Panic Attacks about going back to college

Anon2013

Hi all,
Due to go back to college the week after next and right now I feel sick to the stomach at the thoughts of going back. I am going into second year and I have made no friends within the course and I am dreading going back to the days where nobody speaks to me at all for the whole day nearly. I tried joining clubs and societies last year but as I suffer from social anxiety, I found it very difficult to talk to people so was kind of ignored. I will also have to do group projects this semester and I am so scared that the lecturer won't put us into groups and I'll be left with no one.

I also have to commute up and down as can't afford to move there, I am terrified of getting the bus, I am shaking at the thought. I have a habit of getting travel sickness and I am terrified I am going to get sick on the bus.

I really don't know what to do, at this moment in time I want to drop out but this course would lead to a job that I feel I would enjoy doing so that is why I am reluctant not to. Has anyone got any advice please?
Thanks

Bafucin

Hello op.

:-) Well you know you are not alone and should not feel like bearing the burden without expressing your feelings to someone.

If you are certain the future career is something you really fancy. Then ask those around you for support throughout your studies. I would inform your college maybe there is something they can do and get some professional support too.

Tell your family.

R.D. aka MR.D

Seeing as you're starting back in October, is it Trinity?

I went to Trinity and the mental health services are fantastic there. They will give you free counselling and really help you out. I'm sure that they are open now so you could give them a ring or send a message and see if you can make an appointment.

If i'm wrong and it's not Trinity then look in to what your college offers.

You can and should get help to stop feeling this way.

alleystar

Does your college have a forum on boards? You could maybe try posting a thread there and see if anyone is in the same boat as you. Also, there could be new students after transferring in from another college who don't know anyone on your course.

You most definitely need help dealing with your social anxiety, that's your greatest inhibitor it seems. There's a counsellor in every college who's usually free to see. If I was you I would email him/her this week and see about getting an appointment for the week you go back. If you're able to get your anxiety in check, I would definitely give societies and clubs another go. Yeah, some are quite cliquey - avoid those, but maybe you could try out a new society that's only starting this semester.

I wouldn't worry about group projects yet. Take it day by day because otherwise you're going to work yourself into a tizzy if you keep fretting over it. From my own experience lecturers usually assign groups to work together rather than let you decide. If they don't, maybe you could approach the lecturer (once everyone has decided on their group and given the list of names up) and ask is there are any available places in any of the groups? I know it's a bit awkward but I'm pretty sure it's not uncommon.

There's plenty of ways to overcome travel sickness, if it's not that bad you could bring a few ginger nut biscuits with you (they actually work). If you're still feeling nauseous, there's over-the-counter medication that's quite effective.

I definitely wouldn't drop out, finding a course you enjoy is half the work. Plus, you've already gotten through first year which is commendable.

J_E

Does your college offer a counseling service? It sounds like there are a few issues that could be alleviated somewhat by sharing them in a safe space in the college. They might also be able to direct you to a social group that can help. It's all about taking small steps in terms of the more social aspect of college. You gave up too soon on clubs/societies I think, try to look around and find another to get into, but stick with it even when you are frozen at first. You should tell a committee member in private that you just have difficulty in new groups and you'd appreciate some help settling with group, they usually make a push to help.

In regards to group projects... That's something you really should let a lecturer know about (again, in discretion) so that they can be aware of it when a group scenario comes into play.

It's not too late OP, it will be difficult but you can feel normal again, you just need to take small steps towards a more stable social environment. As long as you enjoy the course itself (important) there are many, many facilities to help you, you just need to take a deep breath and a chance.

Anon2013

Thanks everyone for the advice.No it's not Trinity. There is a counselling service that was booked up a lot last semester but if I email them this semester early I might get an appointment.

The Friendly Newcomer

Hi OP.

I think you should DEFINITELY talk to the student counselling service or the medical section about your problems. You should also go to your GP and tell them EVERYTHING if you haven't already. Explain everything and don't leave any details out even if you feel it isn't important.

If the course you are on will lead to a career that you like then I hope you get comfortable enough that you can continue with it ans enjoy it.

Good luck OP, you are not alone.

Rubberchikken

You're definitely not alone. Try your college for counselling, and take each day as it comes.
Don't worry about stuff likes groups/projects, that will be sorted in time.

Go back to whatever society you joined. Instead of waiting fir soneone to say or do something, make it your goal to be the one to say hi first. Comment on something small.
Small talk is underrated, believe me.

Take care of yourself and good luck with the new college year.

Stavro Mueller

Hopefully posting about it here is the first step on the way towards you solving these issues. College can be a trying place for some people, especially if you're prone to anxiety. It's great to read that you're going to email the counselling service. That's a start. In the meantime if you're feeling anxious and need to talk to someone, there are organisations like The Samaritans and turn2me.org out there (, not to mention others in the list in the forum sticky).

When you go back to college why not try volunteering? Perhaps combining meeting people with doing something practical will be an easier way to break the ice with people.

Regarding the travel sickness have you ever tried those wrist bands that stave off nausea? They seem to work for some people so they might be worth a try.

Whatever you do, don't drop out. All you'll be doing is running away from your problems. Not to far down the line you will regret having dropped out because you'll most likely be stuck at home with no job, limited opportunities to get a decent one and you'll still have these anxiety issues. You're going to have to deal with them at some stage so better to do this now