College and anxiety?
When my anxiety is bad, it’s really bad. I really want to enjoy my college years - no one knows how much I do - but anxiety is in my genes and I’ve had panic attacks before. I really don’t want this to get in the way because it sucks. I’ve told my parents that I think I should take medication with me or I should get therapy beforehand (I feel like I should have started getting therapy months ago...), but they think I’m going to be fine.
I don’t want to take medication, I just want this to go away. I’m tearing up as I write this because Lord knows I’m so sick of this. What can I do?
Answer:
Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks and anxiety:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com You can finish it in a month.
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads if you put "progressive muscle relaxation" into Google (e.g. lots of universities have them as free downloads)
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
yeah I remember 4 years ago I was like you--VERY anxious to start college as well. The feeling of going away to college, meeting your roommate and classmates, making new friends--anxiety isnt uncommon but you'll be prepared when the come times.
just relax and enjoy the free time you have right now, because once college starts, it'll be one fast-paced, non-stop drama until the very end!
it will get better as time goes along...i was too naiive when i first went to college...dont trust ppl with really personal things & info till you know them well...but try to have fun and relax..
If you are over eighteen, you could make an appointment for a therapist on your own. You will just need to find a way to pay for it. Some city or county-run clinics will charge you on a sliding scale, based on your income. If your parents see how truly serious you are about this, maybe they will get on board.
Most people feel the same way. It's a big change in a life.
On the fourth day, it will all start to make sense, and you will be assimilated ("resistance is futile").
Have someone from the college health service check with you 2 or 3 times a day by cell phone for the first week if you can, but calling home too often can make it worse.
Now, go make some friends, and learn some stuff.
I'm just going into my second year of college and i understand having anxiety, i was there. i have panic attacks as well, the key is trying not to get overwhelmed. if you find that during college this anxiety is affecting your daily life and making it too difficult once you start to concentrate, then you might need medication. sometimes these things just don't go away, maybe you need to talk to someone about what's going on. at college they have advisors and counselors that want to know how your doing academically and emotionally. reach out and if at anytime it's too much don't suffer in silence. hopefully these feelings will go away the longer you are at college, it does get better with time.
Try an herbal antidepressant called Posinol. It has no side effects. Also try taking deep breaths to feel more calm and relaxed (Its also beneficial to your health).
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