Studying Coding to Transition Out of Current Field and Struggling. (Warning, Lengthy Post, Brief Mention of Workplace Violence)
I've debated making this post for a good while now, I just now have worked up the anxious courage to do so. I was assaulted by a coworker back in February of this year. I already had qualms with this job prior and was already trying to find a way out before that happened. While I'm out on work comp, I'm doing the Preppy course on Medical Billing and Coding and picking up books here and there when I can afford them that Contempo Coding recommends in her video. I have severe anxiety and depression behind this situation along with some other trauma as one may imagine. Some days, it latches on and I have trouble focusing when I try to study. Others, I can't manage to get out of bed to study at all. Or do much of anything for that matter. But I'm trying to at least get this certification before I potentially have to return to that place.
Between bills and my checks getting paused due to poor communication on the adjuster's end, I'm concerned I may not be able to continue paying for Preppy. Or even getting other self-study books. And also, I'm notoriously a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to learning new things, as illogical as I know it may be. I can't help it, I'm just wired that way. It's a strength and a weakness. This field I'm trying to move out of isn't of medical origin either, so I started from basics. But the issue is I've been studying for a few months now as I can and I'm still stuck in early foundational stuff about Anatomy and Physiology. It isn't that I'm not grasping it per se, but I don't have that perfectionist's 90 or above grasp on it and I'm concerned I perhaps may be struggling to retain vital information about A&P that would aid me in future study and my career. I don't want to unnecessarily struggle or handicap myself in this field; I want to do well. I have to do well because right now it's the best hope I have.
Can anyone tell me tips on how to study and retain while fighting anxiety and depression? How long should I be spending on various sections of this educational process to ensure I'm adequately prepared for the CPC Exam? I don't have money to just keep tossing at the exam, so my aim is to get it right the first time. Overall, I'm here for advice and tips. I read a post or three here everyday, but anxiety will take everything you learn or think you're learning, every detail whether its important or not and make it all a massive deal. Then depression will come in and auto-delete everything whie you're too tired to even think about it.
I'm not asking for a miracle, and I'm not coming at this expecting it to change my life over night. This is something I'm aware takes some time, patience, and a considerable amount of effort and competence to do. I just need some support and advice from people who are seasoned or are in similar boats as I am. Any good advice is appreciated more than you know.