Math anxiety is a real thing. Sheila Tobias, a pioneer in the study of math anxiety, described it as “the panic, helplessness, paralysis and mental disorganization that arises among some people when they are required to solve a mathematics problem.”

Watch "Why do people get so anxious about math?" (04:36 mins, "Why do people get so anxious about math?" Transcript)

What are the Symptoms of Math Anxiety?

Stress when thinking about math or think about taking a math class
Unwillingness to even try
Feeling of being alone and different
Feeling that you’re “bad at math” and that is part of who you are
Panic during tests or when you are called on to do math in front of other people

Math anxiety can cause you to do bad in math, so it’s actually a self-fulfilling prophecy. But there are things you can do about it.

Ways to Deal With Math Anxiety

Work on developing a positive attitude about math (See How can I change my mindset?)
Use relaxation techniques (deep breathing, exercising, and so on)
Focus on successes
Carefully avoid procrastination

Create a schedule for your studying (See How do I create a study plan?)
Practice math everyday

Ask for help

References

Can Adults Overcome Math Anxiety? By Dave Roos

Test Anxiety Secrets! By Brian Stocker MA

Tutoring relieves math anxiety, changes fear circuits in children by Erin Digitale

Overcoming Math Anxiety: 12 Evidence-Based Tips That Work by Jordan Nisbet

What is Math Anxiety? By Oxford Learning

Strategies for Reducing Math Anxiety by Christie Blazer

Anxiety and Mathematics: An Update by S. Tobias and Carol Weissbrod