I am a PCMB student, currently in 12th grade. I am anxious and feel pressured. I don't know what I should do. I sat up late nights thinking what to do in life while crying but I am confused and lost.

Ans: Dear Student of class 12th,

This is the time for you to take care of yourself. This the time when there is a lot of pressure on students(especially in India) to score very good marks. The world gauges you based on your marks, your marks are for your parents to flaunt about if they are very good. Don't allow all these things to affect you.
I am very happy that you are a person who knows your strengths and weaknesses, I formed this opinion when you said I am average in studies....
It's ok to be average, not everyone can score a 90%. Now what I want you to do is this.....
1. Let's address your feeling gloomy and your depression - identify the reasons behind this feeling, when, where ,how and why do you feel this. The more you answer these questions, the more easy it will be to come out of it. This is self awareness...
On a day to day basis I want to do the activities I am suggesting so that you come out of it....get up early, expose yourself to the sun within 10 mins of waking up, 20 mins of physical activity( it can be anything, dancing, swimming, skipping, running, brisk walking, surynamaskars... whatever helps you to increase your heartbeat.. basically cardio! Eating good, healthy food, lots of fruits and veggies, spending 20 mins connecting with nature. 20 mins of doing somethings that makes you heart happy..it can be anything.. singing, playing an instrument, reading, writing... these you have to do it on a day to day basis.
2. Sleep well, have a sleep routine which involves writing about all that you have which you are grateful for...your ability to study, your parents, good food to eat, a warm bed to sleep, a school to go to study, etc...write gratitude everyday, you'll sleep so peacefully, like a baby.
3. Have a study routine too...every day make it a point to study and revise whatever was taught in the class
4. Take baby steps to improve your marks, if you are scoring 60% right now, see if you can improve it by 5% by changing a few things here and there.
5. Take ownership of your life....by taking ownership of your day...one day at a time...let it be productive, let it be relaxing, let it be happier...move towards being the best version of yourself
6. DO NOT COMPARE YOURSEL to anyone,.... compare only if it pushes you to become better or like them.
7. You are a unique individual, with unique strengths....do a SWOT( google it) analysis, identify your strengths and weaknesses and move towards your goal. Identify what is that you want to become and prepare a road map towards it.

Keep everyday life very simple till you finish 12th Std....eat well, study well, play well, sleep well, just 04 things to do. Cut out all the noise..... good results will follow.
Do all that I have told you to do for at least 21 days... mark it on the calendar, you'll see the difference.

All the very best.

Ans: It’s good that you’ve recognized the issue early. Anxiety under pressure is common, especially in the first year. Start by breaking tasks into smaller goals, practicing regular breathing or mindfulness exercises, and maintaining a balanced routine with rest and physical activity. If it feels overwhelming, do consult a counselor or therapist—they can guide you with coping techniques and help you build resilience over time.