Even though I study diligently, my test anxiety causes me to perform poorly. I freeze up and can't a

'Freezing up' feels like my brain has been suddenly unplugged. I can see the words on the page, but they don't make sense. It's like trying to access a file on a computer that's crashed – the information is there, but I can't retrieve it. My thoughts become jumbled, and I can't form coherent sentences or recall simple facts. It's a physical sensation too; my head feels heavy, and I might even feel a slight tremor. It's a terrifying feeling of being completely disconnected from my own knowledge and abilities.

I first really noticed it in high school, probably around sophomore or junior year. Before that, I was a pretty good student, and while I might have felt a little nervous, it didn't cripple my performance. But then I started having these experiences where I'd study for hours, feel confident going in, and then completely blank out during the exam. It was a gradual realization that my anxiety was actively sabotaging my efforts, rather than just being a normal level of pre-test jitters.

Yes, definitely. Multiple-choice tests tend to be the worst for me. The sheer volume of options and the pressure to pick the 'right' one can be overwhelming. Essay questions are also difficult because I worry about organizing my thoughts coherently under pressure. Subjects that require a lot of memorization, like history or biology, are particularly challenging because if I can't recall a specific fact, it feels like a complete failure. Math tests can also be anxiety-inducing if I get stuck on a problem and can't move forward.

I've tried a few things. I've attempted deep breathing exercises, but sometimes my anxiety is so intense that I can't even focus on my breath. I've also tried positive self-talk, telling myself I can do it, but it often feels hollow when I'm in the moment. I've tried getting extra sleep the night before and eating a good breakfast, which helps a little with general well-being, but doesn't seem to touch the core anxiety during the test itself. I've also tried practicing under timed conditions, but even then, the pressure of a real test feels different.

Immediately before a test, my heart starts pounding, my palms get sweaty, and I feel a knot in my stomach. My mind races with worst-case scenarios. During the test, it's like a fog descends. I can see the questions, but my brain feels blank, and I struggle to recall even basic information I know I studied. It's a desperate feeling of being trapped. After the test, I'm usually exhausted and filled with regret. I replay the questions I couldn't answer, feeling a deep sense of disappointment and frustration with myself, even though I know I put in the effort.