Managing uni/work stress

Hi @Eden1919

I just wanted to reach out and offer you some support

Wow! Well done on returning to university to complete your degree

I completed my postgraduate degree at the end of last year and I can really appreciate why you’re feeling so overwhelmed!

Although I graduated several months ago, I can still remember the waves of panic that would completely engulf me every time I read through the course requirements and realised the amount of work that was involved!

Absolutely! It can be incredibly challenging to find a way to balance self-care, life in general and the demands associated with university and I really love how you’re already thinking about how you can do this

Prior to commencing my final semester, I contacted Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Services (and in conjunction with my Therapist) we developed a Student Access Plan. I found this process incredibly helpful, as we were able to outline the support that I needed to enable me to complete my degree.

One of the supports that we requested (and which was approved by the university) was for me to be able to have an extension on all of my assessment items. Knowing that I was guaranteed some additional time to complete these was an enormous relief and although it didn’t completely alleviate my anxiety, it definitely provided me with some much needed breathing space.

As such, I just wondered if accessing some support through Diversity, Disability and Inclusion services may be something that’s helpful for you?

Take care of yourself,

ShiningStar

@ShiningStar Hi, yes i have a support plan with the uni for assessments and such it has been the only way i have managed to get this far so i am very glad i have it. well done on completing a post grad degree that must have been a lot of work.

Hi @Eden1919

It’s so lovely to hear from you

I’m so pleased that the university provided you with some additional support as this really can make such a difference

Thank you so much! Although completing my university degree was an incredibly challenging time in my life, I got there in the end!

Please know that I’m thinking of you at this time and cheering you on towards the finish line

Take care of yourself,

ShiningStar

I can relate to you as well. I am currently studying 3 subjects with one placement unit. I am already feeling overwhelmed. It feels particularly worse if I am in a slump and I just have to wait it out, I guess.

Hey @candysim ,

I hear you. One thing I found which helped me a lot was contacting the course co-ordinators early on and keeping them in the loop about my mental health.

I also had a reasonable adjustment plan from the uni so that I'd get extra support including part-time placement, extra submission time for assignments (if needed), counsellor support etc.

This adjustment plan got me through uni because it relieved some of the unnecessary stress about having to submit medical certificates each time I needed extra support.

All the best with your uni @candysim

tyme

I think its helpful to take a planning diary & block out the commitments you had before study & now while studying. First of all it will most likely show you that you are attepting to wedge a large timeframe into what may have been an already busy life. Having a picture of what you do throughout the week (absolutly everything you do) will give you a clear view of what you can ditch in order to actually fit in study. It probably won't surprise you about why you are overwhelmed at times. We can't cut out fixed commitments like care for children or paid work but window cleaning or cooking a complex meal may have to wait to the qualification is hung on the wall. PS: cutting out self care is a no no.

@tyme @Eden1919 @candysim @Gwynn @ShiningStar