How can you stop yourself from crying in math class and giving up?

Answer 1

For those who struggle with math, it can be very frustrating, and can cause you to want to cry or give up. But there are things you can do that will help you a lot. You first have to have a good understanding of the elementary basics of math, which will help you with each advancing class. Math is a subject that builds on with each advancing class, but they all work on the same basic operations and principles. But the general basics are the building blocks of all other math classes to come.

So, if necessary, go as far back as you need to and study and learn the general basics before trying to work the more difficult, advanced problems, even if you need to go as far back as third grade math. There are many tutors who can help you with this, or you can enlist the aid of a trusted friend or classmate. You also need to realize you are not alone. There are a number of students in your class who are most likely going through the same thing you are, but are also not letting others see how they are struggling with wanting to cry or run from the room, just as you do. Text anxiety may also be a factor, especially in subjects you aren't comfortable with. But since you aren't doing this in your other classes, I don't think test anxiety is your problem.

It's also a matter of mind over matter, literally. If you are intimidated by math, your mind tends to freeze up as soon as you sit down to try to work the problems. But again, that comes from not having a good understanding of the elementary basics of math. All math, from grade school math to high school and even college math, uses the same basic principles and operations. This is why it is crucial to learn the general basics. After you do learn them, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it will come to you - I promise.

And the reason I can promise you that? It's because I used to be one of those who was terrified of math when I was in grade school and even in jr. high, and didn't do very well. I wanted to cry and run from math class, too. But when I was about 13 years old something finally "clicked" with me in math, and I literally fell in love with it. I made straight A's in math and algebra from that point on, and even did extremely well in all four college maths I had to take.

You can also look at it as a puzzle of sorts. You know the answer is there; it's just a matter of finding it. There are even math puzzles available at book stores and school supply stores that may help, and the practice they'll give you will help tremendously. It will take work, studying, and determination, but I promise, you can do it.

When I was 11 or 12 years old I never, ever would have thought that one day soon I would be the only kid in my high school algebra class making an A on every single exam (and we didn't have calculators "back then", either). And I don't mind admitting, it was a great feeling knowing I was the one throwing the class grading curve.

But you have to first decide that you are not going to let math beat you, but rather, you are going to beat it. And you know, you just may become hooked on it like I did. Even now, many, many years after school and college, I still love working with math. When I come across one that's a challenge is when I really love it, because I love a challenge. And even more importantly, I love it when I can challenge myself and win.