Sad. Depressed. Feeling like a Loser.

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So i had my first test on Wed. This was supposed to be the easiest test of the semester. It was on Mental health. I knew the material like the back of my hand. I studied so much. I took the test and got a 70%. I was in shock. Couldnt believe it. What a great way to kick off third semester. Is it even possible to redeem myself?? I have my 2nd test on the 8th of March. Ugh... Oh and there is another teacher who has tests that everybody usually fails. Because she is soo tricky. Great. I want this soo bad! I study all the time. But when i get the tests I freak out during the test and my mind goes blank.

I do nclex questions and read what else is there to do??

Im not giving up just yet.. But now Im lacking the motivation.

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It's hard not to get discouraged in a situation like that, but all is not lost. Generally, my first test of the semester is one of the worst.

The first test is difficult because you don't know the test maker's technique.

If there's a review, I'd concentrate on what I got wrong and why, and improve from there. Sometimes I find I read the question too quickly or something like that.

Anyway, all is not lost and there are probably a bunch of people in similar situations, so hang in there! Good luck!

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I know exactly how you feel. Last year on my 1st Pharmacology test I got an "F". I don't think I have ever got an "F" in my life. I went and talked to the instructor, he showed me what I got wrong. I have bad test anxiety, so my doctor prescribed propanolol 10mg to take before each test. It has been a life saver! Talk to your instructor, sometimes they are willing to give you more time or take the test in another room if you have test taking anxiety. And to answer your question...Yes, it's very possible to come back! I got A's on the rest of the tests and almost got an A by the end of the term. You'll be fine, be sure to use all of the resources that are available to you.:)

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edited

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Thanks for the responses!

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I know exactly how you feel. Last year on my 1st Pharmacology test I got an "F". I don't think I have ever got an "F" in my life. I went and talked to the instructor, he showed me what I got wrong. I have bad test anxiety, so my doctor prescribed propanolol 10mg to take before each test. It has been a life saver! Talk to your instructor, sometimes they are willing to give you more time or take the test in another room if you have test taking anxiety. And to answer your question...Yes, it's very possible to come back! I got A's on the rest of the tests and almost got an A by the end of the term. You'll be fine, be sure to use all of the resources that are available to you.:)

I do have bad test anxiety. I know I do. All they do is tell me to "breathe" and do relaxation techniques. I know how to do those. But they dont seem to be working. I just went to a doctor on Thursday and he told me the exact same thing. I feel like no one believes me. They wont move u out of the room and give u more time unless u are diagnosed with anxiety. i was considering going to another doctor. What do u think?

What did u do to bring ur grades up so high??

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It wouldn't hurt to go for a second opinion. Maybe ask the doctor how he/she feels about a beta-blocker. I actually did do anything different other than taking the beta-blocker. It worked wonders for me because my heart rate wasn't racing. There are some great threads on this site about good study habits, you may want to search for them to see if some of their techniques may work for you. Good luck!

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A systematic study of test taking skills and test taking strategies will probably help both your grade and your anxiety.

You can find very basic info with a simple net search but for a thorough study get the "Thinker's Guide to ..." book. I don't remember the exact name, I can find it if you need the exact name.

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Study Study Study! YOU CAN DO IT.

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Is there a counseling center at your school?

I didn't even know that my college had a counselor for mental health issues until she came into our Nursing Fundamentals class and introduced herself. She said she sees a lot of nursing students : ).

Anyway, I got the impression that she sees a LOT of people about test anxiety and is usually pretty successful in helping them. Maybe she has some tips/tricks you hadn't thought of, or helps you get accommodations, or teaches you how to think about things in a more constructive way so you can relax. I would imagine that any school psychologist should be experienced in dealing with the topic. I didn't see her for test anxiety, but she did help with other types of anxiety I was having. It's still there, but definitely better.

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Update: I had my second test yesterday. I got an 82 on GI. Phewww.... I can breathe alittle now during Spring break cuz im technically passing right now at a 76. I have another test on Renal at the end of the month. It's supposed to be our hardest test. Im so nervous!!!

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Im not sure if we have any counselors.. I'll have to look into that.

Is there a counseling center at your school?

I didn't even know that my college had a counselor for mental health issues until she came into our Nursing Fundamentals class and introduced herself. She said she sees a lot of nursing students : ).

Anyway, I got the impression that she sees a LOT of people about test anxiety and is usually pretty successful in helping them. Maybe she has some tips/tricks you hadn't thought of, or helps you get accommodations, or teaches you how to think about things in a more constructive way so you can relax. I would imagine that any school psychologist should be experienced in dealing with the topic. I didn't see her for test anxiety, but she did help with other types of anxiety I was having. It's still there, but definitely better.

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