not feeling my best at the moment....?

Question

i'm a 18yrold girl in yr 13 doing A levels, 3 subjects which i'm not doing great in, resitting most modules for AS levels from last year in jan07, i'm feeling constantly knackered, i try to go to bed early but really dont want to get up in mornings (i get up at 7am for 6th form), sleep is ok but still tired throughout day, slight headaches, major lack of motivation to do anything, get stressed easily by teachers and parents expecting so much of me....heading for serious mental breakdown...any ideas wot i can do??anyone feel the same?

i eat reasonably ok except for the major sweet/chocolate cravings which i have no willpower against...

Answer 1

Sounds ghastly. When all the exams are over there will either be
a) more studying and more exams or
b) a job

either of these could be equally as exhausting and unsatisfying as what you are doing now ~IF YOU AREN'T HAPPY.

You are obviously not happy at the moment. You could be ill - it is worth going to see your doctor about feeling tired all the time and having headaches. It is not right that at 18 yrs old you should be feeling like this. You should be full of vitality and having some fun. At 18 I was doing 3 A levels, working every Saturday (betting shop cashier) and socialising 2/3 nights a week. I hated (and still do) getting up in the mornings but once I was up and out I was fine. SEE YOUR DOCTOR.

Another reason for your not being happy is that you are simply not up to all the work. Trying to do something that is too difficult for you can be very demoralising which will have the effect of making you lose self-confidence. Apathy, tiredness and general disgust at everything soon follow. It does not mean that you can never achieve the results that you want, just maybe not now or maybe not with these teachers, certainly not when you are feeling so run-down.

Don' t despair. Life will not end if you don't pass loads of exams on a set date. You will either not bother with them or take them at a time which suits you. Step outside the box and remember who you really are and what you really feel good doing. Take a deep breath and try to visualise what would make you feel safe and happy. Then do all you can to make that happen.

Answer 2

Ignore teachers and parents. You aren't headed for serious mental breakdown so don't be over dramatic. The motivation should be - if you crack this nut, you will open the door to freedom and independence. Own job, car, house, life. If not, you'll be stuck with your whinging parents. Just be hard on yourself and work 'til you fall over, sleep and eat well, and take at least half a weekend day off, and you'll do fine. I'm a single mother training to teach, and battling to get my independence. I understand pressure. I may sound like a cow, but this is good advice, and I am genuinely sympathetic. When it's all over, you can bask in the sun and feel smug - it will happen if you take control of it rather than allow yourself to feel like you're being forced into everything. Realise that A levels are just a hoop-jumping operation - they're a tool to get you into something else, and are not the end of the world. You don't need to get straight A's, just good enough grades to get onto the course you want. Also - and this is key - even if you fail everything this time (WCSc) you can retake, and nobody will die.

Answer 3

Sorry this is going to be a long one!!!
I know you said you are eating ok but are you having breakfast? A cereal breakfast really is important right now. It releases energy slowly and keeps the blood-sugar levels stable. Which keeps you more alert and will make study easier. Make sure you are drinking enough too. That might help ease the headaches.
Your main problem seems to be lack of a good nights sleep! You certainly have the symptoms.You could sleep 10hrs yet still feel bad if you're not getting the right kind of sleep! Try one of the herbal remedies like Nytol or Kalms. Also try listening to a CD in bed. Must be soothing music not POP or ROCK or even a relaxation or hypnosis tape. I find Paul McKenna works well for me! Try talking to your parents about how you feel and explain that the pressure to do well is too much for you, and it is causing you to fail not helping you do better!
I'd also consider talking to them about having a gap year and going to college afterwards to sit these exams! If that is what you want to do. It should be YOUR choice.Try to stay as calm as possible, Most parents are more likely to listen then!
If that fails go and see your Head-teacher and explain how you feel what you have tried to do about it yourself and what you feel you want to do.
They should support you!
Your health is far more important than any exam!
If these ideas dont work Go and see your GP.

Answer 4

Try changing your diet. If your eating alot of unheathy foods this can make you feel sluggish. Also make sure you are getting plenty of carbs and protein. These include potatos. bread, meat and fish. Porridge is particularly good first thing as these carbs are slow releasing and keep your energy levels constant.
Try to take some time out to relax in the evening. Don't study till late on finish about 8 or 9pm then wind down before going to bed. This can be doing something such as read a book, go for a bath or maybe try yoga or meditating.
The important thing is to relax as much as possible before bed.
Good luck xx

Answer 5

You sound like an ordinary, intelligent 18 year old. Parents always want for their children without actually realising that teenagers can want success for themselves too without prompting.

The best thing to do (I think) is to have an escape from it all. This could be your MP3/iPod and music; a diary; a friend unconnected to all the stress; etc.
Lie in bed late on Saturdays and Sundays and give your brain the rest it needs.
Be positive in all things - think of a sunny place you might go with your friends after your A levels and start saving to go there.

Answer 6

That happened to me when I was younger. I would try telling your teachers and parents your situation. Try to set a schedule where you can get some free time. Also do hw right after school ends and study for tests 4 days before the exam. This will prevent last minute cramming. A good vacation might work too. : )

Answer 7

I am going through a similar thing. It helps to stay positive. Troubles like that will always be there. I just started watching Comedy Central a lot. I stopped listening to rap. Switched to classic rock. Good luck.

Answer 8

Don't let other people put you under so much pressure. Quite, find something you enjoy doing maybe get a job you can always go back to college when you decide for sure what you want to do with your life. That's what I did.

Answer 9

Please go and see your GP as soon as you can. You need to look after yourself. Put your health before your exams, they can always be retaken if necessary. I am sure that your parents would rather have a healthy daughter than a stressed out ill daughter pushing herself too hard.

Answer 10

IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING YOUR BEST MAY I FEEL