Anxiety level is really high, any suggestions?

[JAW0172003]

Hello,

I'm in my last semester of pre-req's for my local nursing program. Letters are due to go out in April and I am really nervous about my science grades. The Science classes are just beating me down. I have A's in all of my classes with the exception of Micro and A&P 1. This semester I am working on A&P 2 along with other classes and find might anxiety level going higher and higher.

I just took my first exam Thursday, when time was up I wasn't even finished, I didn't get to work on my essay questions. I'm always the last one finishing on my exams and I know this stuff when I am going over it in study group with my friends who get A's and B's. Me, I am barely getting D's on these exams.... I am so frustrated with myself.

I feel like when I take the exam, It takes me awhile to really understand what the question is asking and even then I can only narrow the answer down to 2 of the 5 choices but then I'm stuck. When I was finished with the exam some of my classmates were waiting for me in the hall and I almost fainted, it took me about 10 minutes before I felt normal again (I had a Reese's cup and some water).

It wasn't that I was really nervous, I feel like, whenever I take these exams I get tunnel vision because I am thinking so hard. I'm not sitting there saying to myself oh my gosh, this is hard or I can't do this.... I am just working through each question to try and choose the best answer so I can move on to the next. I feel that my thought process takes a little longer than most.

I did see a Dr. the other day and awaiting results for some bloodwork (Hypothyroid, Pre-Diabetes and Cortisol). When I went in my BP was really high as well and I keep gaining weight for no apparent reason.

Just looking for some suggestions. Maybe someone else has been in a similar situation?

Maybe I am studying the wrong way? I am a visual learner and it's the pictures that seem to pop into my head, I do draw and write all over a blank sheet of paper to help in my thought process but..... I'm still struggling.

Thank you for any positive suggestions you may have to offer,

Jennifer

[Nurse-To-Be-Joy]

Eat healthy, exercise, do whatever relaxes you (bubble baths, meditation, whatever.) Avoid things that stress you out. I am so not a visual learner, so I can't help you out there... maybe, study the diagrams in your books or see if you can check out some videos related to the current subject. Take it easy; you'll do fine. Good luck to you!

[JAW0172003]

Thanks for the suggestions Nurse-to-be-joy.

I do everything you mentioned with the exception of exercising on a regular basis. I guess I need to make some time to start going to the school gym after class.:)

Thanks