Mathophobia: commonly referred to today as "Math
Anxiety," is a prominent fear amongst people today. If you were to search "Mathophobia"
online you would come across Wikipedia's definition, which states: "Math anxiety is a phenomenon that is often
considered when examining students’ problems in mathematics.
Does this leave you wondering if
you are experiencing this phobia as well? Symptoms may include extreme
nervousness or anxiety during your math class or exam, discomfort around
numbers and problems, feelings of extreme pressure or the desire to run away screaming because of
the challenging work in front of you. In very serious cases patients may
experience a horrific desire to skip their math classes. (Please note that if
you are experiencing this symptom, DO NOT ACT UPON IT!)
Luckily, there is a cure! Yes, you
no longer have to live your life in fear of math and it's intimidating nature! Here's
what you need to do:
Firstly, you need to accept that
this very challenging and scary subject is not something unstoppable. It is not
the "Supervillan" of your favorite Marvel movie, it is just a subject
that many people struggle with.
Next, you need to do one of the scariest
things you will ever do: Open that textbook and give it a good look in the eye!
Tell it, "You don't intimidate me!" (Eventually, you will believe
what you are actually saying)
You should also confide in
someone about the issues you are experiencing and seek help from people such as
Math teachers, that one mathematically gifted kid in your class, a friend, a sibling,
a parent, or ANYONE who can assist you in math. Whenever you begin to feel
anxious or need some guidance, let them be your "Go to person."
Next, do exactly what you have
threatened, DO NOT LET MATH INTIMIDATE YOU! Remember, the limit may not always
exist in math, but there is definitely no existing limit to your abilities in
math as long as you keep trying and dedicating yourself to expand your mathematical
knowledge. If math ever begins to seem like the Green Goblin to your Spiderman,
just remember that the good guys always win in the end, especially after they
put a lot of effort into their fight. Math is not the enemy here; your condition
is. If you seek the help you need, buckle down and focus, and do not give up,
you will be able to survive any curve math throws at you! (Yes, even Cosine,
Tangent or Sine curves will be no match for you!)
I
myself struggle with anxiety when it comes to math at times. Some tests I am
fully prepared for and there is not a single ounce of fear in me, but there are
occasionally some tests that don't go quite as smoothly. Sometimes I have a difficult
time understanding lessons or complete concepts in math and I dread the day
that a pop quiz or a test will appear in front of me to taunt me about my
struggling. However, I have learned that anytime I experience discomfort with a
specific lesson that I should seek a peer or even my teacher to ask them to
maybe re-explain the lesson or even show me shortcuts or tricks to remembering
and understanding what is occurring.
As an
aspiring teacher, I hope to one day instill confidence in my students to show
them that every single one of them is more than capable of overcoming any
discomfort or fear of math. I hope to show each and every one of them that if
they can set their mind to it, they will be able to survive whatever math
throws at them.
So remember,
don't judge a math book by its cover and give it a chance!
