I know this one is pretty common, but after I graduated uni I was having recurring dreams for years, where I’d suddenly realise I was enrolled in one extra subject and I’d forgotten to attend any classes, and the exam is tomorrow, and it’s the last subject I need to complete my degree, and if I don’t pass then I won’t graduate.
These were so real, and the panic and anxiety so intense. Every time I had this dream I would wake up convinced I was still enrolled in school, I would log into my school account only to confirm to myself that I have no current class enrolments, and indeed I did graduate already. It would still take me several hours to get that amount of anxiety out of my head.
I was having this dream at least once a month for about 18 months.
I suppose it goes to show just how much pressure, stress, and trauma we put ourselves through for a decent education. It has lasting effects, could even be a form of PTSD for some people.