Staying Locked In

After 6 months of studying, I did it! I passed my mental health counseling exam one the FIRST TRY. Last time I sat for an exam, the music therapy certification exam, it took 7 tries before I finally passed. My experience with the music therapist exam was more painful that it realized it was. In prepping for the mental health counseling exam, I mad multiple mental breakdowns believing it would be like the last time. This meaning studying, sitting for the exam, failing, and taking month long breaks on repeat for many many months.

I’ve never felt so nervous for something in my life… In addition to studying and trying not to spiral into a ball of anxiety; I also bought a house and got engaged; while managing my social life, work and family at the same time. My mental health in the past 6 months declined more than I suspected and it was driving me insane. I did EMDR with my therapist to hopefully decrease the trauma symptoms I had been experiencing from my last exam.

This exam surprised me in more ways than one. I found the most difficult thing about it was staying lock-in and mentally well. My fiancé continued to remind me that it was better to be rested and mentally ready than to study for hours upon end. I learned in this experience that my body runs better when rested, fed and hydrated (you know the things your supposed to do to keep healthy). There were times during the exam it was hard for me to stay focused on the test when becoming hungry and even anxious during the process. I learned it is okay to take breaks, and get a snack in these strict environments even if the receptionists look like they are going to kill me with these eyes.