Test Anxiety… Again…

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So I finally had enough guts to follow the advice of the people who answered my previous question about my test anxiety and told my parents about it. However, they think I’m using it as an excuse and don’t believe me at all. My chemistry and english grades have dropped dramatically because of it. I’m getting more scared and angry and I’m starting to isolate myself from everyone. And the guidence counslers at my school aren’t doing anything to help me. It’s getting worse and I don’t know what to do. I really need help

Category: Tags: asked October 1, 2013

1 Answer

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I'm not sure what type of school you are in, but according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, if you are in a public school the educators are required to help you with a disability. Test anxiety could definitely be interpreted as a disability.I think that right now, you are going to have to practice being assertive, which means strongly going for what you want without letting someone make you angry or make you feel scared for standing up for yourself.So let's look at the facts: 1) You have anxiety, which prevents you from doing well on tests 2) Your parents don't believe you. 3) Your guidance counselors aren't helping you.Here are some things to try that could work: 1) Go to an outside therapist. Tell your parents that you need a therapist to help you do better in school. If they say no, tell your guidance counselor that you need a therapist to help you do better in school and that your parents are against it. Really press this issue as something that you want and that will help you be more successful academically. The more serious you are, the better. Describe the physical and mental symptoms you have and the things you've tried to make them better.2) Again, if you are in a public school, you can tell your guidance counselor that you feel that your needs, such as your severe anxiety around tests, are not being addressed properly and that you feel it is so severe that it could turn into something like a disability. Ask to see another guidance counselor, psychologist, if there is one available.3) Talk to your teachers if possible. Apologize if you have behaved badly in their class previously, and say that you are having a great deal of difficulty taking tests because of anxiety. Ask if there is a way they can help you. Tell them about your symptoms; e.g. heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, excessive sweating, etc. to let them know you are not playing around and that this is serious.4) If none of these steps work, try to find a disability organization, federal or state, that can help you. Tell them your situation and ask their advice. Call the Department of Education if you are in a public school and make a serious complaint. Don't go quiet into the night, there are always sympathetic people out there willing to help you. Don't give up.