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Study Anxiety

Stranger_72New Contributor25 Apr 2026, 9:47 pm AEST

Study Anxiety

I’ve always had issues with stress and anxiety but now it’s starting to feel debilitating. I’ve started uni this year and I’ve struggled with study related stress and anxiety in the past. I was in a low quality school and burned myself out trying to keep myself and my peers afloat while dealing with a difficult teacher. This year things feel just as disorganised and I feel so behind compared to everyone else.

I don’t have the social skills to make close friends and set up support systems. I procrastinate and have very avoidant coping mechanisms so even when I try to study, my brain won’t let me retain information.

I’m sick of the panic attacks and physical symptoms like eczema, fatigue, nausea, and shivering. I don’t know what to do because I feel like I need professional help like CBT but I can’t afford it.

3 replies

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In response to: Study Anxiety

SunsetSunriseModerator26 Apr 2026, 12:28 am AEST

Re: Study Anxiety

That sounds really overwhelming @Stranger_72 , especially with the transition into uni on top of everything you’ve already been carrying. Feeling behind, burnt out, and physically impacted by anxiety would make it hard for anyone to keep up, let alone feel confident doing it.

It's so understandable that procrastination and avoidance are showing up; they’re really common responses when anxiety gets intense. When your nervous system is overloaded, it can make focusing and retaining information genuinely difficult. Starting uni can be isolating, especially when things already feel hard. You’re not alone in feeling like you don’t have a strong support system

In terms of support, there may be lower-cost or free options available; many universities offer counselling services, wellbeing support, or study skills programs that don’t require extra payment. A GP can also sometimes create a mental health care plan, which can subsidise sessions if that’s accessible to you. There are also online services that you can use, If you're under 25, Kids Helpline and Headspace can offer regular counselling for free to help support you.

Take extra gentle care tonight,

SunsetSunrise

In response to: Study Anxiety

Misty7Senior Contributor26 Apr 2026, 6:52 pm AEST

Re: Study Anxiety

Hi @Stranger_72,

sorry to hear you are having a rough time. Are you able to see a GP that can put you on some medication to take the edge off until you are able to see a psychologist. I hear what you are saying when i was at uni i had anxiety and depression symptoms and i found it hard to concentrate and do exams. You can apply for assignment extensions and exam help through your university disability team. You will probably need a medical certificate from your GP to apply.

Just wanted to mention something else, your symptoms you are describing could be related to underlying trauma. Don't quote me on that. The reason i'm saying it is because i was diagnosed at 17 with anxiety & depression i am a hell of a lot older now, only to be told that no you have trauma. Your anxiety & depression is due to trauma. So i have been misdiagnosed for sooooo long. I don't want anyone else to go through that. If you find it's getting too hard you can always defer, don't put pressure on yourself.

In response to: Re: Study Anxiety

Misty7Senior Contributor27 Apr 2026, 3:44 pm AEST

Re: Study Anxiety

@Stranger_72 ,

this might help with your panic attacks or if you are having distressing thoughts. A cold shower when you feel your heart racing also works quite well in stopping panic attacks. It changes your body chemistry. You only need to do it for about 30sec. Deep breathing also helps for panic attacks. There are a lot of videos on Youtube.

TIPP Method: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psKCII8sTnQ)

1. splash your face with cold water for about 30s

2. Jog on the spot for about 1minute

3. do paced breathing (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UwYdY3xXUfk)

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