I have this overwhelming fear and pressure that my mother will not be accepting of my grades in school. This pressure has caused me to feel anxiety everyday and perfect all homework assignments which I do not have time for.
I felt that it was basic things the responder was giving, which was not unique or special in any way.
hi there, is there anything you'd like to talk about today?
assistant
Question
Yes, I am feeling very anxious about my school work lately.
user
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I see, so your main worry is about academic pressure? Is there a specific aspect that you are focusing on?
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing,Question
Yes, I am focusing on my grades and the pressure I feel from my mom.
user
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Have you been performing below your normal standard this year?
assistant
Question
she wants me to get all A's. I feel she has too high of expectations sometimes, which makes me feel like I need to perfect my assignments and spend all this time on them. No, I do well, it just causes me a great amount of stress.
user
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I hear you, I have been in a similar situation. Parents sometimes do not realise just how much pressure they are putting on their children to be perfect.
assistant
Self-disclosure
I feel like as long as I am meeting the requirements and am passing, she should be proud of my accomplishments. She should be proud I am even going to college.
user
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Exactly! there is nothing at all wrong with not being a straight A student. Have you tried to tell her how you feel about her behaviour and attitude towards your studies?
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance,Question
Exactly. I feel like there is this society stereotype of needing straight A's otherwise you are a failure or something. A bit, but she uses the "I pay for your education" card. Which makes sense, but still, I know I am doing well so it's just a lot at times.
user
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Absolutely not. There is nothing wrong with not being perfect. And she has no right to emotionally manipulate you by mentioning money.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
I agree, but she does have money over my head, which sucks. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful for her financial support, but she uses it to manipulate me at times.
user
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Are there any scholarships or hardship funds that you could potentially look into applying for?
assistant
Question
Yes, I have received multiple scholarships, but nothing that will make a dent in the tuition. College is too expensive.
user
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Ah, it is very expensive isn't it? I understand, I am still paying off my loans! But it should be worth it in the end. One day you could get a job working for Amazon!
assistant
Self-disclosure
That's what I keep telling myself, but I have this overarching fear that I will be in debt forever then.
user
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Debt is a very scary thing to experience, I know. I do worry a lot about it sometimes too so you are not alone.
assistant
Self-disclosure
That makes me feel better.
user
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The main thing is, do you enjoy your studies and consider them worthwhile?
assistant
Question
yes, somewhat, but who loves school?
user
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I really did enjoy University .. I made a lot of friends and it was a good learning experience. I hope you feel a bit the same?
assistant
Self-disclosure
S Somewhat, but all I feel I have time for is the school work not the social aspect so much
user
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I think that you need to be easier on yourself. Do you have many friends?
assistant
Question
some
user
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Are you able to confide in your friends about your situation and your worries?
assistant
Question
Yes at times, which makes things a little better in the moment.
user
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Do you feel that your friends are able to empathise with your situation? Are any of them going through the same thing?
assistant
Question
they all have more independence and pay for their own things, so they can't really relate to me. That is where I feel behind in life than everyone else.
user
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Would it be possible for you to get a part time job of some description? Maybe bar tending or working in a restaurant?
assistant
Question
That gives me social anxiety, which is something I also struggle with greatly.
user
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