Finding college difficult

LegacyUser

Hello, everyone. Recently I began college and as I had expected I am finding it very difficult. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (diagnosed by professional) and am probably depressed, although this is not something I have discussed directly with a doctor. I am currently on antidepressants for my anxiety. I have only been on them a short while and am yet to see any benefits, I'm hoping they work for me.

Obviously due to my anxiety I find everything very stressful. Unlike most people my age I really dislike going out and doing the things that people in college typically do. I am prone to getting very nauseous which makes it difficult for me to eat at times. Sometimes I get sick. I have gotten twitches in the past.

I am in a high points course with a large workload and I find it very overwhelming as well, however, it is mostly the social aspect of college I find most stressful. I am not living with other students and so far I have avoided any socialising apart from when in college.

I look to the future and I can't help but feel trapped. This is the way it will be for the next three years at least, and I don't think I can deal with this constant feeling. It is relentless and completely irrational. All I want is some relief at this stage, in truth I've never really fully enjoyed any experience from life due to having some form of anxiety.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get through the next few years? All advice appreciated.

average hero

Simon my main man!

First of all - congratulations for reaching out! That is the biggest step!

I felt like you when I started college. I actually dropped out of university twice before finding the course I ultimately persisted in doing.

When I found that course, I only discovered a few months in that it was FOUR years long!! I didn't want to do it. I struggled with it and at times, I hated my course. I hated anyone who was positive about the course, I hated the fact that I would be there for four years.

I struggled on and eventually after four years I will graduate in the next few weeks. After not seeing an end for quite some time, I am delighted that I actually persisted and persisted with my course.

It was TOUGH man for a number of reasons. Coming from someone who has dropped out of TWO courses and persisted with one too, have a deep introspection and decide whether you want to continue on with your course.

Realize that anything worth getting will not come easy and if you persist you may feel better in the end. If you drop out you are not a failure. It just wasn't the time or course for you.There will be other options. Success or contentment is not a fork in the road where you select the right road, it is the one road with numerous trials and tribulations along the way.

You will come to the best decision for you. i have faith in you my man, like the way others had faith in me.

Be well and best of luck.

Have you been using your college facilities? If not, check them out. Go to your student union/services and see what they have. If you'd rather not do it in person, check out your college website. You'll likely find doctors and counsellors. These are free services that are provided for you, are completely discrete, and are there if you ever need them. I would say to go seek them out, just because sometimes it's good to talk and they could help you with some of the issues you're having.

Who are you living with, if you are not living with students?

Tramps Like Us

First of all its perfectly normal not to like going out/the college social scene. I didnt like it, I felt it was very fake.

I'd recommend joining some clubs or socs, I know your anxiety might make this very difficult but I'd thoroughly recommend it to make new friends and have something to do. There are may many different types of groups, what do you have an interest in?

As for the college workload, tell me about it! I did Law and if I did everything in terms of reading which I was supposed to do I'd be studying 24/7... so I didn't and still did well. Are you sure your workload needs to be as high? That reading list is only "recommended" for a reason lol

bubbaloo

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Have you been using your college facilities? If not, check them out. Go to your student union/services and see what they have. If you'd rather not do it in person, check out your college website. You'll likely find doctors and counsellors. These are free services that are provided for you, are completely discrete, and are there if you ever need them. I would say to go seek them out, just because sometimes it's good to talk and they could help you with some of the issues you're having.

Who are you living with, if you are not living with students?

I can't emphasise this enough. I work in a student counselling service and we help hundreds of students every semester. Honestly, seek out what services are available to you and use them. Moving into college life is a huge transitional period and there are plenty of supports available for all types of issues - whether they are personal or academic. Sometimes a bit of support and guidance is all you need to get back on your feet. Things will get better but reach out and use resources. Good luck.

dipdip

I would advise (1) getting a weekly session with a counsellor and (2) joining one weekly social event. Does your college have a board games club? Those kinds of meetings are low-key and you can focus on the game rather than on socialising. The socialising looks after itself if you keep showing up and keeping making small efforts to smile and say hello.

Thirdly give yourself loads of credit for all the things you are managing to do. Keep talking to your doctor about your medication. It might need to be tweaked before they find the right one for you.

Lastly don't take things too seriously. Really. Try to keep it simple. Do one thing you enjoy every day - like watching a good movie or preparing a nice meal. Give yourself a break and be nice to yourself.