Anxiety about University

[bohobabe10]

I was diagnosed with general and social anxiety in early high school. I did well but struggled when I got emotionally tired, needing support to finish high school. I began university straight out of high school. My first semester did not go well, I ended up deferring half way through after I found out about some personal health issues which sparked my anxiety and depression. I returned in semester 2 and out of two courses I only passed 1. The next year I actually did okay while balancing a brand new relationship with someone who had depression and was admitted to hospital right on exam time. This semester has been a disaster again. My partner got admitted to hospital again, I have been unwell with different things all semester and have been in hospital around crunch time, pushing my assessment further. During this semester my social anxiety has been extremely high. I manage to have friends but they go out and I don't go out with them. I leave university early because I feel so tired, self conscious and I just want to go home so bad. I've had to drop one of my courses and now I have to frantically salvage my other two courses. This on top of my partner being in hospital for depression. I've begun to question if I am even capable of doing university, will I ever finish? I can't part time work so my parents have to support me which makes me feel so guilty. Eventually my partner and me would love to live together but what if I can't work till I graduate in 2020? Of course he says he'd pay for me but I feel like I'm mooching of everyone around me.

Have you been able to complete university with anxiety? Are any careers compatiable with anxiety?

[Zeal]

Hi bohobabe,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to hear that you have suffered so much due to mental and physical health issues.

I can relate to your situation. In Year 12, I couldn't sit my last exam due to anxiety (I got a moderated mark). Like you, I started uni straight after high school. I did one semester of a nutrition degree (in 2011). I avoided study and struggled with the chemistry content. I didn't even sit my uni chem exam, failed biology as I didn't study, and passed one subject. I took the next six months off. In 2012, I had to withdraw from both semesters due to an eating disorder.

In 2013, I studied only two psychology subjects in Bachelor of Arts. While this delayed uni and meant it has taken longer to finish study, it was worth it.This study and my 2012 illness also led to the realisation that I was interested in mental health, so I transferred full-time to Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2014.
Next month I will finish my undergrad psych degree.
I have a disability access plan (for my anxiety/OCD). This means I can get assignment extensions more easily and sit my exams at the uni, rather than at the huge exam hall. The support is tailored to each individual who applies to the uni disability service, and should be free.

Now I've told my story, I will actually give you advice! Your anxiety and your partner's severe depression is causing distress. Seeing loved ones struggling is difficult for many, let alone those with clinical anxiety. It's easier said than done, but don't feel guilty for your parents (or partner) financially supporting you, when they are able and willing to. Just for context - I'm 23, live at home with my parents, and are supported financially by them. I've been volunteering and babysitting while studying, but I haven't had a part-time job.

If you aren't currently receiving professional support for the anxiety, definitely do so. You can see a uni counsellor for sessions. I also recommend you make an appointment with your doctor (GP) for a referral to a psychologist. Your GP can create a mental healthcare plan for you, which reduces the cost of appointments. I recommend you add this link to your computer favourites, as the online modules are a good reference for overcoming mental health issues: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/consumers.cfm

I hope you can seek help soon. If you would like to talk further or have any questions, feel free to post back here 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal