Self Esteem

[appianway]

Does anyone find that the intense scholastic environment of VCE diminishes their self esteem?

I'm just wondering how normal it is, considering the number of people I know with depression or other psychological disorders.

[appianway]

Perhaps. It's just scary to look at the number of people I know with depression.

[enwiabe]

How do you cope with it all, appian? You have quite high expectations of what you want to achieve. Perhaps you might suggest some of the ways you deal with stress to help others going through stress, especially when things don't work out as planned?

Personally, I'm a strong proponent of taking a calming breath and saying "it's just a number, I should learn because this stuff interests me, not to get a score". Of course, this doesn't always work with me, and won't work for people doing subjects they don't like

[monokekie]

I'm just wondering how normal it is, considering the number of people I know with depression or other psychological disorders.

mm, i am also wondering, how'd you know those around you are suffering psychological disorders?

[appianway]

I manage a lot better than most of my friends, but I wouldn't say that I stray away from being overly judgemental on myself. It's one of my biggest flaws. However, if I can't see the merit in my own work at a particular stage, I try to look at stuff I've completed in the past, because I can see it accurately for what it is and appreciate any positive aspects. If I'm worried about how I'm going at school, I also try to look at anything I've done out of school, such as music, leadership, random competitions - things like that.

What probably helps me relax the most is actually socialising with people though. It helps me to view myself as a person, not as the number that I'll ultimately determine my ability to gain a tertiary place. I also have a tendency to talk/laugh way too much, and to be slightly hyper constantly, so I presume that helps me to loosen up and have fun.

I also obsessively write in my blog, and I tend to pour my emotions into that. It's not good in one respect, because I sometimes write things that I normally wouldn't, but it's exceptionally cathartic. Playing violin's good too... it keeps me sane! I used to get to school at 7.30 every day to practise for an hour before class, and I'd always turn up feeling revitalised, alert and relaxed.  

In terms of the psychological disorders - I read blogs (which actually sounds slightly stalkerish), and for some odd reason quite a few people divulge their emotions to me. I don't exactly understand why...

But yes. I don't think this list helps everyone... I guess people just have to find something they enjoy which serves as a distraction.

[*ryan777*]

I've heard it's more of an issue at supercompetitive schools like yours and that the pressure is high there.

not always, i went to a very uncompetitive school yet depression etc can still be very prevelent there too

[kyzoo]

What probably helps me relax the most is actually socialising with people though. It helps me to view myself as a person, not as the number that I'll ultimately determine my ability to gain a tertiary place.

Something I've noticed is that when you gain an impression of someone via information on paper, then then talk to that person face-to-face later on, your preconceived perceptions of that person are shattered.

And about VCE, I really haven't found it "intense" - it's merely a much more engaging study experience than before.

As for depression, I must be really sheltered =X as I only know one depressed person.

[minilunchbox]

I only know one depressed person but their case had very little to do with education since it was a few years ago.

I do know a lot of people (including me) who have felt depressed (but are not actually depressed) or have had bad days due to stress from VCE, but nothing really serious.

[kyzoo]

Hmm I get depressed when I think and focus too much on academics - I call it an academic overfocus and so I have to ensure I don't become solely fixated on academics.

[*ryan777*]

yes, its important not to spend every second worrying about academics
taking a bit of time out here and there will improve happyness and therefore results will come easier

[mandy]

Hmm I get depressed when I think and focus too much on academics - I call it an academic overfocus and so I have to ensure I don't become solely fixated on academics.

That's how I am. When I overthink and focus too much on school, I feel depressed and so pressured.

[appianway]

What probably helps me relax the most is actually socialising with people though. It helps me to view myself as a person, not as the number that I'll ultimately determine my ability to gain a tertiary place.

Something I've noticed is that when you gain an impression of someone via information on paper, then then talk to that person face-to-face later on, your preconceived perceptions of that person are shattered.

What exactly do you mean by that? I find that often you hear about certain people via others, or see their names constantly on prize lists, but when you actually get to know them they're incredibly normal. But freakishly talented. And perhaps that's the scariest part - the fact that they're so gifted but yet have the ability to integrate into society.

[kyzoo]

I guess sometimes you expect these "freakishly talented" people to possess a commanding presence, and you are surprised when you meet these people due to your invalid perception being incongruent with reality - Terrence Tao for example.

[amirite?]

Its like that time I bumped (literally) into someone famous at a shopping centre. I saw who it was then shat myself.

[NE2000]

Does anyone find that the intense scholastic environment of VCE diminishes their self esteem?

I'm just wondering how normal it is, considering the number of people I know with depression or other psychological disorders.

It's normal in the overcompetitive environment VCE generates. It is particularly normal for those who have high expectations of themselves, those who are in the running for all the prizes and good study scores in all their subjects. It's a lot easier in such cases to disappoint yourself than to succeed. That can make you feel bad about yourself. Conversely, if you succeed then it's important to bring yourself back to earth and not become arrogant about it.

So if it helps, it's normal