Answer to Common question asked by all of you on Exam Stess

1. I have so much to study. Above that my parents keep a close check on my activities. Even if i am watching TV for more than 20min, they will point it out and make me return to my studies. I am very stressed. I am getting depressed. I feel i cannot meet my parents expectations. 

Parents always want the best for their child. Because their experience compels them to see the future much more than the child, they ge very anxious. This anxiety is manifested as restrictions, comparison with others, false hopes and expectations from the child.

Until or unless parents don't develop a good communication level their child, understand that what he/she is interested in... Their psychological force will keep pushing the child towards sadness.

In your case its most important to first talk with your parents. 

If parents are not practical and not ready to listen.. Then remember, give it your best shot. But for yourself not to fullfill expectations. 

Heroes and successful people are made out of courage and knowledge, not marks.

2. Everytime  I talk to my friends the pressure increases. It seems they are so fast in learning everything and I am so slow. How to deal with this?

It very easy to compare yourself with everyone else...But from my practical experience 90% times friends lie about how much they have actually achieved. 

The reasons for the same are:

a. they are jealous if someone scores more than them

b. they are insecure of tell you how much they have learnt

This is the first lesson of the practical and real world everyone should learn.. When faced with any "test" or "Exam" you are on your own... you have to perform and feel proud of your own knowledge.

3. I am 10th Standard. My parents keep pointing out that Boards are very crucial. I am so fearful, sometimes I feel if I don't perform well I should commit suicide.?

No exam is more important than your life.

If you have life and you are motivated, you can make the best out of life.

Unfortunately parents use pressure techniques, as they feel fear will motivate the child to perform better.

If you have SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, immediately inform your parents. Tell them to stop pressurizing you.

if you cannot talk to your parents, talk to some elder who will listen to you.

Remember Suicide is not an option. 

4. I am losing my memory. I can remember everything perfectly but When I am giving an exam I go completely blank. My parents and teachers don't understand. What to do?

You are having extremely high situational stress. The stress is so high that your subconscious mind is blocking your conscious mind and memory to prevent nervous damage. If you have experienced even one such situation, consult a professional neuro-psychiatrist, for some non-sedative, non-addictive stress battling medication and also for some concentration/memory exercises according to your personality.

5. I am scared of what my dad will say. I have lied to him about him exam results. But soon he will come to know. I feel like running away. What to do?

Your family might be strict with you, but they love you. If you have made an error they will taunt you or punish you. As you have broken their trust, but that doesn't mean they won't stand by you.

If you do actions that prove you are sorry for your mistakes, they will accept you with open arms.

Prepare yourself to walk the tough path. But with a goal to prove to them you will emerge victorious.

6. My friend went "mad" during the exam paper. He suddenly started throwing the answer-sheet, got aggressive, shouting obscenities.. they had to call the guards to take him away. I don't want this to happen to me?

The greatest probability is that your friend suffered from a nervous breakdown. This happens when the subconscious stress suddenly manifests itself a behavioral monster. He will be fine after his mind is calmed down.

To prevent such thing from happening the following are very important:

a. sleep well

b. eat well

c. make sure you have friends/family to talk about your restlessness, fear.

d. if you are not finding a solution, consult a professional counselor/neuro-psychiatrist in your area.

7. My Tuition teacher suggested us from tablets for increasing memory and concentration. He is selling them to us. He says his brother is a pharmacist and its completely safe. I cannot tell my parents. Do such tablets really exist? Should I buy it?

Yes there are certain tablets that stimulate the brain for increased performance. Unfortunately these tablets are extremely powerful stimulants that can cause severe damage to your brain-body.

You should always consult a medical professional like a neuro-psychiatrist or neurologist before starting any medicine.

Do tell your parents if someone is selling such tablets. It's illegal. Make sure some action is taken against him.

8. Why do girls perform better than boys? 

Well both girls and boys have the same brain. Both can perform equally. Performance totally depends on :

a. concentration at the time of studying

b. performance at the time to writing down exams.

you need to have controlled stress during these times.

9. Why are some people more intelligent than others? cannot we become like them.? 

To be gifted with a super memory is a trait that only one in every million children has. The majority of us have an average brain functioning. 

It all depends on how we use that brain. If we use it effectively we can achieve to be as good as anyone.

My inbox is always open to all your suggestions and queries. You are most welcome to approach me at -

Dr.Hemant Mittal (Neuro-Psychiatrist, Motivational Speaker and Counselor)
email - eksoch@gmail.com
website - http://mindmantra.in/services.html
address- 15, shreeji plaza, next to ice n spice restaurant, opposite seawoods station, seawoods (east)
Navi Mumbai