Undergoing a generalised anxiety disorder test – Holly’s story

Holly shares her story about undergoing a generalised anxiety disorder test and getting support

I was about to start sixth form and although I was excited, I was also worried, because I worry about everything. I was going to study Psychology, Media Studies and Art, which made me happy, but also really nervous. I had to face a new environment, make friends and eventually leave home for university which took my worry to new levels.

Getting diagnosed – generalised anxiety disorder test

During my GCSE exams, I felt weighed down by anxiety. I felt a lot of pressure to perform perfectly and prove my worth, which took over and badly affected my focus and confidence. I feared not being good enough and it made even simple tasks feel like mountains to get over. My parents were worried about me, so they took me to the GP who diagnosed me with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). I’m now on medication and have cognitive behavioural therapy which helps. But I still worry a lot about studying and getting into university, especially because I missed a lot of school in my GCSE year.

Getting support with Aim Forward

My mum found Aim Forward on Facebook and thought I might benefit from speaking to people who were really knowledgeable about higher education and mental health. I liked the idea that Aim Forward works with students all the time who have similar experiences to me with their mental health and could give me their view on my chances at university.

Needs assessment with Aim Forward

The needs assessment with Aim Forward was great. I only live an hour away so we decided to do a face-to-face visit, but they offered me an online appointment if that would make me feel more comfortable. I was anxious and a bit tearful as we drove to the offices, but they welcomed me with a big smile, and it felt good to chat with them. My mum was also able to stay with me for the assessment. I shared all the things that I found more difficult with anxiety and the things I wanted to be able to do, and I felt like the assessor listened and wanted to help me find solutions that were best for me.

[They] showed me programmes and apps that could help me manage my time to reduce the worry I had about being late or missing things. They also recommended ways for me to track my emotions, which makes it easier to recognise situations that trigger my anxiety so that I can have a plan for those moments.

Planning my future 

We also planned for my future during the needs assessment. The assessor explained there are support systems in higher education, including reasonable adjustments for coursework and exams and the Disabled Students’ Allowance which I could apply for. I had no idea all that help was available. I asked loads of questions, and the assessor was patient and answered all of them. My mum even laughed when we walked out because I had a big smile on my face, which was the opposite of how I looked when I arrived!

Now I feel ready to take on my A-levels. I also feel like I have more opportunities for my future than I ever imagined before I went through this process with Aim Forward, using the strategies we’ve worked on together. I feel like I can manage my studies, my emotions and my life in general without getting bogged down in worries because I have people who believe in me and techniques and apps that work for me. One of the most important things I have taken away from working with Aim Forward is the feeling that I’m not alone on this journey, which my mum called a ‘beacon of hope’.