I’m in my second year of university, and I’m really struggling both mentally and academically, especially with Chemistry and its lab. I need some advice.
Last year was tough for me—I faced a lot of depression and ended up failing Chem I. I managed to pass the lab because the assistant was lenient, but I feel awful knowing I put my lab partner through a difficult time.
In the following semester, I just scraped by in Chem I again. I hoped to do better this time, but it felt like I was just trying to survive, and now I realize I didn’t retain much knowledge.
Now I’m in Chem II with the lab, and I’m worried that I lack the foundational knowledge from the previous courses to succeed.
Today, we had the lab introduction where the teacher mentioned that we would work in pairs, but didn’t assign groups. Most students left right after the explanation, and I found myself without a partner. I’m anxious about what to do when we begin the experiments next week.
The lab environment raises my anxiety significantly—especially with the tight deadlines, quizzes, and the responsibilities I feel towards a partner I currently don’t have. I don’t want my future partner to resent me again, and I really dread the thought of spending sleepless nights crying over another report.
I’m feeling really nervous and scared. It’s only been a week since classes began, and I’m looking for suggestions on how to keep up with everyone else and get back on track. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious about your classes and lab work, especially given your past experiences. Here are a few steps you might consider to help you manage the situation:
Reach Out for Help: Don’t hesitate to communicate with your professor or lab instructor about your concerns regarding the course material. They may be able to provide additional resources or support and understand your situation.
Join or Form Study Groups: If you’re comfortable, try to connect with classmates, even if it’s just to ask if anyone is looking for a lab partner. Often, students are in similar situations and might be willing to team up.
Break it Down: Focus on smaller sections of material instead of trying to grasp everything all at once. You can dedicate a little time each day to review Chem I content so you can refresh your memory.
Utilize Online Resources: There are many online platforms, like Khan Academy or YouTube channels dedicated to chemistry, that can help clarify concepts and provide visual explanations.
Practice Mindfulness: Since you mentioned anxiety, consider strategies like mindfulness exercises, meditation, or even simple breathing techniques to help ground you during stressful moments.
Talk to a Counselor: If you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a campus mental health counselor. They can provide valuable support and coping strategies.
Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that you’re doing your best under challenging circumstances. It’s okay to not have all the answers right now. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Try to tackle one thing at a time, and don’t be afraid to seek help from those around you. You’re not alone in this!