Test Anxiety Exam Anxiety

During the examination period at school or college and assessments at work is one of the worst times to feel anxiety. Obviously because so much of your life is riding on just a few hours of hopefully peak performance.

Remember that a little bit of anxiety is actually quite useful at motivating you and sharpening up your brain, however if the anxiety is distracting you, causing you panic and nausea, sending your mind racing in the wrong direction the you have to act against it.

Firstly let’s consider the pro’s and cons of taking drugs. “Recreational” drugs such as Cannabis should be avoided completely; although they may relax they can also hamper the ability to function properly. Many people who have test anxiety have specifically math test anxiety and trying to do sums when stoned is hard!

Likewise, unless your problem is extreme your doctor is unlikely to proscribe benzodiazepines like Valium. The suppression of your Central nervous System would have a negative effect on your performance. Beta Blockers are a more likely option as they don’t cross the blood brain barrier. They act on the release of adrenalin and calm your nerves physically (although not mentally).

Drugs are good when time is limited, but ultimately you should assess if you have an anxiety disorder such as GAD which is causing your test anxiety. Are you anxious inb other situations, low in confidence and generally nervous? Also people with social anxiety tend to find exams a trial as they are stuck in a room with many other people, and can feel out of control. In all these cases check out the advice here and speak to your doctor.

Whether you are getting anxiety in tests at school, college, work or anywhere else the most important advice is to tel someone!!!! They can help, and you are not the first. You will be glad you did!!

Good Luck

One thought on “Test Anxiety Exam Anxiety

Leave a Reply