Overcoming Anxiety After Submitting a Master’s Thesis with Minor Errors
Submitting a master’s thesis is a significant milestone, often accompanied by feelings of relief and vulnerability. Recently, I submitted my thesis and, in the days following, I discovered some mistakes that are causing me considerable stress.
One of the issues pertains to formatting errors within the document. For example, the Table of Contents is not correctly updating; it jumps from section 1.3 directly to 1.3.2 instead of 1.3.1, even though the section numbering inside the document is accurate. This discrepancy is likely due to the TOC not refreshing automatically. Additionally, in the reference list, I overlooked formatting conventions—some entries lack italics where they should, and there are typos in others.
My primary concern is whether these minor formatting mistakes could jeopardize my graduation eligibility. Fortunately, the main content and research quality are solid, as I devoted most of my effort to perfecting the core material. However, the hurried nature in which I made these corrections — just hours before the deadline — has left me anxious. It’s now too late to submit any amendments.
As someone living with ADHD, maintaining focus has been a continuous challenge, especially under pressure. I’ve poured immense work into this thesis, and the prospect of not graduating next week feels overwhelming. Being 25 years old, I am eager to progress in my life and career, and the thought of delays is deeply stressful.
To anyone facing similar situations, remember that perfection isn’t always necessary. Minor errors, especially when they don’t affect the substance, are often overlooked during evaluations. Stay calm, and recognize that your effort and dedication speak louder than small formatting issues. If you’re in a similar boat, give yourself some grace—you’ve already accomplished a great feat by completing your thesis.