I am an 18-year-old science student and handling the study pressure is getting too much for me. I didn’t want to study science but my parents forced me into it. Now I can barely pass any test. It is not like I don't understand science; I just cannot get myself to study the subject. I just want to get over with the two-year course and switch to humanities. In the meantime, I need some suggestions on how to remain calm and focus on my studies. I don’t want to get frustrated all the time. –A worried student Answered by Tashi Gurung, Counseling Psychologist, Happy Minds It’s a good thing to be aware of what field of study you would like to pursue in the future. Not just you, but many at your stage of life are confused on what subject is better for them. Sometimes a lot of us end up choosing the wrong field, but that is okay. There is still a chance to switch to the subject of your interest. So, don’t panic. 

Being forced into studying something you are not passionate about can be difficult. But you can get out of it by having an honest conversation with your parents. Tell them what subject you are interested in. 

Make them understand your perspective. Tell them what you are passionate about, what career path you would like to choose, and how you and your parents can move forward with the decision you have made for your future.  This is something you need to do to avoid further frustration. One thing you can do is open this topic for discussion in the future rather than shutting it off completely in one conversation. For instance, ask them to think about what you have said and you guys can discuss it again. This way your parents will feel that you are looking forward to their suggestions.  But before switching the course, you must get done with your high school. You need to accept that you must soldier on for two years. Accepting this fact will help ease your frustration. Since you will have already made up your mind about how the two years are going to be, you can work on completing your studies without stressing over it.  Sharing your problems and frustrations also helps. Rather than keeping your problems to yourself, it is best to share them with someone close to you. Allow someone else to show and tell you that you will be able to choose any subject you like after high school, when you are failing to do so yourself. Sometimes we are too consumed with our feelings to see anything beyond that. Having someone in life to share one’s problems with helps you see things differently. They can have a positive influence on your life and state of mind.