I’ve been really struggling with university assignments at the moment, purely because I have a massive fear of failure. I get very panicked if I think I’m doing something wrong, or that I start believing that I’m going to fail everything. I have anxiety too but I was wondering if this could fall under ocd too? I had never thought about it until now. Would be very grateful if someone could help me out with this! ?

"Pure" OCD

pureolife

Date posted: 5y

Sounds like ba few cognitive distortions are at play: - black and white thinking - perfectionism - all or nothing thinking - catastrophizing. Cognitive distortions cause a lot of problems and can feed OCD. But OCD is about more than thinking patterns. It’s about the compulsive response we have to obsessions. Try breaking up larger assignments or projects into smaller goals/tasks and focus on those. Remind yourself that one thing going wrong does not mean everything is wrong. Keep in mind that you’re prone to this type of thinking and call it out to yourself when you notice it. “Hey, that’s black and white thinking! Life is not either failure or success. There’s nuance and room for plenty of levels of success in between.”

Moon

Date posted: 5y

Thank you, this is incredibly helpful! It has definitely given me some insight into my thought process.

@sum1

Date posted: 5y

it's okay, and yes if you are panicking throughout the day, it may be best to discuss with someone/a professional. alongside this, you could also try self help: for example, writing positive quotes to read each day, take breaks, save a bit of time to do things you enjoy, breathing techniques or, meditation, to create a balance between work, and to shift your focus for a while ?

Stealthhero22

Date posted: 5y

I also get the fear of failure multiple times, but that has pushed me to work harder. So far I have passed everything I was scared I would fail, also I have only dropped one class this year.

Moon

Date posted: 5y

Well done! I am trying my best to push through

emkala

Date posted: 5y

I comment so that I can follow this post! I have been also struggling with studying since I started uni. Starting projects is super difficult and sometimes when I start reading I get really afraid that I won't understand what the text says. I suddenly might not be able to read or write texts, even in my mother tongue.

Moon

Date posted: 5y

Hi! It’s nice to know that someone else is feeling like this too! I have the same problem ☹️ what do you do to help yourself in those situations?

emkala

Date posted: 5y

@yani_ Actually, I don't really know how to tackle this problem.? I am currently trying to find a therapist. Probably doing ERP might help but I am a bit unsure how to do it in this case. I get burned out so easily if I am trying to really study or work full time. I am just not able to stay sane and I can't really figure out what causes all this. I don't want to sound discouraging! I definitely think things will get better eventually!! ? Good luck with your studies though.?

@sum1

Date posted: 5y

some of this may cross over with ocd, but a therapist would be the one to separate the two. a lot of people worry over assignments, but how much is this affecting your studies / day to day - are you able to complete work? ☆ positive thinking.. accepting that you are trying your best ✍

Moon

Date posted: 5y

Thank you for replying and your kind words ? I still manage to get things done, however I tend to get into bouts of intense panic- I worry that I everything’s wrong, and I spiral into that I will fail the whole year. The thoughts that I am doing everything wrong seem quite similar to instrusive thoughts, so I thought I would come check on here. I will try to ask a medical professional about this though.

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