[ChinaDoll531]

After a year and a half of procrastinating, I'm finally taking the GED(general education deploma) today. I was homeschooled all of my life, so even though I finished high school, I never got a stated credited diploma. So, now I have to go take this stupid test before they will give me one. But, I hate tests. They make me so nervous! I'm always afraid I'm going to fail. And if I step away from that long enough to start focusing on the actual test, I get distracted by thoughts that everyone else in the room is staring at me and judging me. Which is ridiculous, I know, since they are all focusing on the TEST, not me. And even though 90% of the people taking the test are going to be at least 10 years older than me, it doesn't matter. I still will feel stupid, I still will be nauscious, and I STILL will shake so bad my answers will look likde they belong to a 6 year old..

I'm not really sure why I just went on a rant about that. I guess I just felt the need to vent. especially to people who will most likely understand what I'm saying. I wish so much people could understand what I'm saying sometimes... People seem to only listen to the parts they want to hear. it's so easy for them to say there is nothing to worry about or that I should be fine now. It's not that simple. Yes, the meds are working, yes I feel much better, but NO, it's not fine! I'm not fine! I wish everyone would stop pretending I'm fine...

Sorry, another sporatic rant. Ignore that. Anyway... I was wondering... How do some of you deal with severe test anxiety and social phobias when it comes to testing?

Geez. I hear ya, in fact, we all do. It's really bothersome when people do that..if only they could all just get it...
Um, for me, I just try to get over my feelings and focus on the main goal of finishing and doing the best I can in that time period b/c that's the only time i'll ever get to prove myself worthy of that good grade.
I hope you did really well, we're all pulling for ya.

((((((ChinaDoll531))))))

[SilverNeurotic]

I hope it went well.

[ChinaDoll531]

First half is done! It actually went ok. I was really nervous right up until I started taking the test. I just sort of sat down and started doing it. It was really strange in that way. I've never had that happen before. Of course, it was also the first test where I felt that I actually knew most of the answers. I am worried about me essay though. I have always struggled with timed essays. I usually don't end up with enough points to back up my statements, because I run out of time. On the ACT that really costed me. I hope I do better this time!
tonight is the other half of the test. We're doing math, social studies, and reading. Math is the one I'm most worried about. I'm fairly good at math outside of testing, but once I sit down to take a test I freeze. I can't think of how to do the formulas and I make stupid mistakes when adding and subtracting. I really hope I can stay relaxed enough to do well...

[SilverNeurotic]

ChinaDoll531, when you take the essay portion do you take a few moments to write a quick outline or jot down the main points? It might help keep you focused to make sure you get the important points written down in the allotted time.

[Gabi925]

Originally Posted by ChinaDoll531

I'm fairly good at math outside of testing, but once I sit down to take a test I freeze. I can't think of how to do the formulas and I make stupid mistakes when adding and subtracting. I really hope I can stay relaxed enough to do well...

Next time when you have a test practice what's on site at mindfulness: breath, try to disconnect yourself from exam for 2-3 min telling yourself something nice and encouraging. Think that any test could be taken (an) other time; but you want to do the best you can, each time. I had such kind of problems. After I had done that at one or two exams "the frozen state" disappeared.

[Utah Fan 1]

I hope you did well...best wishs with your future. Utah Fan 1

[Irine]

I have negative feelings about school work too. I read in one article that the best thing we can do is accept our feelings, contain them, be there, not try to change them - but remember that they do not reflect reality.

I also felt like i was going to fail many times (and actually many times i did lol) - but when you are think you are going to fail - you don`t KNOW that! We need to question our beliefs..so as much as you have the possibility of failure you have the possibility of success.

Good luck, ChinaDoll.

How did it go, ChinaDoll?

[ChinaDoll531]

thanks guys for the kind and encouraging words! they meant a lot to me. The test seemed to go well. there weren't very many people the second day which helped. I should have my results back next week. I'll keep you all posted and let you know what happens.