psychlu

[psychlu]

(please, excuse my English. I have always talked about this topic in Italian and I’m not super sure of some technical terms and words.)

Dyscalculia is difficulty in learning or comprehending arithmetic, such as difficulty in understanding numbers, learning how to manipulate numbers, and learning facts in mathematics. It is generally seen as a specific developmental disorder.

Basically, what a dyscalculic often can’t do is: 

read numbers correctly.

do any basic arithmetic without a calculator.

understand the difference between multiplications and exponents.

solve problems that require a certain level of mathematical logic.

grasp and remember mathematical concepts, rules, formulae, and sequences

Some can also have difficulties with grammar rules and memorizing things such as declinations. 

What a dyscalculic can and can’t do really changes from person to person, and what I have just written is just a very tiny part of the various symptoms.

Actually, there are a lot of usually simple tasks which are very difficult for dyscalculic people, such as:

Read analogic clocks.

Stating which is the larger of two different numbers.

Read musical notation.

Difficulty with conceptualizing time and judging the passing of time. You could be either always early (that would be me…) or always late.

Inability to concentrate on mentally intensive tasks.

Difficulty with choreographed dance steps.

Difficulty in orientating and reading maps.

Troubles estimating costs and keeping a budget.

Troubles estimating speed and distance.

What to do:

If you think you may have dyscalculia, I suggest you look and research a lot about it. If you still have that feeling, taking a test with a specialist i what you need to do. I’m not sure what the price is to take such a test in other countries, my therapist took me just 60 euros, but if you have free health care probably you can take them to a hospital for free.

Please don’t self-diagnose yourself. Having this kind of doubts and discussing it with a therapist is OK! Nowadays is very very popular on Tumblr to self-diagnose yourself with anything, but if you have a learning disorder, you will need a document signed by a specialist to get help at school, so you need an official diagnose. 

Now, you need to get actual help at school. Now, I really hope that your school is very open to that, and your teachers too. Sometimes they can very ableist and ignore completely the disorder. In this case, I recommend having your therapist talk to them. 

You will probably get a paper after the evaluation (I believe that in the USA, CANADA, AND UK its called IEP) which says what you can and can’t do, and decide how to proceed, which accommodations and modalities put in it etc. You may have the possibility of keeping formulas and procedures to solve math, to always use a calculator, to just be tested orally instead of taking a regular test etc. The plan is customized, created to help you at this best. 

Make sure that your needs are respected and that you get all the help you need to be at the same level as everyone in your class.

Find a way to make your math notes understandable and easy to read, with a good amount of examples, all the possible cases and with the theory well explained. If they let you keep this material with you during tests, like I do, this will be the most useful tool you’ll ever need to do math.

Different accommodations that you can get:

Mind maps and detailed procedures w/ examples in how to solve a particular operation to keep during tests.

Keeping formulas with you during tests.

More time do to your tests.

Audio/videos explanations if you are an auditory learner.

Ability to keep a calculator with you during tests.

A tutor in or out the school.

Fewer questions in a test. 

Help during tests.

Bigger font for your tests, files etc… it may seem stupid, but is so nice to have a clearer view and bigger numbers!

More time to turn in your assignments and more time for your tests/exams.

Resources:

How to make math accessible.

More accommodations.

IEP.

PDP - if you are Italian like me.

Some easy lessons.

Dyscalculia in one minute.

Skills affected by dyscalculia.

Video Lessons.

Dyscalculia.org

What is dyscalculia? (video)

For parents.

For teachers.

Dyscalculia math help collection.

The dyscalculia dolphin (our meme!)

Convert anything!

The Scale of everything. (can be overwhelming!)

Dyscalculator - a calculator for dyscalculics,  depicts numbers four different ways: numerals, text, sound and a bar graph to compare two numbers. (Android + iPhone)

+ other links:

studying with an anxiety disorder.

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

ADHD masterpost.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

my pics.

Have a nice day xx

[psychlu]

In the studyblr community, in my opinion, we don’t talk enough about learning disorders. So I decided to give y’all some insight into what it really means having one and to talk about my own experience.

So, what do I have? My learning disorder is dyscalculia. I talked about it and gave out some references in this masterpost here.

Diagnosis: I know, difficult topic here on Tumblr; I’m not going to give you an opinion on self-diagnosing, this is not the right place. But listen to me: when it’s about learning disorders, a professional diagnosis could be mandatory to get help in school. In Italy, my country, it is. Probably in a lot of other countries too. If you can’t get one try and talk to your teachers, but I’m not going to assure you anything; most of the time they can’t help if you don’t have a diagnosis signed by a professional, your teachers and the principal. (Also… how do you self-diagnose yourself with a learning disorder is a true mystery to me, because you may have suspects but only specific standardized test can really tell.)

Questioning: it’s vital, in my opinion, that teachers and parents learn how to recognize the signs of learning disorders, because I was diagnosed at 13. It’s ridiculous that nobody at my elementary school (which was pure hell btw and the teachers sucked) was able to tell; mom and I just questioned until she decided to get a diagnosis. If you feel that you or your child or your student may have a learning disorder, research, find people who can help. Knowing things like this literally change the way you view yourself: An example? I couldn’t read the analogical clock; I thought it was such a stupid thing to not be able to do that, but I couldn’t. It’s actually related to my learning disorder - I wasn’t stupid at all.

How I dealt with it: Well, first you get a diagnosis, if you can; then you talk with your teachers, with the school and you try to get accommodations that will help you study and have success in school. Mind maps, more time for tests, turn your written tests in orals, whatever you may need. I usually kept my notes during math texts and always used a calculator, and that was enough; I did not always pass a test (actually, I failed most of them) but usually I could try and re-do them or do an oral one to get a better grade. You need to maintain a good relationship with your teachers and professors. Just recently I had a statistics exam and I constantly mailed the professor so he could understand my condition and help me pass the exam. 

Keep in mind that having a learning disorder does not keep you from having great grades! I that statistics exam I was able to get a 27, when here the maximum is 30 and the minimum is 18. It wasn’t easy. Studying that was frustrating, but if you can get your special accommodations and make the professors work with you instead of against you, it’s possible. A learning disorder can make some things difficult for you, but usually your brain will adapt and get stronger in other areas, making you the best in something else! (Also, fun fact: usually a high IQ is associated with having a learning disorder, so you got the smarts, babe!)

+other masterposts:

studying with an anxiety disorder.

how to get rid of toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

ADHD masterpost.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

my pics.

[psychlu]

So, usually study music masterposts focus on classical/instrumental music. My choices in music, while studying, is more towards chill sounds and videogames - like music, something that is more “aesthetic” than classical! 

This also contains some alternative genres of music that may be relaxing for studying.

So, here are a few playlists and sounds I like to listen to while working and studying.

dozing off (lo-fi)

dozing off… again (lo-fi)

tomppabeats - harbor lp (lo-fi)

aesthetic study youtube playlist (lo-fi)

videogame music (this contains 23 different playlists)

professor layton music

jazz studio ghibli

nostalgic (chillwave/vaporwave)

chill radio (live) 

lo-fi hip hop radio (live)

another lo-fi hip hop radio (live)

feelings (lo-fi/chillwave)

jingsang - solitude (lo-fi)

remember summer days (vaporwave/futurefunk)

crystal tokyo (vaporwave)

floral shoppe - macintosh plus (the super iconic vaporwave album)

luvsic (lo-fi/jazzhop)

more ghibli (jazzhop)

lo-fi anime vibes

jazz vibes

simpsonwave

lush vibes

Here are some channels on yt you can explore:

The Jazz Hop Cafè

Axian

NEOTIC

Mellowbeat Seeker

NEOWAVE

And here is my favorite noises website, that has music and sounds too! Its called mynoise.net! Everyone should explore this website. Personal favorites are:

grey noise generator (headphones needed)

irish coast

solfeggio healing notes 

So, thats it! These are the things I mostly listen to while I study. I hope I was helpful to everyone that is searching for something different to listen to!

+ other links

studying with an anxiety disorder.

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

ADHD masterpost.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

my pics.

[psychlu]

10 Female Written Short Stories Everyone Should Read

I have seen a post circulating for a while that lists 10 short stories everyone should read and, while these are great works, most of them are older and written by white men. I wanted to make a modern list that features fresh, fantastic and under represented voices. Enjoy!

1. A Temporary Matter by Jhumpa Lahiri — A couple in a failing marriage share secrets during a blackout. 

2. Stone Animals by Kelly Link — A family moves into a haunted house.

3. Reeling for the Empire by Karen Russell — Women are sold by their families to a silk factory, where they are slowly transformed into human silkworms. 

4. Call My Name by Aimee Bender — A woman wearing a ball gown secretly auditions men on the subway. 

5. The Man on the Stairs by Miranda July — A woman wakes up to a noise on the stairs. 

6. Brownies by ZZ Packer — Rival Girl Scout troops are separated by race. 

7. City of My Dreams by Zsuzi Gartner — A woman works at a shop selling food-inspired soap and tries not to think about her past. 

8. A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor — A family drives from Georgia to Florida, even though a serial killer is on the loose. 

9. Hitting Budapest by NoViolet Bulawayo — A group of children, led by a girl named Darling, travel to a rich neighborhood to steal guavas. 

10. You’re Ugly, Too by Lorrie Moore — A history professor flies to Manhattan to spend Halloween weekend with her younger sister.

[psychlu]

[psychlu]

I have generalized anxiety disorder; when you have to live with an anxiety disorder, it’s about making your anxiety work with you and not against you. I am by no means an expert or a therapist (but I’m studying psychology to become one) but I have years of experience living with anxiety and I have been to therapy for 5 years, so I know some ways you can manage anxiety and study in a better way without having it ruin your school career.

First of all, realize that anxiety is not evil; our bodies are made to react in a certain way when something could be dangerous to us. It’s the “fight or flight” reaction. When you feel anxious, this fight or flight mechanism is activated, even if there is nothing dangerous in the environment. My therapist always said to me that the goal, when in therapy for an anxiety disorder, it’s not to eliminate completely the anxiety but to keep it under control, so it’s active only on adequate situations. (When there is an actual danger, not just a pile of homework that you don’t know how to deal with.)

So, you have anxiety and you realize that you need to conquer it and control it. How?

Seek help: obviously, the best option is going to therapy. I do understand, though, that that may be not possible for anyone. I live in a country where healthcare is free, so it has been easy for me; also, my parents pay for my therapy and they are very supportive of it.  There isn’t only therapy: for some people, meds could work, if there is a chemical unbalance in your brain. (Always remember, tho, that in anxiety disorders meds are very rarely used alone without therapy.) Other things you can and should do: talk about it with your parents, peers, friends; try and see if there are counseling programs at your school/college; seek for people with the same issue, that you can relate to. Read forums, get informed, become an expert on your condition. An official diagnosis is better, but if you prefer to self-diagnose I want you to be super informed, I want you to know everything about it.

Understand your symptoms: what happens when you have anxiety? You breathe faster, your heartbeat is augmenting, you tremble? Learn what are your symptoms, so you can anticipate the anxiety and calm yourself in time before the anxiety attack even comes. Not everyone’s anxiety disorder is the same, it manifests in many symptoms,, concerning both body and mind. Here is a list. Never start working or studying when you are feeling your symptoms. Stop and calm yourself, distract yourself and return to what you were doing when you feel better; you don’t work well if you are anxious.

Be organized: to manage anxiety, to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the things you need to do, be an organization master. Get a planner, make a bullet journal if decorating it calms you. Write down everything you need to do, everywhere you need to be. Decide when you are going to do these things and stick to it. If it helps, write down every single thing. Even eating, if that helps. Plan your meals, your shopping. Having an organized life will avoid you hours of laying in bed, doing nothing because you have no clue where to start, struggling with anxiety while works piles up.  Make lists for everything. Lists are your best friends.

Find a calming method: what calms you down? Breathing, looking at specific images or objects, talking with someone that calms you down and you trust? Identify what works for you and practice it when you feel the anxiety coming.  Go here to see a compilation of calming pictures and gifs. Read here about a very interesting method. Build a safe space in your mind.

Surround yourself with things that do not make you anxious: don’t take a class if it makes you feel too much anxious; drop classes that stress you out. Do not hang out with toxic people, you’ll feel worse. (Check out my post about how toxic friends affect your life). Do not buy a lot of fancy stationery and notebooks, having too much unused stuff could make you anxious because you don’t know what to do with it. Declutter your life; I will also make a list of things you should be decluttering soon. Honestly decluttering makes me feel so calm and in control. 

Stop being a perfectionist; accept failure, it’s a part of life. Make realistic goals, understand your limits and you will feel more at peace. Perfection is an unreachable goal that will only make you more anxious. Reach high, but take into consideration your possibilities. If you are not ready for something, don’t do it, it’s not the right timing and failing will put you in a bad mental place. 

Build a toolbox in your mind: put in it your symptoms list, your calming methods, a picture of your safe space, your stable organization method. Remember that you have all of this to help you get through life. When in need, go through the box and use the items in it. You need to think about all of these resources you made for yourself as the things you need to manage your anxiety and live a quieter life. 

This was supposed to be more about studying, but it became more about life in general, but I don’t mind. I hope my advice was useful. Personally, all of this works for me and I am a textbook anxious, I check all the boxes on the DSM diagnosis. If you ever wanna talk about your anxiety and your experiece or you want some more advice, feel free to contact me.

more content:

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

ADHD masterpost.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

my pictures.

[psychlu]

After my “how to study with an anxiety disorder” guide, I wanted to put together some resources that may be useful for those with anxiety.

Get to know anxiety:

Anxiety Disorders CrashCourse. (video)

Types of anxiety disorders.

Difference between worry and anxiety.

Stress vs anxiety. (video)

How the gut-brain axis may intervene in anxiety.

Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis (scentific article, may not be too much clear.)

Get to know anxiety medications.

Coping with symptoms:

A list of all the possible symptoms of anxiety; learn yours!

What foods help you with anxiety. (with actual sources, not just “eat healthy!!!”)

Anxiety and sleep-related problems.

Roadblocks to getting organized when you have anxiety.

Calming methods:

Calm breathing.

Grounding techniques.

EMDR Therapy.

Build a safe space.

How yoga actually helps with anxiety (and it’s not just a part of your neurotypical Karen meme) + yoga poses for stress relief.

Dealing with anxiety at work.

types of healthy coping skills.

Calming essential oils.

Build a comfort box.

How getting organized helps with anxiety symptoms.

Getting help:

Resources masterpost if you are looking for therapy.

Guide to different therapy options.

More information about treatment options.

The difference between different mental health professional. (video)

How to make your first therapy appointment.

How to get and choose a therapist.

More about therapy on this masterpost.

Websites:

Calm clinic: a lot of very interesting articles about anxiety, couldn’t possibly feature them all in this post.

PsychologyToday: more interesting articles, a lot of conditions explained and they have a free service that helps you find a therapist in the US, Canada and UK.

Healthyplace: articles and help.

Sheisrecovering: tumblr website about positivity, mental health, recovery and self care. Aesthetic and beautiful.

Self care apps masterpost.

more original content:

studying with an anxiety disorder.

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

ADHD masterpost.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

[psychlu]

Study advice from a former/still procrastinator🧠🔍

So I’ve always stuggled with procrastination. I would stress myself out over doing no work and my solution was to continue doing no work. I got okay GCSE grades but if I would’ve revised/studied harder I could’ve done a lot better. These tips aren’t going to motivate you by themselves, unfortunately nobody can motivate you but yourself. I hope these help someone :)

Visual learners👀

Mindmaps help so much. Use as many or as little coloured pens and highlighters as you like. They really help you visualise the basic content of each topic.

Diagrams! But I don’t study a subject that uses diagrams? It doesn’t matter! Draw little diagrams and doodles to help you picture the content in a more fun way!

Colour code everything! Colour coding really helps you create cues. Cues are essential in recalling information so if you write your notes for one topic in purple and there is something purple in your exam you will activate that cue!

Sticky notes! You can put these everywhere. For my GCSEs, I had sticky notes: on the hallway mirror, in my sock draw, on the fridge, stuck to the TV remote. Literally everywhere you go on a regular basis or everything you use. Use digital sticky notes on MacBooks or set alarms with the info as the title of the alarm.

Use kahoot! Everyone knows what kahoot is so I’m not going to explain it. However, it is very fun and competitive and if you struggle to enjoy the content using a kahoot makes it a lot more fun.

Audio learners🎶

Record lectures or online lessons. You can use these to look back and listen to what your teacher is saying, listen to what they emphasise.

Watch YouTube videos on the topic. Honestly, ASAPScience’s songs helped me so much in GCSE science. It’s easier to understand and it gets stuck in your head if you want it to or not. (Just don’t listen to songs before opposing subject exams: I once had the periodic table song stuck in my head during an Literature exam- not helpful.)

Create mnemonics!! Just liked in primary school when we learnt the colours of the rainbow by remembering “Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain”, it’s so helpful. And, the stupider and funnier the more you will remember it.

Written learners📝

Rewrite them notes!! Rewrite them in different colours, type them up. Write them and see how much you can remember after 10 minutes.

Revision/note cards are amazing. You can lay out revision cards however you like. You can have them as questions with the answers on the other side, you can use it for the basic information or to just rewrite your notes in a form you can easily carry around with you.

Exam questions. This isn’t only for written learners, it’s for everyone. Anyone who ever has a test or exam for something. Use past exam papers or practise questions. Answer them and then use mark schemes to grade them. You’ll learn how to structure answers for different types of questions and you’ll also learn timing. It’s the best way to revise!

Overall tips🪄

You need to find something to motivate you. For you it can be getting into university, to show off to someone or even to just reward yourself. In all honesty, I use spite to motivate me. To prove people wrong and show that I’m more capable than they thought is an easy way to get myself to study.

You have to force yourself sometimes. There is never going to be a time where you want to study that extremely difficult topic that you haven’t been able to grasp. So you have to push yourself- this is harder for some than it is for others. But once you get into the swing of pushing yourself a little, it does become easier.

To counteract the point above, you have to take breaks. And I’m now taking, an hour break for 10 minutes of work. I mean, study for 25 minutes and have a five minute break and continue that. Get up, stretch, walk around, listen to song, get a snack and some water. Shake your body because sitting at a desk for hours on end is only going to hurt you.

Find a study buddy. Some people work better alone, I know I do. But some people need others to keep them on track and that’s perfectly okay! In my opinion, you shouldn’t choose your best friend as your study partner unless they are going to be strict with you. If you know that the person you plan to study with is only going to distract you, then pick somebody else.

Use a study group! Similar to a study buddy but in this case you can discuss the material you are going over and ask for other’s help. Peer mark fake questions for each other or again, do a quiz. Pick the right people and a study group will work perfectly!

Find a way to shut your brain off. Easier said than done, I know. But if you’re brain is pumping out thoughts about what you’re having for dinner or the show you watched last night, then you aren’t going to get anywhere. Some people use rain sounds (like me!!) but I wouldn’t recommend listening to music. You may think you’re new Playlist is going to get you excited to work but it’s only going to distract you. If you want to listen to music I would recommend purely instrumental music of songs that you don’t know- they’re plenty on YouTube!

Use reminders on your phone or study apps to keep you on track. I’ve heard so many people talk about the app, Forest. I have given it ago and I’d fully recommend it too. It has built-in reminders, sounds to listen to (and we know I love rain sounds) and small achievements to keep you motivated. You get rewarded with a tree or a few trees after your study session and if you get enough coins you can plant an actual real tree!! If you don’t want to pay £1.99, I completely understand so I would recommend Flora. It’s free and has almost all the same features as Forest. Give them a go!! (I will make another post about the differences:))

Speaking of phones, turn yours off!! Unless you’re using it for studying, in which case disable all notifications for a select period of time. You can set screen time limits on IPhones and if you really need it, get someone else to set the password so you can’t simply override it.

[psychlu]

Since people are still reblogging this with tags and other things complaining about the “don’t self diagnose” thing, I’d like to point out again that I don’t recommend a self diagnose ONLY if you want special accomodations in school since in some countries you are REQUIRED to have a certifications to get some, and I speak for experience. When I wasn’t diagnosed yet, at my first highschool, the math teacher insisted that she didn’t want me to use a calculator for my dyscalculia, and when I told her she’d be obligated to let me use it with a diagnosis, she STILL said “we’ll see”. Some people are assholes with neurodivergence, but at least with a certification you can force them to listen to you. Of course there are teachers willing to help you even without a diagnosis, but sometimes you’ll need one and that’s why I recommend getting one. 

I awknoledge the fact that most people on this website are from the us, and I’m lucky to live in a country with a welfare state that lets me get a diagnosis easily, but I still added this because I was kind of done with those kind of comments. 

Hi! I have decided to make this masterpost, putting in one place everything that I have found ADHD - related!

For some links, I have listed some of the things you can find there, choosing those that I thought were the most useful, but check the whole site because everything is great!

BASICS: 

what is ADHD.

types of ADHD.

adult ADHD.

adults vs kids ADHD.

women and ADHD.

ADHD test - please, tho, don’t take this for granted and please don’t self diagnose, talk with your doctor about the results! TO GET SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS AT SCHOOL IN A LOT OF COUNTRIES A CERTIFICATION IS NEEDED!!!

the best ADHD related youtube channel. - adhd in girls // sleeping // relationships // how fidgeting is useful.

signs of ADHD.

debunked myths.

things nobody tells you about having ADHD.

7 Everyday Struggles Of People With ADHD.

STUDYING:

studying with ADHD. (problems+solutions)

15 study tips for students with ADHD.

more study tips.

even more tips.

another list of tips.

exam tips. // grade tips.

math accomodations.

writing help / websites.

APPS.

ADHDtricks - format study material // blue tack // trouble understanding // readable web .

FOCUSING:

keep your focus.

food to help focusing.

chronic procrastination.

hyperfocus.

fight distractions. 

focus right now.

more focusing hacks.

MISC:

boredom. 

sleeping. // tips for better sleep. 

medications + avoid side effects.

meds’ side effects (and how to reduce them.)

more about meds.

ADHD strenghts!

read some life experiences!

planning. + great planning site.

relationships.

2 hour glitter jar calming video + how to make one!

some satisfying videos.

aquarium calming video. 

WEBSITES:

CHADD.

ADDA - adhd starter kit!

ADHDtogether.

kidsinthehouse’s ADHD section.

ADHD reddit.

Totallyadd.

verywell’s ADHD section.

ADDtitudemag.

ADHD study tumblr.

Social networks! Use facebook to find support groups and pages, use Tumblr to connect with others like you and use Twitter to find out about new articles and resources with the tag #adhd!

Thats it! Hope you have found this mp useful, feel free to add things!

+ other links:

studying with an anxiety disorder.

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

my pics.

[psychlu]

Thursday 18 June - I’m zigzagging around topic areas faster than the European Commission cites Article 118 TFEU as the basis of a directive. Just a little EU law joke there, to break the ice... 🇪🇺

Also sorry for the low quality pictures but my room was so dark today (hence the candle)! Where is my summer weather?

[psychlu]

[psychlu]

Someone decided to interrupt my photo and I cant even be mad about it.

bookmarks by bookmadbookmarks

[psychlu]

T - 15 days. Rory Gilmore pretty much predicted my life.

Schedule for today: Trig + geometry exercises. ig: @ rarereads

[psychlu]

ok this is the last bio for a while, I swear. really. I mean, just look at that adorable potometer. I can't really explain how, but some words are just so "bubbly"? Like they're just so nice to say. 'potometer' and 'discombobulate' are kind of like that.

-> what's your go-to study snack? I'm trying to (pitifully) eat healthier, so I love roasted cashews with a lil sprinkle of salt.

[psychlu]

After my “how to study with an anxiety disorder” guide, I wanted to put together some resources that may be useful for those with anxiety.

Get to know anxiety:

Anxiety Disorders CrashCourse. (video)

Types of anxiety disorders.

Difference between worry and anxiety.

Stress vs anxiety. (video)

How the gut-brain axis may intervene in anxiety.

Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis (scentific article, may not be too much clear.)

Get to know anxiety medications.

Coping with symptoms:

A list of all the possible symptoms of anxiety; learn yours!

What foods help you with anxiety. (with actual sources, not just “eat healthy!!!”)

Anxiety and sleep-related problems.

Roadblocks to getting organized when you have anxiety.

Calming methods:

Calm breathing.

Grounding techniques.

EMDR Therapy.

Build a safe space.

How yoga actually helps with anxiety (and it’s not just a part of your neurotypical Karen meme) + yoga poses for stress relief.

Dealing with anxiety at work.

types of healthy coping skills.

Calming essential oils.

Build a comfort box.

How getting organized helps with anxiety symptoms.

Getting help:

Resources masterpost if you are looking for therapy.

Guide to different therapy options.

More information about treatment options.

The difference between different mental health professional. (video)

How to make your first therapy appointment.

How to get and choose a therapist.

More about therapy on this masterpost.

Websites:

Calm clinic: a lot of very interesting articles about anxiety, couldn’t possibly feature them all in this post.

PsychologyToday: more interesting articles, a lot of conditions explained and they have a free service that helps you find a therapist in the US, Canada and UK.

Healthyplace: articles and help.

Sheisrecovering: tumblr website about positivity, mental health, recovery and self care. Aesthetic and beautiful.

Self care apps masterpost.

more original content:

studying with an anxiety disorder.

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

ADHD masterpost.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

[psychlu]

I have generalized anxiety disorder; when you have to live with an anxiety disorder, it’s about making your anxiety work with you and not against you. I am by no means an expert or a therapist (but I’m studying psychology to become one) but I have years of experience living with anxiety and I have been to therapy for 5 years, so I know some ways you can manage anxiety and study in a better way without having it ruin your school career.

First of all, realize that anxiety is not evil; our bodies are made to react in a certain way when something could be dangerous to us. It’s the “fight or flight” reaction. When you feel anxious, this fight or flight mechanism is activated, even if there is nothing dangerous in the environment. My therapist always said to me that the goal, when in therapy for an anxiety disorder, it’s not to eliminate completely the anxiety but to keep it under control, so it’s active only on adequate situations. (When there is an actual danger, not just a pile of homework that you don’t know how to deal with.)

So, you have anxiety and you realize that you need to conquer it and control it. How?

Seek help: obviously, the best option is going to therapy. I do understand, though, that that may be not possible for anyone. I live in a country where healthcare is free, so it has been easy for me; also, my parents pay for my therapy and they are very supportive of it.  There isn’t only therapy: for some people, meds could work, if there is a chemical unbalance in your brain. (Always remember, tho, that in anxiety disorders meds are very rarely used alone without therapy.) Other things you can and should do: talk about it with your parents, peers, friends; try and see if there are counseling programs at your school/college; seek for people with the same issue, that you can relate to. Read forums, get informed, become an expert on your condition. An official diagnosis is better, but if you prefer to self-diagnose I want you to be super informed, I want you to know everything about it.

Understand your symptoms: what happens when you have anxiety? You breathe faster, your heartbeat is augmenting, you tremble? Learn what are your symptoms, so you can anticipate the anxiety and calm yourself in time before the anxiety attack even comes. Not everyone’s anxiety disorder is the same, it manifests in many symptoms,, concerning both body and mind. Here is a list. Never start working or studying when you are feeling your symptoms. Stop and calm yourself, distract yourself and return to what you were doing when you feel better; you don’t work well if you are anxious.

Be organized: to manage anxiety, to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the things you need to do, be an organization master. Get a planner, make a bullet journal if decorating it calms you. Write down everything you need to do, everywhere you need to be. Decide when you are going to do these things and stick to it. If it helps, write down every single thing. Even eating, if that helps. Plan your meals, your shopping. Having an organized life will avoid you hours of laying in bed, doing nothing because you have no clue where to start, struggling with anxiety while works piles up.  Make lists for everything. Lists are your best friends.

Find a calming method: what calms you down? Breathing, looking at specific images or objects, talking with someone that calms you down and you trust? Identify what works for you and practice it when you feel the anxiety coming.  Go here to see a compilation of calming pictures and gifs. Read here about a very interesting method. Build a safe space in your mind.

Surround yourself with things that do not make you anxious: don’t take a class if it makes you feel too much anxious; drop classes that stress you out. Do not hang out with toxic people, you’ll feel worse. (Check out my post about how toxic friends affect your life). Do not buy a lot of fancy stationery and notebooks, having too much unused stuff could make you anxious because you don’t know what to do with it. Declutter your life; I will also make a list of things you should be decluttering soon. Honestly decluttering makes me feel so calm and in control. 

Stop being a perfectionist; accept failure, it’s a part of life. Make realistic goals, understand your limits and you will feel more at peace. Perfection is an unreachable goal that will only make you more anxious. Reach high, but take into consideration your possibilities. If you are not ready for something, don’t do it, it’s not the right timing and failing will put you in a bad mental place. 

Build a toolbox in your mind: put in it your symptoms list, your calming methods, a picture of your safe space, your stable organization method. Remember that you have all of this to help you get through life. When in need, go through the box and use the items in it. You need to think about all of these resources you made for yourself as the things you need to manage your anxiety and live a quieter life. 

This was supposed to be more about studying, but it became more about life in general, but I don’t mind. I hope my advice was useful. Personally, all of this works for me and I am a textbook anxious, I check all the boxes on the DSM diagnosis. If you ever wanna talk about your anxiety and your experiece or you want some more advice, feel free to contact me.

more content:

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

ADHD masterpost.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

my pictures.

[psychlu]

Hi! I have decided to make this masterpost, putting in one place everything that I have found ADHD - related!

For some links, I have listed some of the things you can find there, choosing those that I thought were the most useful, but check the whole site because everything is great!

BASICS: 

what is ADHD.

types of ADHD.

adult ADHD.

adults vs kids ADHD.

women and ADHD.

ADHD test - please, tho, don’t take this for granted and please don’t self diagnose, talk with your doctor about the results! TO GET SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS AT SCHOOL IN A LOT OF COUNTRIES A CERTIFICATION IS NEEDED!!!

the best ADHD related youtube channel. - adhd in girls // sleeping // relationships // how fidgeting is useful.

signs of ADHD.

debunked myths.

things nobody tells you about having ADHD.

7 Everyday Struggles Of People With ADHD.

STUDYING:

studying with ADHD. (problems+solutions)

15 study tips for students with ADHD.

more study tips.

even more tips.

another list of tips.

exam tips. // grade tips.

math accomodations.

writing help / websites.

APPS.

ADHDtricks - format study material // blue tack // trouble understanding // readable web .

FOCUSING:

keep your focus.

food to help focusing.

chronic procrastination.

hyperfocus.

fight distractions. 

focus right now.

more focusing hacks.

MISC:

boredom. 

sleeping. // tips for better sleep. 

medications + avoid side effects.

meds’ side effects (and how to reduce them.)

more about meds.

ADHD strenghts!

read some life experiences!

planning. + great planning site.

relationships.

2 hour glitter jar calming video + how to make one!

some satisfying videos.

aquarium calming video. 

WEBSITES:

CHADD.

ADDA - adhd starter kit!

ADHDtogether.

kidsinthehouse’s ADHD section.

ADHD reddit.

Totallyadd.

verywell’s ADHD section.

ADDtitudemag.

ADHD study tumblr.

Social networks! Use facebook to find support groups and pages, use Tumblr to connect with others like you and use Twitter to find out about new articles and resources with the tag #adhd!

Thats it! Hope you have found this mp useful, feel free to add things!

+ other links:

studying with an anxiety disorder.

how to get rid fo toxic friends.

crystal sticker pack.

my experience with a learning disorder.

aesthetic study music.

ways toxic friends affect your life.

highlighting tips.

how i take my math notes (as a dyscalculic).

dyscalculia masterpost.

how to write an analytical/scientific essay.

useful programs for school.

my pics.