A sophomore science student feels pessimistic and vulnerable. How can one improve their psychological state?

Dear Questioner,

From the questioner's description, it appears that the questioner is experiencing a high degree of self-consciousness due to their declining academic performance.

One might assume that the other person is quick to accept new things and displays a sense of superiority and confidence that makes them seem superior to oneself. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and self-blame, ultimately resulting in a pessimistic outlook. The underlying cause of these feelings is the perception that the new deskmate is "better" than oneself. The questioner did not mention grades, and it is possible that the other person is academically superior, but it is important to consider whether having a strong learning ability necessarily translates to good grades. Does one still have to work hard?

It may be beneficial to focus on our own understanding of the subject matter, identify our own knowledge gaps, and then seek assistance from the other person with an open mind. This approach may be more productive than constantly focusing on the other person's learning ability. Thomas Edison once said that success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. This suggests that inspiration may be less important than effort in achieving success.

The act of conceiving an idea without subsequently exerting effort to implement it is analogous to the process of studying. While the other individual may swiftly acquire the requisite knowledge, the value of such an approach is questionable. It would be more prudent to devote greater attention to one's own development and less to that of the other person. This entails identifying the knowledge gaps, seeking assistance from the other person with humility, and then engaging in rigorous practice and reflection. It is only through such dedication that one can expect to achieve meaningful outcomes.

It is my hope that the aforementioned information will prove beneficial to the individual who posed the initial question.

Hello, I'm a psychologically minded catfish. I can see your difficulties, and I can even sense that you're feeling a bit desperate about who you are now. You're unsure of what to do, you're confused about the future, you're anxious about the pressure of further studies, and you feel like the progress of your classmates is holding you back.

But you didn't throw in the towel. You were down in the dumps and had the thought of throwing in the towel occasionally, but you still didn't throw in the towel, right? You went to the hospital and asked for psychological counseling, all in the hope of getting help from others. You haven't become numb to your classmate's progress, and you still have the heart to fight with her and go all the way.

It's not every day you meet someone like you. Chances are, you're in the majority of students.

You have a good foundation and your grades are usually quite stable. It's just that a sudden failure may catch you off guard and make you unable to accept your own failure for a while. I have the feeling that you usually work very hard and are a relatively outstanding person with a strong sense of self-esteem. This sudden blow may be too much for you to accept your own failure. This can be adjusted slowly. After all, no one stays at the top of the mountain forever. The scenery at the foot of the mountain can also be quite charming if you pay attention to it.

Sometimes, you might fail a test or two, but that's okay! It can help you realize what you need to work on. Don't doubt yourself just because you had a bad day. One test doesn't define you.

This test can only show how you're doing in school for a short time. It doesn't tell the whole story about your life, your thoughts, or your future.

The college entrance exam is a stage where thousands of people cross the same log, so the pressure is naturally very high. There is usually not much rest, the workload is heavy, and parents and teachers are watching. Once a person narrows their focus to one area, narrows their personal center to a little bit, and when this suddenly changes, it is possible that a person's emotions will become unstable. Therefore, believe in yourself. This stage of high school is just a particularly special stage in life. It can make people feel stressed, anxious, confused, and painful. Only those who have experienced it and look back at their direct life will know how beautiful this period was. Believe in yourself, you can do it, you just need a little time to sort out your emotions. Don't be afraid of those depression detection forms. Everyone gets depressed. After the rain, it will be sunny again. True depression is not like yours.

Give yourself a pat on the back, accept that you're only human, and your tablemate's progress is the best motivation for you. You can discuss it together and become friends who advance together. The future is long, so make the most of this period of time. It tastes like American-style pure coffee, and the aftertaste is actually quite good.

It was raining pretty hard in Wuhan yesterday, but it's already sunny on the way home today. I hope your rainy days will pass quickly too. When you're feeling down, you can always turn to your diary, listen to music, and do the things you like.

Hello, classmate.

I imagine that studying in your second year of high school must have been quite challenging for you.

From what you've shared, it seems there might be a somewhat tense learning atmosphere in which you are constantly competing with each other.

It seems that your classmate learns quickly and often compares her homework with yours. This may make you feel pressured and affect your self-confidence.

I hope you will find these thoughts helpful to consider.

If you feel nervous, you might try finding a quiet place and doing two minutes of "abdominal breathing" to help relax your tense nerves. It might also be helpful to try maintaining moderate exercise for 30 minutes or more in between studies to help regulate your emotions.

It is possible that facing a diagnosis of depression may add pressure to your situation, and it may even be a bit challenging to accept. It is worth noting that emotional depression is closely related to hormones in the body. You are in your adolescence, which is also a time when hormone levels change dramatically. If the hospital has prescribed medication for you, it would be advisable to remember to take it on time and in the correct dosage, and to have it reviewed.

It might be helpful to consider the possibility that drug intervention could assist you in achieving stability.

It appears that there may be a discrepancy in your perception of your abilities compared to those of your classmate. While she seems to have a sense of superiority and confidence, you may be experiencing frustration and feelings of inferiority. It's possible that this critical voice is a reflection of your own internalized beliefs. From an early age, your parents' high expectations and occasional criticism may have shaped your self-perception in a way that makes it challenging for you to accept failure.

It is important to maintain a certain level of academic performance at school, and it is not ideal to have someone who is more skilled than you in any particular subject.

You mentioned that "for various reasons, I always do poorly on major exams." Could you please try to summarize what the reasons are? Is it because you haven't learned the textbook knowledge as well as you would have liked?

Or could it be that you place a higher value on test scores, which may be affecting your performance? Or is there something else at play? You might find it helpful to discuss your current situation and concerns with a close friend or a psychology teacher.

Life is a combination of positive and negative experiences.

Perhaps it would be helpful to allow yourself to rest for a while.

Whether good or bad,

They are part of the journey.

In this world, failure is a concept that only exists in the mind.

– Henry Austen

We place far too much importance on our achievements, losing sight of many more important things in the process. We will face many tests in our lives. If we are to succeed, we must ensure that the purpose of the test is not to prove who is better, but to help us realize who we really are.

Everyone is unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing a goal, we must resist the influence of others and pursue the path that is right for us. Otherwise, we will find ourselves in a quagmire.

A temporary failure is just that—temporary. It may seem like a mountain that hinders us, but it can also be a stepping stone to a higher floor. Our failure is due to our own lack of knowledge, not because others are better than us and we will become worse.

We can only pass the test and constantly make up for ourselves when we recognize our own shortcomings and understand the significance of every test.

We always give up being true to ourselves in order to live in someone else's world. We will meet many people in our lives, some we like and some we dislike, and we cannot be a being that satisfies everyone. Our lives are not meant to be lived in the eyes of others. Without the support of authenticity, we will fall due to our own inadequacies, even if we are carried to an unimaginable height by the crowd.

Each person is unique, and that is the meaning of each person's existence. Each of us has our own unique experiences, and we form our own world.

We are not sheets of paper being printed endlessly on a printing press. Our fate is in our hands.

Your peers can only influence you, and you choose to escape out of fear of your own failure. You live in a world of comparison with others, but what is the point of comparison? Your deskmate's success is irrelevant to your own knowledge.

The college entrance exam is never a solo game. Everyone can reach the world in their heart, and everyone can go to the place they want to go. Everyone also goes to their own results because of their own choices.

You are the only one who can defeat you, and you are the only one who is unwilling to regain confidence and face your past failures. You are the one who has fallen, and you are the only one who can save yourself. If you cannot understand what you are really pursuing, you will not reach the other shore.

The world will not stop because you are lost. You must find meaning in your loss. The obstacle you face is not someone else. It is the self that has fallen from the altar. Face it. Recognize your shortcomings. Make up for them. If you are not willing to do so, you can only keep avoiding it. You will never escape.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come, and today is a gift that can change everything. You are your own light, able to illuminate yourself. Only by reconciling with your inner self, accepting your ordinariness, and understanding your goals will you not become bogged down in emotions.

You are the only one who can see the scenery on your own life's journey. You choose what kind of scenery you want to encounter.

Hello!

After reading your question, I have the impression that you still show the positive state you mentioned at the beginning, even though you are asking for help now. By positive, I mean that you immediately try to find a solution to your problem and deal with it actively—and you're already doing that!

This is a great example of a proactive approach to your physical and mental health. I have to give you a big thumbs up for this quality!

It's great that you can face problems head-on and don't avoid them. You've been to a proper hospital for help, and I'm sure that after proper treatment in recent weeks, you'll be feeling quite peaceful. You said you didn't have many pessimistic thoughts, so you're doing really well!

But we know that everyone has their ups and downs, and that life is really full of ups and downs. You came here to talk and seek help as soon as you realized your mood was unstable these past two days, once again demonstrating your positive and excellent qualities. And that's something to be proud of!

The fantastic, optimistic qualities that were once embedded in your body will stick around for good!

But due to our growth, especially during puberty, and due to the characteristics of hormone secretion, these qualities may also appear and disappear, and may be strong or weak. As a result, different coping states may arise in response to uncertain situations in life—and you'll be ready to handle them all!

But as we grow and gain experience, your responses become more timely and more targeted—and that's a great thing!

Why? Because you saw something was wrong and immediately came here for support!

You didn't run away, you didn't let it go, and when it got serious, you had to go to the doctor. Way to go! You're doing great!

So, what's the best way forward?

I'm excited to offer some advice based on my limited knowledge!

Absolutely! I think you should follow the doctor's advice from last time. If the doctor told you to take medicine, you should definitely continue to do so. If the doctor suggested that you go back to the doctor in a while, then you should go back. If the doctor didn't make these requests, as long as you feel the need to go to the doctor, I also think I should follow your wishes, because this is more scientific and effective.

It can greatly reduce the time it takes us to figure things out, which is really great!

Second, doctors are a strong external support, but our own previous positivity and optimism, as well as our enterprising spirit, are also stirring in the subconscious. We must also see them in the context of the fact that we will soon be celebrating our coming-of-age ceremony and becoming adults—it's going to be a great day!

The future is bright! Our positive and optimistic qualities will become more and more stable. It's like how myopia in our eyes doesn't develop easily after adulthood.

You can do it! Gradually drag them out of your subconscious, and they will become stronger and stronger.

Third, if you can really quickly find the qualities that have weakened, then it will be quite difficult for you to say:

I feel a little anxious and self-blame about changing desks because she accepts new things quickly. In addition, I found that she loves to look at my desktop. Comparing the number of objects we do exercises on, I feel that she has gained a sense of superiority and confidence, which is quite exciting!

It'll be a piece of cake! Don't talk about these things, just as you said:

If you recently failed an exam,

There may be a more scientific way to deal with it, but that's okay! It's a bit difficult to pull them out for the time being, but you've got this! You know that you were once so good, and I believe that after reading this, you will feel differently when you look at your deskmate and think about the exams and other things.

I really hope you'll do your best to bring out the positive and optimistic qualities that made you so determined and enterprising in the past. Everyone will cheer for you and support you! I also really hope you'll come here and tell us about everything you've done in this process.

We're right here with you, looking to the future!

Go and inspire your youth! That's how you'll get that university to throw you an olive branch next year!

The world and I love you!

I'm so grateful you trusted me enough to answer and gave us the chance to communicate through words!

From your message, I can see that you're facing some big challenges as a second-year high school student. You're under a lot of pressure to study, and comparing yourself to your classmates and your own state of depression is also a big issue for you.

I'm so excited to share some tips that I hope will give you some support and help you improve your psychological state!

1. Some of the pessimism is due to the effects of the depressive illness. Follow the doctor's advice and give yourself a chance to recover!

The good news is that the treatment of depression is a systematic process. While it's true that even if medication is used, the effect will not gradually take effect until two weeks later, you can give yourself time and tell yourself: "When illness strikes, it comes like a mountain; when it goes, it goes like a stream."

This is a process that will take time, but it will be worth it! Take your medicine and go for follow-up appointments as instructed by your doctor to help you adjust to an optimal state.

2. Peer pressure is very common, so try to focus more on yourself — you can do it!

As a student, you have the incredible opportunity to excel in your studies and push yourself to new heights. It's natural to feel the excitement of comparing yourself to your classmates, as you all strive for the top spot!

If comparisons between classmates have affected your state of mind, then such comparisons may not be particularly beneficial. But don't worry! You can focus on yourself instead.

If your classmates can't help but look at your desktop, why not try communicating with them to create a better atmosphere and environment for yourself?

Fluctuations in academic performance are also common during school years. Focusing on what you have mastered and what you have not mastered is a great way to get out of the whirlpool of comparing your grades!

3. Talk to your friends and family! They're there for you, so use them to your advantage.

3. Don't be afraid to reach out to your trusted family and friends to help you feel better!

Fluctuations in mood can also lead to fluctuations in performance. The good news is that you can easily overcome these challenges by simply giving yourself some opportunities to talk to your trusted friends or family members, or you can also ask trusted teachers and senior students.

There are so many fantastic learning methods out there, and learning more about them could really help you! Once you know which ones suit you best, you can start to find practical ways to alleviate pessimistic emotions and return to a motivated learning state.

I may not be a psychologist who explores human nature, but I am a spiritual therapist who cares for the human heart! I wish you all the best!

Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this message finds you well. I am contacting you regarding a query I have regarding your recent exam results. I would be grateful if you could provide me with further information regarding this matter. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Kind regards,

I am pleased to be able to offer you some advice.

From your description, it seems that you are currently in your second year of high school. Please confirm whether you intend to take the college entrance exam at this time next year. You appear to attach great importance to your studies and have a relatively clear understanding of yourself.

You are aware that you previously demonstrated a positive and optimistic outlook, as well as an enterprising nature. This enabled you to excel in your studies, as evidenced by your exam results. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, you failed an important exam, which led to a decline in your performance.

Given your previously strong academic performance and the unexpected outcome of the recent examination, you have become internally disillusioned and pessimistic.

From your initial statements, I understand that you have excellent learning abilities and capabilities. You mentioned that you have encountered several challenges at this later stage. Could you please elaborate on these challenges?

Are these objective reasons, or is it a manifestation of the depressive state you mentioned earlier, which triggered a series of changes in you?

It is important to understand that these factors are unavoidable and will inevitably impact our normal learning process. Consequently, there will be a decline in test scores. This does not mean that our grades cannot return to previous levels. However, it does require a period of catch-up, which may involve seeking assistance from classmates and teachers. It is crucial to recognize that the decline in grades is not the only source of disappointment. It is also important to address the underlying issue of self-devaluation and self-criticism.

In the following content, you discuss switching desks after an unfavorable exam result. You draw a comparison between yourself and your new deskmate regarding learning progress and motivation. You observe that your deskmate frequently monitors your desk, evaluating the accuracy of your practice exercises.

It is likely that she has a higher correct rate, and her expression suggests that she feels superior and very confident.

Her actions and words have once again caused you to undervalue your own worth.

In regard to your classmate's actions, it is important to note that if she has no malicious intent and is simply curious about the accuracy of her own responses or the number of correct answers she has received compared to yours, there is no need for her to engage in a competitive manner. Her intention is likely to interact with you as a classmate in a normal and constructive manner.

Perhaps she finds it enjoyable to debate with you or to discuss the number of incorrect answers. It is unlikely that she dislikes you or looks down on your ideas. If her behaviour causes you discomfort, you may wish to inform her that you do not enjoy it and that you feel your boundaries are being violated.

We can inform her of this so that she is aware that her actions are inappropriate and cause you discomfort. This will result in a change of behaviour, rather than us simply tolerating it and putting ourselves in this uncomfortable situation.

Furthermore, you mentioned that you visited the hospital a few weeks ago and were diagnosed with major depression. Please confirm whether you are currently taking the prescribed medication.

Another option to consider is combining the medication with counseling as an adjuvant therapy.

You indicated that you were improving and experiencing fewer pessimistic thoughts, but recently these have resumed. I would like to inquire as to whether your severe depression has been a long-standing issue.

If this is the case, you will experience some relief in the initial weeks of medication, but a prolonged course of treatment is necessary to achieve a normal emotional state.

It is important to note that identifying certain psychological conditions at this stage may not be beneficial. However, seeking treatment and taking medication or other forms of assistance can be highly effective. It is also crucial to recognize that external factors, such as recent changes in circumstances, can contribute to mood fluctuations. This is a normal aspect of managing severe depression, which often has a long-standing impact on an individual's emotional state.

It is similar to weight gain; it is not possible to lose weight overnight. The same is true of emotions.

It is evident that there has been an improvement following the treatment, but a recent relapse has occurred. This change is a positive indicator. However, the recent re-emergence of this adverse state requires further analysis. What is the underlying cause?

It is important to recognize that we must take an active role in addressing our own issues. By establishing a strong connection with our inner selves, we can alleviate and cure our personal states more effectively and efficiently with the guidance of a professional.

You have now identified the root cause of the problem and recognize that you previously exhibited a positive and optimistic outlook. Reflect on the challenges and obstacles you have faced during this period. Accept that these circumstances, while not subjective, have led to the current outcome.

There is still time to prepare for the college entrance examination, and you can seek assistance from teachers and classmates to address areas of weakness. It is also important to maintain confidence in your learning abilities, as this recent period of time is just a temporary break.

I am confident that with the right treatment and a clear understanding of the underlying issue, you will be able to make up for lost time and achieve a satisfactory result in next year's exam.

I wish you the best of luck.

Should you wish to continue the conversation, please click "Find a Coach" in the top right corner or at the bottom of the page. I will then be happy to communicate with you further.

One Psychology Q&A Community, World, and I Love You: https://m.xinli001.com/qa

Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your question. Best regards,

My name is Xiaobai, and I am here to help. I am confident that I can assist you in overcoming your concerns.

After carefully reviewing your experience, I would like to extend my sincerest sympathies.

Let us first address the situation that the questioner is facing and attempt to interpret and analyze it.

A second-year high school student studying science is experiencing pessimistic and vulnerable emotions. What steps can be taken to improve his mental state?

Previously, I had a positive outlook and was optimistic about my future. My studies also received positive feedback, as evidenced by my consistently good grades. However, for various reasons, I experienced difficulties in major exams and subsequently became pessimistic and desperate. Recently, I performed poorly on an exam and had to change my deskmate. She is quick to accept new things, which has led to feelings of anxiety and self-blame.

Furthermore, I discovered that she enjoyed perusing my desktop. When I compared the number of tasks we had completed, I noticed that she had gained a sense of superiority and confidence, which was challenging for me to accept. A few weeks ago, I visited the hospital for a check-up and was diagnosed with severe depression. An electroencephalogram (EEG) also indicated that I was experiencing depression. I had been improving, with no longer exhibiting pessimistic moods, but recently, the issue has resurfaced.

It is advisable to adopt a detached and objective perspective when evaluating these matters.

It is important to recognise that everyone has emotions, and that these can be positive or negative. A number of factors, including learning pressure, interpersonal issues and a multitude of other challenges in life, can have a negative impact on our mood and lead to feelings of sadness, depression, anger, nervousness, anxiety, discomfort, fear, resentment and other negative emotions.

Furthermore, it is unavoidable that students will experience pressure when studying at high school level, which can potentially lead to feelings of depression.

1. Adjust your perception and accept the existence of negative emotions.

Dear Students, Do not underestimate your abilities based on the achievements of others. Each individual possesses a unique capacity for knowledge.

It is not our concern if others progress faster than us. Our focus should be on setting a goal and making progress every day, even if the pace is slow, as long as we reach our goal.

From my own experience, I can assure you that your grades are not the most important thing. There are always unexpected success stories in the college entrance exams, and the class president is not necessarily the best student. It's often the students with a positive attitude who do best.

Therefore, it is important to adjust your perception, maintain a positive outlook, and focus on self-improvement.

❤️2. When faced with challenging emotions, it is beneficial to engage in activities that provide a distraction.

There are numerous methods for engaging in productive distractions. For instance, one may cultivate personal interests such as calligraphy, music, or reading. When individuals engage in activities they find enjoyable, their brains release dopamine, which contributes to feelings of happiness and pleasure.

When positive emotions are dominant, negative emotions are less likely to be experienced. If you are currently without a hobby or interest, you may choose to speak with someone.

Identify an appropriate time to confide in a trusted individual. Even if the other person is unable to provide a solution, discussing your concerns can provide a sense of relief.

3. If you are unable to identify an appropriate outlet for your emotions, you may wish to consider expressing them in a constructive manner.

Some problems are challenging to resolve and require a longer timeframe to address. These emotions can be overwhelming and may lead to long-term depression. It is essential to find effective ways to release and process these emotions. This could include engaging in physical activities like eating snacks or exercising, expressing your emotions through yelling or crying, or watching a movie that evokes a strong emotional response.

It is recommended that you persevere through the pressure and proceed with your plan of action.

Every age group faces its own set of challenges. It is my hope that we can all persevere through the pressures of life and continue to thrive. I am aware that you have been experiencing fatigue recently, but I encourage you to persevere, take your time, and learn to regulate your emotions.

Regardless of the challenges or difficulties we may face in life, it is our hope that we will gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our goals. We also hope to develop the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of life, including high-stress tolerance, seeking assistance from others, problem-solving abilities, and a composed state of mind with a calm and rational approach to situations.

Set a goal, allow yourself time to adjust, and work diligently to enhance your personal development.

In conclusion, I have provided my opinions and views on the question posed by the original poster. I hope they prove useful to you. Finally, I wish the original poster success in the examination and the attainment of their desired results.

Let's proceed.

There are still many sources of anxiety for high school students. But don't worry! As a second-year science student, you may still have a lot of problems waiting for you, and there are still many worrying things that make you feel very uncomfortable. But you've made it this far, and you're almost there! Many students have come through that stage in high school, and you will too!

In high school, everyone is focused on their academic performance and eager to see where they rank. If they fall behind, they may feel a bit worried and think that their self-confidence has been hit again. But, they can also see that their academic performance is a great way to learn and grow!

You may still feel a bit pessimistic and vulnerable, and not as positive and optimistic as you once were. But don't worry! These feelings are totally normal, and they don't have to last forever. If you're feeling all kinds of pessimism, despair, anxiety, and self-blame, it might be time to seek professional psychological counseling.

Let yourself see and hear yourself! You've got this! Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, and it's okay to feel a little uncomfortable and suffer sometimes. But don't let comparisons with others and the same table fill you with hurt, depression, and pessimism. You're better than that!

These are all things that need to be taken seriously, because there is always someone better. The famous actress Yang Yi told herself when she won the title of "Best Actress" that if she were to succeed one day, she would tell herself not to be proud and to continue to work hard to be the best she can be. Often times, we don't need to compare ourselves with others, we just need to be content with ourselves. Good luck!

ZQ?