Anxiety and Grad School

[Teaching Faculty Wannabe]

Hi all!

I was wondering if any current graduate students who have persistent anxiety, especially those with anxiety disorders, can  give any tips on balancing your anxiety with the stressful life of grad school. One thing I am afraid of is while applying to grad school is that I will get in to a great program, but then my anxiety will become even worse and I will ruin a wonderful opportunity.

Thanks for the help!

[Norse_Medievalist]

So, something that I have done that has helped me manage my anxiety a bit is to have two different goals per assignment written in my planner. The first goal is a "This much has to get done by this date" goal. Bare minimum so that way I don't get swamped later. The second is a stretch goal that I can reach if I have the energy/inspiration/impulse/etc. This has helped me make sure that all of my assignments are done on time without having to worry too much about how I'm going to get a larger project done during the weekend. 

[lemma]

My biggest piece of advice would be to take on less than what you think you can handle. It looks much worse to step down from a commitment than to not take it on in the first place. Unfortunately I've had to do just that, which is also another source of anxiety in itself. 

[p287]

Sleep. It is so important for our mental health. You are going to schedule your classes, research, papers, reading... also schedule time to sleep. There will be days when things impede on your plans, for sleeping and other things, but do your best to prioritize sleeping as much as your other school and life activities.