Test Anxiety & OCD: Breaking the Worry Cycle | Ep 2

This episode addresses the dreaded feelings and experiences when it comes to: TESTS! Testing is not usually anyone's favorite thing yet it is a normal part of our education system and job culture. Listen to this episode for answers to questions like,   1. What is test anxiety? 2. What are the signs of test anxiety? 3. Where does test anxiety come from? 4. Does test-taking anxiety count as a disability? 5. How can I manage test anxiety? 6. What are test taking tips?   In this episode, Erin, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and OCD Specialist, addresses test anxiety—a form of nervousness affecting students during exams, likening it to a situational specific phobia rooted in the fear of failure. She shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how OCD can exacerbate test anxiety, such as the distraction from not having a comforting item like chapstick during a test. The episode delves into the signs of test anxiety, its origins, and whether it qualifies as a disability, ultimately focusing on empowering listeners to overcome this anxiety. Erin provides practical tips including positive self-talk, visualizing success, ensuring a good night's rest, healthy eating, and effective study techniques such as the Pomodoro Method. She also introduces the concept of 'walk and talk' therapy as a method to manage test anxiety, inviting listeners to join her for sessions. The episode emphasizes skill-building to manage anxiety and improve test-taking strategies, aiming to help listeners navigate their educational journey with confidence.   00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Test Anxiety 00:39 Understanding Test Anxiety and Its Impact 02:33 Personal Anecdote: A Chapstick Dilemma 03:54 OCD's Influence on Test Performance 05:52 Navigating OCD in the Classroom 07:58 Diving Deeper into Test Anxiety: Signs and Origins 10:01 Empowering Strategies to Overcome Test Anxiety 12:16 Visualizing Success: A Powerful Technique 17:37 Effective Study Habits and the Pomodoro Technique 21:42 Walk and Talk Therapy: A Unique Approach 23:11 Closing Thoughts and Resources   ✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!   ➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!   ➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️   ➡️Want more? 👏 Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧 Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️   ➡️Handpicked rec's for you: Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care. Descript offers powerful tools for editing audio & video, making it easy to polish your podcast. Needing passive income? Open a high-yield savings account with SoFi & get $25 for opening an account with my link! 💸 *These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking. ➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉