The Impact of School on My Health
As a Year 12 student, the pressure of A-Levels has taken a serious toll on my well-being. Since I started, I haven’t felt able to truly relax, even during the holidays. The relentless stress and a barrage of exams one after another have really pushed me to my limits.
This situation has also strained my relationships, particularly with my parents, who seem to focus solely on my grades. It feels like that’s all we ever talk about, which makes everything more challenging.
I’m genuinely exhausted, to the point where it’s affecting my physical and mental health. Anxiety and stress have become constants in my life, leading to frequent panic attacks.
Despite my parents recognizing the strain I’m under and enrolling me in therapy, I’m still struggling. During the January exam series, I experienced uncontrollable shaking and anxiety attacks not just in one exam, but in every single one. My teachers informed me that breaks wouldn’t be possible, forcing me to endure the entire duration without relief, which severely impacted my performance—I ended up with an E.
Whenever I attempt to study, the stress escalates, and my heart races, even when I’m not doing anything that should provoke such a reaction. I made an effort to sit down and study, but within moments, the panic sets in, and my heart rate skyrockets.
After the exams, I was hospitalized for a week due to the overwhelming stress that had taken a toll on my health.
Honestly, it’s become clear to me that it’s not worth the struggle. I’d rather prioritize my physical and mental health over my A-Levels. At this point, my well-being is far more important than any exam.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through this. It sounds incredibly overwhelming, and it’s clear that your health should always come first. A-Levels can be extremely stressful, and when that pressure impacts both your mental and physical well-being, it’s important to take a step back and reassess.
It seems like you’re dealing with a lot of expectations from both yourself and your parents, which can make it even harder to manage your anxiety. It’s brave of you to recognize that this isn’t worth sacrificing your health for. Please know that you’re not alone in feeling this way, and many students go through similar experiences.
Consider talking to your parents about how you’re feeling and the impact their focus on grades is having on you. They may not fully understand the extent of your struggles. If therapy isn’t helping at the moment, perhaps you could explore different options or types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, or support groups where you can talk to others who understand your situation.
You might also want to connect with your teachers or a school counselor about your exams and your health concerns. They might be able to provide accommodations or support. Your well-being is the top priority, and there are always alternative paths to achieving your goals.
Take care of yourself, and remember that it’s okay to seek help and take the time you need to find what works best for you. You deserve to feel better.