Exams season is almost upon us, and for everyone it is a very stressful time. But if, like me, you suffer from a mental illness, you’re probably dreading this even more. Unfortunately, schools don’t often offer special support for mentally ill students, and we are expected to deal with our exams and our mental health at the same time. It can be very hard and triggering. If it is the case for you, here are a few tips that might help you cope with this harsh time of the year as much as possible.
- Don’t stay inside
First of all, during revisions, try to study outside of your house. Go to a public library, a cafe, study in a park, anywhere but in your room. This might seem basic, but over the years, I’ve found that sitting at the same desk for hours makes me feel depressed and I’m also very unproductive.
Also, try to study with other people : go to the library with some friends, or join a study group. Being with others can help you stay motivated, and it’s always nice to get help with your revisions !
- Get organized
In addition, try to be as organized as possible. This might be hard, but it’s necessary : make to-do lists, and schedule your revisions. Try to plan your study time as much as you can, even if you don’t usually do it. This will help you stay as focused as you can, and will also prevent you from forgetting anything important.
- Distract yourself
Another important thing is to avoid drowning yourself in revisions. Chances are, you’ll be more productive if you study less, but do it a little bit everyday. Also, studying too much will probably lead to feeling more down or anxious. You need to distract yourself, because doing nothing but revisions will only make you feel worse. I know it’s hard, but try to balance revisions with leisure time : for example, study for two hours, and then go for coffee with a friend. Distractions and activities are a key element to staying mentally healthy during revisions.
- Take care of yourself
In the same way, make sure you stay hydrated and get a regular sleep routine. Again, this might seem basic, but it will help you focus on your work, as well as making you feel better mentally. Make sure you exercise often as well even if it’s just going for a walk. If you have a therapist, try to schedule more sessions than usual during your exams. Medical help is even more important during this time of the year.
Finally, don’t beat yourself up over exams. I know it’s easier said than done, but there is nothing more important than you and your health. Don’t hesitate to get professional help if you feel like you can’t cope with the stress. Also, let your teachers know about your condition. If they’re aware of it, they’ll be able to help you and you will likely be more relaxed.
Good luck, and take care.
