I am mentally exhausted.. help

[sr71blackbird]

Like a dope, I took a summer physics course. I already made a thread about that, but this is a different subject.

I was never good at math, in fact I do not know how I even made it out of grade school sometimes. I never passed high school algebra. I think I gout out of math in high school by taking "business math", which was basically elementary math. I probably just made that class by the skin of my teeth. But in this physics class, I kind of lucked out and the professor is aware of my math issue and he is helping me on the side by giving me some side study to get me up to speed. I bet he ends up passing me even if I flunk because I am putting an effort in.
I have been learning basic algebra and he says I am doing ok, so he is giving me harder algebra, and he wants me to learn trigonometry at the same time.
I am mentally stressing out and losing it, because my job is stressful and this class is on top of that and I really have no free time to enjoy myself. I am just not getting some of these concepts, and I think its because I am at the limit of what I can grasp. Part of me wants to drop it because its stressing me, but another part wants me to get it over with. Yet another part has a sneaking suspicion that this professor will let me slide.
But the stress is really bothering me and I am having trouble concentrating. People talk to me and I have a hard time hearing what they are saying.
What would you do if you were me? Should I take a day off studying? Should I drop it, because I know this class is about to get much harder? Its Friday night and Im sitting here trying to absorb some math help off youtube. The videos play and I feel like I am in a fog. My floor is covered with pages of notes and math problems. I am a mess.
I swear I feel like sobbing right now...

[Sue_Bender]

Quitting is for quitters, Blackbird.

If you can manage to eek out a passing grade, you'll feel a huge sense of accomplishment.

Try to see past all this work and mental stress...to the end result.

Visualize victory!

[midwestjeff]

Take a break. Don't think about it for the rest of the night. Not at all.
It seems like you are being forced to learn new things, so fuck a grade.
Walking away from the course with an "F" is fine, as long as you strengthened your mind.
A professor willing to go above and beyond for you is a rare find (at least in my experience) so take advantage of it.

[sr71blackbird]

Thanks, I keep imagining how he might be disappointed if I quit, so I think thats part of why I am pushing myself. I am trying to live up to someone elses expectation. But it may work out for me, who knows?
I haven't even been eating well, and I have had zero enjoyment in a personally fulfilling manner. I even forgot to have sex for a week! I think I will take your advise and take the night off, maybe a fresh start tomorrow will give me a different outlook.
I really wish there was like a mental implant, like a chip I could have put in my brain that would give me instant math ability. Like the Matrix!

[Sue_Bender]

I really wish there was like a mental implant, like a chip I could have put in my brain that would give me instant math ability. Like the Matrix!

There is...


if you can cram an Asian kid in your ear.





You're welcome.

[sailor]

why did you take the class anyways? did you have other choices that might bring less pressure?

[Recyclerz]

Taking night or weekend classes at a college level or higher while working a full-time job is a pretty big commitment and you should be a little proud of yourself just for taking them on. I've taken some and this is the only advice I can give - mentally get yourself in a mindset that you will only be doing your job and your coursework during the course, especially in a class where you are stretching. Too many folks think that just by showing up for class that they are doing what is necessary and don't want to cut into their remaining leisure time by studying outside the classroom. If this class is a month just commit to give it your all for that time period and treat yourself to something fun when you're done, win lose or draw.

[cozzie]

See if you can borrow " Stunt Brain", if not just keep plugging away. You get great satisfaction passing a tough course.

[Bob Impact]

I really wish there was like a mental implant, like a chip I could have put in my brain that would give me instant math ability. Like the Matrix!

It's called Adderall.

[DiabloSammich]

There is...


if you can cram an Asian kid in your ear.





You're welcome.



This doesn't work as well as you might think.

Now creaming in an Asian kid's ear, now you're talking!

[JPMNICK]

if you knew you were this bad at math, why take a physics course. what did you think you were going to get out of it. what was the end game here? to tell people you know physics? to feel like you accomplished something? and if you fail every test, but he passes you, how is that going to make you feel?

[LaBoob]

Like a dope, I took a summer physics course. I already made a thread about that, but this is a different subject.

I was never good at math, in fact I do not know how I even made it out of grade school sometimes. I never passed high school algebra. I think I gout out of math in high school by taking "business math", which was basically elementary math. I probably just made that class by the skin of my teeth. But in this physics class, I kind of lucked out and the professor is aware of my math issue and he is helping me on the side by giving me some side study to get me up to speed. I bet he ends up passing me even if I flunk because I am putting an effort in.
I have been learning basic algebra and he says I am doing ok, so he is giving me harder algebra, and he wants me to learn trigonometry at the same time.
I am mentally stressing out and losing it, because my job is stressful and this class is on top of that and I really have no free time to enjoy myself. I am just not getting some of these concepts, and I think its because I am at the limit of what I can grasp. Part of me wants to drop it because its stressing me, but another part wants me to get it over with. Yet another part has a sneaking suspicion that this professor will let me slide.
But the stress is really bothering me and I am having trouble concentrating. People talk to me and I have a hard time hearing what they are saying.
What would you do if you were me? Should I take a day off studying? Should I drop it, because I know this class is about to get much harder? Its Friday night and Im sitting here trying to absorb some math help off youtube. The videos play and I feel like I am in a fog. My floor is covered with pages of notes and math problems. I am a mess.
I swear I feel like sobbing right now...

Is it too late to drop without losing all your money? If so, I would suggest it.

If not, maybe someone in your class would be interested in being study partners with you, or maybe you could hire a tutor to help you learn.

If you decide to go ahead on the same path and just need help concentrating, health food stores sell supplements that can help... some take longer than others to work though, so make sure you communicate with the person working there and let them know you need it to work right away. Sometimes a cup of coffee while studying can help increase mental clarity and sharpness. Also, take a look at your diet... if you're eating shitty foods you're not going to perform as well as if you eat the kind of fuel that's brain food, like antioxidant rich fruits and veggies, and foods high in omega 3's like salmon or flax oil.

Finally... if you're reading or watching the same things over and over and nothing is sinking in, try stepping away from it and going for a walk while you think about it. Exercise gets blood flowing to your brain and helps increase creativity and your mindpower.

[sr71blackbird]

if you knew you were this bad at math, why take a physics course. what did you think you were going to get out of it. what was the end game here? to tell people you know physics? to feel like you accomplished something? and if you fail every test, but he passes you, how is that going to make you feel?

I work in a company where I can get a different (and better) job, with the caveat that I need certain classes This job I need physics, engineering and drafting. I aced drafting last semester. I may get the job because i am "working towards it" and I have the proof with the classes on a receipt.
I am aware that physics will never be used on the job itself, but it was added as a way of weeding candidates down. The guy that runs all the people who do that position wants me and I am known for my quality and effort. If I pass this I will feel really good about myself.

[sr71blackbird]

I am sooo stressed right now. I have our first test tonight.

School is from 6 -10 at night, Mon through Thu.
I work 7 to 5 during the day Mon through Friday.
Sometimes (like this week) I am offered Saturdays overtime for 6 hours.
So the only days off school I have are Fri Sat and Sunday

I know I need to study, and I set up the room for it. I lay out all my stuff on the tables and have everything I need. The problem is, after working all day and then going to school I am so drained that I very quickly get tired to the point of passing out.
I have not really spent much time studying because of this, and it shows.
The teacher knows I am having trouble and is helping me and he knows I am trying as hard as I can.
At work it is almost impossible to study because of distractions.
I think if I had a tutor or coach it would help me.

I failed miserably my first take home quiz.

I have this test tonight and I took off work today so that I can study for it.
I have everything set up ready, but I have a hard time getting myself motivated.

I have considered dropping the class, but the teacher is encouraging me to tuff it out. We only have two weeks left.

God, I really need a motivation to sit there and study and work this stuff out, and my mind is racing and going all over the place.
I have been searching online why I am having difficulty concentrating and it seems to point to depression and anxiety. I have been diagnosed with that, so thats probably it.

But I want to force myself beyond that and get on with it.
Sorry to make this post sound like a blog, but I am really struggling here and having a bad time of it.


Any tips?

[walking joint]

how about stop looking for reasons why and just stick to studying. you are just wasting more time searching the internet for reasons why you can't study. just do what you can and hope for the best.

[frye hole]

Can you take any vacation days from work during these last two weeks? I had to take three courses one summer to finish my degree and I used up most of my vacation for the year to do it. But it was worth it. I would have had a nervous breakdown ....

[sr71blackbird]

You are 100% right Joint! I had not thought of that.

I am going to call the physics department and find out about this help lab I hear about, and go over there today.

Fryhole, I took off today for it and I do have other days coming and I will take them off for the other tests too.

[sr71blackbird]

I got the results of my second of 4 tests and the results:

http://b.mektroid.net/fail_cat.jpg


The teacher told me that I am better off withdrawing from the class because Id need 100 on the next two tests and thats not happening.

So, I withdrew.

I had scheduled to take engineering classes in the fall, but I heard that the math was very similar, so I decided to cancel that class too and take a basic math class to get me up to speed so that I can try and take this class again with a better shot at passing.

What was good about this class is that now I have a better grasp of basic math than I did before it, so there is a reasonable change that I might do well in the basic math class.
I needed the math anyway in order to get my associates too, so maybe it is a mixed blessing.
I feel really good knowing I do not have to go back to physics the next two weeks!

[Melissa the Accountant]

I got the results of my second of 4 tests and the results:

http://b.mektroid.net/fail_cat.jpg


The teacher told me that I am better off withdrawing from the class because Id need 100 on the next two tests and thats not happening.

So, I withdrew.

I had scheduled to take engineering classes in the fall, but I heard that the math was very similar, so I decided to cancel that class too and take a basic math class to get me up to speed so that I can try and take this class again with a better shot at passing.

What was good about this class is that now I have a better grasp of basic math than I did before it, so there is a reasonable change that I might do well in the basic math class.
I needed the math anyway in order to get my associates too, so maybe it is a mixed blessing.
I feel really good knowing I do not have to go back to physics the next two weeks!

I missed this thread when it was brand new, but when I started reading it from the beginning, I was pretty much nodding in agreement. What you described is almost exactly where I was like three years ago, only it was my last semester of school and an accounting class. There had been a problem with textbooks and I didn't get the book until 3 weeks in to this 8 week class, and I was studying like 7 hours a night after work every day and still not feeling confident with it. It was my worst school experience ever. When you said the part about just wanting to scream and cry and not even knowing what to do next - I totally was there. It was like, I felt like I barely had time to struggle through the new homework, let alone to take the time to go back and try to remedy the shit I already didn't understand. It was a complete nightmare. I somehow stayed in and clung to a shred of a passing grade. The only reason I didn't drop was that it was my last semester and I didn't want to wait another whole semester for just one class. In retrospect, I'm not sure I did the right thing. I was working full time like you at the time, and it was such a terrible experience that I don't know if I'll ever be able to make make myself go back if I need to! So kudos to you for knowing your limits and making the decision you needed to for yourself at the time. That can be really hard at times. I am betting you will have a much better go of it the next time around.

[sr71blackbird]

Thanks Melissa!
It was not easy for me to quit, but I was able to say my goodbyes and head to the registrar and make it official while changing my fall schedule so that I can get the basic math under my belt before I try and tackle these types of classes. I admit I put the cart before the horse big time. It cost me $700 and I do not regret trying it.

[Melissa the Accountant]

Thanks Melissa!
It was not easy for me to quit, but I was able to say my goodbyes and head to the registrar and make it official while changing my fall schedule so that I can get the basic math under my belt before I try and tackle these types of classes. I admit I put the cart before the horse big time. It cost me $700 and I do not regret trying it.

Probably a smart move on your part. Honestly, I think the mental toll that things like that can take is not always worth it. There's sticking with something for the right reasons and sticking with something for the wrong reasons. It's good you made a decision that is livable for you. :)

[Melrapuo]

Like a dope, I took a summer physics course. I already made a thread about that, but this is a different subject.

I was never good at math, in fact I do not know how I even made it out of grade school sometimes. I never passed high school algebra. I think I gout out of math in high school by taking "business math", which was basically elementary math. I probably just made that class by the skin of my teeth. But in this physics class, I kind of lucked out and the professor is aware of my math issue and he is helping me on the side by giving me some side study to get me up to speed. I bet he ends up passing me even if I flunk because I am putting an effort in.
I have been learning basic algebra and he says I am doing ok, so he is giving me harder algebra, and he wants me to learn trigonometry at the same time.
I am mentally stressing out and losing it, because my job is stressful and this class is on top of that and I really have no free time to enjoy myself. I am just not getting some of these concepts, and I think its because I am at the limit of what I can grasp. Part of me wants to drop it because its stressing me, but another part wants me to get it over with. Yet another part has a sneaking suspicion that this professor will let me slide.
But the stress is really bothering me and I am having trouble concentrating. People talk to me and I have a hard time hearing what they are saying.
What would you do if you were me? Should I take a day off studying? Should I drop it, because I know this class is about to get much harder? Its Friday night and Im sitting here trying to absorb some math help off youtube. The videos play and I feel like I am in a fog. My floor is covered with pages of notes and math problems. I am a mess.
I swear I feel like sobbing right now...

Ok SR, here's the dealio. I took physics waaaaay back in freshman year of college, and went through the exact same thing as this. I understood some of the concepts, but ended up being confused by others. I didn't have any real friends, and didn't ask many questions. I became so frustrated that at one point I considered myself a failure, cuz I was doing really bad in the class and considered dropping it.

However, I decided to stick with it. Ended up getting a B in the class. Moral of the story is stop freakin' out. If you have the opportunity, just relax and clear your head. Go to a movie, watch some tv, get drunk, hang out with friends. Go back to the work the next day. You'll do better with a clearer head. And realize that the class isn't the end of the world - it felt like it for me, and I proved that wrong. :thumbup:

EDIT: Ah crap, spoke too late. : / O well, hehe, at least you tried SR!