This morning, i woke up half asleep hearing a voice in my head saying "dont go, dont go, dont go… " i just assumed it was my brain telling me not to go for my chinese language exam today. But then i turned around and saw a shadow of my father. At first glance i didnt register it and just turned back but then i realised and turned to face it but it wasnt there. My father was in his own room sleeping. I just assumed it was my brain acting up and snoozed my alarm and went back to sleep. The next time i woke up i was also greeted with the same voice saying the same thing, and for some reason i also turned around. I saw and did the same thing as before, excePt the shadow was of my brother this time. I checked and he was sleeping upstairs(double decker bed) so it definitely wasnt him. For some reason i just brushed it off and decided to go back to sleep. The next time i woke up i had to really get up and prepare for the day so i did and everything was normal until i had to leave my room. I saw two shadows just there in the living room. I quickly left the house and tried not to think about it. So when i went to take the exam, a few bad things happened. First of all, a cockroach appeared in the classroom(im very afraid of cockroaches) and then my friend was running a high fever. Half the time in the exam i was worrying about her. Then i had to take the second paper which drained me because it was really difficult for some reason so i guess something was telling me not to go because of those reasons. Since i have anothee exam tomorrow i was studyig in the living room, and my parents were about to go to sleep. They turned on some relaxing music on the television for me so i didnt feel lonely, but i started hearing my brothers voice singing the songs but he wasnt singing and he hadnt even heard of the song before. Then i heard my father calling for my mother but he was in the shower and couldnt have called her. Then everyone went into their rooms except me because i was still revising but thne i suddenly heard footsteps. At that point my mental state was broken and i couldnt focus anymore so i broke down crying and calling my father to come out to accompany me. I realised that the moment i start focusing something like that happens(when i was studying) and if someone else is there there would be lesser instances. Maybe its some new kind of stress im experiencing because i did not feel the exam stress kick in
Hi Goodmorning
Thank you sharing your experiences. It takes a lot of courage to better understand what has taken place and explore ways to move forward. I believe the extreme stress you described as you prepared for exam is an experience many of us can identify so please do not feel alone. Your feelings are valid and understandable. It was indeed an intense and confusing morning.
I believe you experienced auditory and visual hallucinations. Hearing voices or seeing shadows can be unnerving, especially when you’re half-asleep or in a heightened state of stress. Here are a few factors that could contribute to such experiences:
-Sleep Deprivation: If you didn’t get enough rest, your brain might have been in a state where it was more prone to hallucinations. Sleep deprivation can lead to altered perceptions.
-Stress and Anxiety: The pressure of upcoming exams can create significant anxiety, which may manifest as auditory or visual disturbances. Your mind might be reacting to stress in unexpected ways.
May I suggest the following ways to cope with stress:
-Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Even a few minutes of focused breathing can make a difference.
-Structured Study Sessions: Break your study time into manageable chunks with short breaks in between. This approach can help maintain focus without overwhelming yourself.
-Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to someone about how you’re feeling—whether it’s a family member, friend, or counsellor. Sharing your experiences can provide relief and perspective.
To create a more a more supportive study environment, I recommend:
-Study with Company: If possible, have someone study with you or be nearby while you’re focusing on your work. Their presence might help alleviate feelings of isolation.
-Background Noise: Sometimes, having soft background music or white noise can help drown out distractions and create a more comforting atmosphere.
-Limit Distractions: Ensure that your study area is free from potential distractions that could heighten anxiety, such as clutter or sudden noises.
Do also reflect on your experiences as it may benefit you. This can be done by:
-Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings about the exam experience. This practice can help clarify your emotions and identify any patterns related to stress.
-Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself of past successes in exams or challenging situations. Reinforcing positive thoughts can improve your confidence moving forward.
Your experiences are significant and may indicate that you’re navigating new levels of stress related to exams. By implementing coping strategies and creating a supportive environment, you can better manage these feelings. Remember, it’s okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed; you’re not alone in this journey! 