A shocking story has emerged about a gifted middle school boy struggling with severe test anxiety that prevents him from attending school.
In a recent episode of Channel A's "Parenting These Days – My Precious Child," a couple shared their experiences raising their son, a gifted sixth grader, and daughter. The boy, who dreams of attending a science high school, has been refusing to go to school for six months due to debilitating test anxiety. Despite the clock ticking, he remained in bed, only getting into the car after much coaxing from his mother, and once they arrived at school, he refused to leave the car for over half an hour, creating a standoff with his mom.
His mother expressed her heartache, revealing her wish that it were all just a joke, while the boy lamented feeling physically unwell and anxious about his school schedule. Dr. Oh Eun-young, observing his behavior, confirmed his condition as a case of school refusal, a phenomenon marked by significant anxiety when faced with the prospect of attending school. The father noted the boy's struggle with negative self-talk, expressing confusion about his own existence and exhibiting emotional turmoil.
Dr. Oh elaborated on the impact of depression, explaining that it can hinder daily functioning, including the ability to attend school. She highlighted that some forms of depression can arise without clear external causes, manifesting suddenly and disrupting daily life. The ongoing struggles of the boy suggest that external factors, such as difficulties in adjusting to middle school or peer relationships, might be contributing to his depressive symptoms.