feeling physically unwell (but not sure if its due to stress)

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im a university student where im studying a course that i have not done previously in polytechnic before. last sem when i was rushing my assignments, i had a mild panic attack where i feel a shortage of breathe, had constant headache and gastric issues. eventually, after much struggle and crying, i managed to complete my assignments for that sem. this week, i just started school and i feel that im experiencing a similar issue. im not really sure if its due to the upcoming assignments that i have to tackle or if its due to the adjustment issues that i have since i had a long semester break. currently, i have been experiencing headaches everyday and whenever i have my meals, my gastric feels uncomfortable. i do sleep for 8 hrs but i still feel not physically well. i dont have the motivation to do my work and its due on the 31st jan and there are other assignments upcoming. i want to finish my assignment asap but i am unable to do so so i would like to seek some advice pls. thank u

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Hi @tolove520

Thank you for writing in and seeking ways to understand and better manage the current situation you are facing. I’m glad you are proactively searching for ways to navigate this challenging situation. What you described resonates with many among us, so please don’t fee alone.

I observe that your experiences with panic attacks, headaches, gastric issues, and lack of motivation are affecting both your physical and emotional well-being.

Some likely causes could be:

  1. Adjustment issues: The transition back to university life after a long break can be stressful.
  2. Assignment anxiety: Upcoming deadlines can cause significant stress and anxiety.
  3. Lack of familiarisation: Studying a new course can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the subject matter.

May I recommend you consider to :

  1. Seek medical attention: Consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions contributing to your physical symptoms.
  2. Talk to a counsellor: University counselling services can provide support and guidance to manage stress, anxiety, and adjustment issues.
  3. Break tasks into smaller chunks: Divide your assignments into manageable tasks to reduce feelings of overwhelm.
  4. Create a schedule: Plan out your day, including dedicated study time, breaks, and self-care activities.
  5. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that help you relax, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
  6. Reach out to classmates or friends: Connect with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges, and collaborate on assignments or study together.
  7. Communicate with your instructor: Inform your instructor about your struggles, and ask for guidance or extensions if needed.

Remember, taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential for your academic success and overall quality of life.

Keep in mind that seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Take small steps from today to address these issues and you will see progress quite soon!:heart:

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hello, thank u for your advice. would u recommend for me to consult a doctor or a counsellor first? im not rlly sure if my physical symptoms is due to stress… but for context, i have been seeing a counsellor in school for quite some time but it didnt really helped so im trying to change to another counsellor. for self care wise i did went out during the weekends and had some good food. however, once i get back and look at my assignment, my mood goes down again. would u have any suggestions for me to make me feel more motivated? honestly, im fine with attending classes but the thought of doing assignments keeps me away and makes me feel overwhelmed. sorry for the lengthy para and thank u

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Hi @tolove520

Thanks for seeking further clarification. Considering your physical symptoms (headaches, gastric issues, and fatigue), consulting a doctor may be helpful to rule out any underlying medical conditions. This will help determine if your symptoms are related to stress, anxiety, or something else.

You can consider to revisit counselling services in parallel. Since you’ve had a previous counseling experience that didn’t quite work out, it’s great that you’re open to trying again with a new counsellor.

Motivation and Assignment Struggles

To boost your motivation and tackle assignment anxiety:

  1. Break tasks into smaller chunks: Divide your assignments into manageable tasks, focusing on one task at a time.
  2. Create a schedule: Plan out dedicated study time, breaks, and self-care activities. Set realistic goals and deadlines.
  3. Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute increments, followed by a 5-minute break. This can help make study sessions feel less overwhelming.
  4. Reward yourself: Set small rewards for completing tasks or reaching milestones. This can help motivate you to stay on track.
  5. Seek study support: Join a study group, find a study buddy, or attend tutoring sessions to help make studying feel more enjoyable and less isolating.
  6. Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay to struggle and that you’re doing the best you can.

Remember, it’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself as you work through these challenges. Keep me updated on your progress, and feel free to ask for further guidance or support!

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hello! thank u for ur reply. im meeting my counsellor tomorrow night but it will be online. will update u if he mention anything important :slight_smile: have a good night