OK So It's Testophobia but I am an Adult and I am No Longer In School

OK So It’s Testophobia but I am Adult and I am No Longer in School

So now what?

Apparently, there is an actual phobia about test taking. I admit it; I have been afraid of tests since the 19…..well since Elvis was still alive.

Yes, I am sorry, Elvis really is dead.

Taking a test does not produce the “test-book” symptoms in me. I don’t get short of breath or a racing heartbeat. I don’t sweat too much or get dry hands.

What does happen is I get diarrhea, cannot sleep, get very irritable and tend to study too hard and too much. You think studying hard and long is a good thing? Not when it is time to take the test and your information gets all jumbled and makes you forget your place.

For instance, pretend your job requires that you take a series of tests on certain subjects. There is a point system and whether you continue to work for that company hinges not only on the points acquired but also on how well you ‘perform’ during that certain test. Couple that with the fact that everyone who is doing the grading is different, has different expectations of how you should deliver the information, is or is not counting all the ‘uh’s’ and you have a recipe for where is that bathroom and how long do I have before the next test?

You can find out where your specific phobia came from with help from a counselor however as far as fear of tests are concerned, it seems it gets stronger with every decade that you live. Where then do we get assistance, guidance, or a list of instructions on how to get over this fear and take all the tests of life without qualm?

There are many sites that give information and help and it is good to know that help is available. There is a group out of New York with a phobia clinic and they even offer a money back guarantee. However, if you are like myself and are a bit short on funds where then do you turn?

I say you turn to yourself, to your insides, to the feelings you have whenever a test of any kind comes your way

1) Study, but do not over do it. Stop when you are confident of yourself but never try to get it all word perfect

2) Keep a cheat sheet handy with your highlighted words or phrases already fixed so all it takes is a glance down at your work and you have it.

3) Set up a word document or an excel spreadsheet/whichever you like/ to let you see at a glance the most important parts of whatever you are studying

4) Of course, the night before, get plenty of rest, even if it comes in fits and starts. Do not be tempted to get up, go out, and play mahjong, spider or angry birds whenever you wake up. Let yourself go back to sleep again.

You will laugh at this next one.

5) Try not to worry.

I told you would laugh!

I know it is impossible to even think of not being able to worry. But J laugh, it helps relieve your stress!

Now, go on and ace that test!