In today's society, competitive examinations are a common way to access certain jobs. While the opposition process can be exciting and challenging, it can also bring with it a host of psychological problems for individuals facing this experience. Opponents tend to experience great pressure and stress, which can trigger a variety of mental health problems. In this article, we will explore the 11 most common psychological problems in opponents and how they can be addressed.
1. Anxiety
One of the most common psychological problems among opponents is anxiety. The pressure of having to prepare for a rigorous exam and the uncertainty about the result can trigger a high level of anxiety in many candidates. Anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as nervousness, excessive sweating, difficulty concentrating, and panic attacks.
How to manage anxiety:
To cope with anxiety, it is important Implement relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. It is also advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet and enough rest. In severe cases of anxiety, it is advisable to seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Stress
Stress is another prevalent psychological problem in opponents. Work overload, pressure to obtain a good result and competition with other applicants can contribute to high levels of stress. Prolonged stress can negatively affect an individual's mental and physical health, causing emotional exhaustion and sleep problems.
How to manage stress:
To reduce stress, it is essential to establish a realistic and organized study plan, which allows adequate distribution of time and preparation tasks. Additionally, it is important to take regular breaks, practice relaxation techniques, and maintain a positive attitude. If stress becomes overwhelming, it is advisable to speak with a therapist for additional support and advice.
3. Depression
The constant pressure and uncertainty associated with the opposition process can trigger feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation in opponents, which can progress to depression. Symptoms of depression include apathy, changes in appetite, irritability, difficulty concentrating and negative thoughts.
How to manage depression:
It is essential to seek professional help if you experience symptoms of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are effective techniques for addressing depression and improving mood. In addition, support from family and friends, maintaining healthy routines, and practicing pleasurable activities can help overcome depression.
4. Lack of self-confidence
The constant evaluation and comparison with other opponents can undermine the self-confidence of applicants. Lack of self-confidence can hinder academic performance, create doubts about your ability to overcome opposition, and increase anxiety and stress.
How to increase self-confidence:
To To strengthen self-confidence, it is crucial to focus on personal achievements and strengths instead of comparing yourself to others. Setting realistic and achievable goals, receiving constructive feedback, and practicing self-care are key strategies for increasing self-confidence. It is also beneficial to visualize success and remember past experiences of improvement.
5. Perfectionism
Students tend to be perfectionists and set extremely high standards for their academic performance. While perfectionism can foster excellence and dedication, it can also lead to a paralyzing fear of failure, cause excessive self-demand, and increase anxiety.
How to handle perfectionism:
It's important learn to accept that perfection is not attainable and that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Setting realistic goals, celebrating achievements, practicing self-compassion, and learning to tolerate imperfection are effective strategies for counteracting perfectionism. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also help modify perfectionistic thinking patterns.
6. Emotional distress
Emotional distress manifests itself through intense and unpleasant emotions, such as irritability, sadness, frustration and excessive worry. Opposition pressure, information overload, and competition can contribute to the development of emotional distress in opponents.
How to manage emotional distress:
To manage emotional distress, It is advisable to identify and express emotions in a healthy way, seek emotional support from friends or family, practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and establish clear limits regarding the time and energy dedicated to preparing for the opposition. Emotional therapy can be useful in addressing the underlying causes of emotional distress.
7. Procrastination
Procrastination, or the tendency to put off important tasks, is a common problem among oppositionists. The complexity of the subject, time pressure and fear of failure can lead to procrastination, which negatively affects productivity and increases stress.
How to overcome procrastination:
To overcome procrastination, it is essential to set clear and realistic goals, divide tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, eliminate distractions, establish regular study schedules, and reward yourself for the work done. Practicing self-regulation and developing effective study habits can be key to overcoming procrastination.
8. Social isolation
Opponents often spend long hours of study and dedication preparing for the opposition, which can lead to social isolation. Lack of contact with friends, family and other recreational activities can contribute to feelings of loneliness and aggravate existing psychological problems.
How to combat social isolation:
It is essential to balance time dedicated to the study of social interaction and personal care. Maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family, participating in social or sports activities, and spending time on hobbies and interests outside of competitive training are effective strategies for combating social isolation. Creating support networks with other opponents can also be beneficial.
9. Catastrophic Thoughts
Opponents who experience high levels of stress and anxiety may be prone to developing catastrophic thoughts, such as anticipating the worst, exaggerating risks, or focusing on negative consequences. These distorted thoughts can increase anxiety and fear of failure.
How to manage catastrophic thoughts:
To counteract catastrophic thoughts, it is important to identify negative thinking patterns, question their truthfulness and replace them with more realistic and balanced thoughts. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring techniques can be useful to modify negative mental schemas and promote a more optimistic perspective.
10. Cognitive overload
Cognitive overload occurs when an individual is faced with an overwhelming amount of information and tasks, making it difficult to process the information efficiently. Opponents may experience cognitive overload due to the complexity of the subject, the amount of content to be studied, and the pressure to cover everything.
How to relieve cognitive overload:
To alleviate the cognitive overload, it is essential to prioritize the most relevant information and structure the study material in a clear and organized way. Establishing clear study schedules, practicing the pomodoro technique (study periods followed by rest), and using effective study techniques, such as mind maps and summaries, can help you process information more efficiently.
11. Excessive self-demand
Excessive self-demand manifests itself in imposing unrealistically high standards for oneself, constant criticism, and lack of tolerance for mistakes. Opponents who impose excessive self-demands may experience high levels of stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion.
How to manage excessive self-demands:
To manage excessive self-demands, it is essential to practice self-compassion, accepting mistakes as part of the learning process, setting realistic expectations and developing a more understanding and kind attitude towards oneself. Therapy focused on self-acceptance and perfectionism can be beneficial in addressing excessive self-demand and promoting mental health.
In conclusion, opponents may face a number of psychological problems during the process of preparation and completion of an opposition. It is essential to recognize the importance of mental health and seek professional help if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression or other psychological problems. Implementing effective coping strategies, maintaining a balance between study and self-care, and cultivating a positive and compassionate attitude toward oneself can help overcome the psychological challenges associated with oppositions.