it and I'm certain she/he has dealt with similar cases before.

Try not to get overwhelmed by it all (a lot easier said than done!!). Just take every day step by step and you'll do fine!