Is Test Anxiety Normal?

Have you ever wondered if your test anxiety is normal or out of control? Well, you are not alone. It can be difficult to know the difference between healthy and problematic anxiety. One of the first steps to overcoming pathological anxiety is to recognize and understand it!

SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS TEST ANXIETY?

Anxiety is a normal, natural, and innate response of our bodies designed to protect us from harm. Without anxiety, we would have no warning of future threat or danger. In this way, anxiety shows that we have a healthy brain. However, for some individuals, anxiety can become overwhelming and unmanageable. It can start to interfere with relationships and everyday tasks such as schoolwork, and yes, test taking.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR TEST ANXIETY IS PROBLEMATIC?

Normally anxiety is related to a specific situation and is proportional to the situation. For example, having some anxiety about your upcoming ACT or SAT is normal and may even motivate you to prepare. However, problematic test anxiety is often out of proportion to the situation and can feel impossible to manage. For example, if your anxiety about your upcoming ACT or SAT has become so out of control that you avoid studying… you may have problematic test anxiety.

If you are unsure if you have test anxiety, take our quiz! It’s the first step gaining confidence and getting the score you deserve.

SO, WHAT DO I DO IF MY TEST ANXIETY IS PROBLEMATIC?

If your test anxiety has become overwhelming and unmanageable, its time for you to do something about it. One of the best things you can do is to seek help. That can be talking to a teacher, a parent, or a therapist. At Test Wolf, we’re here to help too. We have personalized coaching programs designed specifically for test anxiety that will help you reduce your anxiety and increase your confidence. Our program uses proven cognitive behavioral strategies to help you overcome anxiety, one test at a time.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org