A bit overwhelmed would love some advice

[user1485367344]

I'm undertaking an MSc which I am meant to gained in September. I've been given a conditional offer of a PhD which is basically a continuation of the masters of gaining an distinction.

All my assignments up to now have been over 80, so I am capable. I do however have horrendous anxiety about failing and in general about everyday life (for example last week I couldn't leave the house because I was having too many panic attacks). The uni are aware of this and have accepted my medical evidence that I had ocd and anxiety which prevented me from sitting two exams this January gone.

I have been given resite for sometime in June. I know thats ages off but I've organised my revision and made my resources (I used audiotapes of essay plans I have made), but I'm filled with dread already.

I split up with my partner this week, he was a layabout and not good for me at all, but obviously I feel a little less supported now!

I also have 25 hours left of a placement which needs to be done and reported on by May and I work 35 hours a week too.

My sister is suffering poor mental health and I've had to stay with her quite a bit over the past few months to make sure she is safe. My mum is the same. And my dad is undergoing tests for the dreaded c.

Anyway, I'm not looking for sympathy! I'm just wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to pull my socks up, work through the anxiety and do what is needed. To be done!!

I really really really do not want to defer the year and lose my future

Anyone??

Would writing a plan help?
X hours of placement on Y
Monday write 300 words etc.

It sounds really tough.
Could you break things down into smaller chunks?
So instead of, I have to do X,Y and Z today just aim for X and if you manage Y or even Z, great.
Only do the absolute essentials. If the house is a pit it's ok to lower your standards on some things until the pressure eases.

And make sure to take a little time for yourself even if it's 14 mins with a cuppa.

My ex left me as a single mum at the start of my degree, whilst I was being tested for cancer. Fortunately it wasn't cancer, but it's still a lifelong condition that affects my daily life.
In all honesty it was the best thing that happened to me. How did I cope? God knows, but I did. You will too
Like others have said, you need to set yourself targets.
Does your placement have to be done as 25 hours per week? Could you do less hours but over more time?
Contact the uni and ask for as much support as they will give.

1. Do you just need to gain a distinction overall, or is it a distinction in each module?

If it's the former, work out the minimum of what you actually need to get your distinction overall - if your assignments have all been graded above 80% I assume that you actually only need to gain something like 60-65% average in your exams to get your distinction (or possibly less than that - I was going on the assumption that coursework may only contribute 30% to your overall mark).

I find this system helps me not get so anxious about my assignments and exams. I'm also doing a MSc at the moment and I find that setting these 'minimum' barriers helps me get better grades (currently my average is at 86% ) than when I kept focussing on "getting that 70".

1. Could you some time off work sometime this month so that you can get your placement completed? Or ask work if you can cut your hours for the next few weeks?

If not, then perhaps work out a timetable and focus solely on getting your placement completed for the next few weeks. Your family will understand, and it's only for a few weeks. Maybe see if any of your extended family can help with your sister?

Sending you the best wishes - the final weeks/months of a Masters is hard (I'm on my second and I have no idea why I'm doing this to myself all over again!!).

And: WELL DONE - you're doing amazingly well, despite having less than ideal circumstances. Be kind to yourself

Are you accessing any counselling? If not, does the uni have a counselling service? Sounds like it might be helpful for you to have someone to talk to for the emotional aspect as you go through the practical plans you have in place + ideas others have posted.