Transitioning into University - My Anxiety Dilemma

[veghysterian]

Hi Guys, first time posting after a long time lurking.

I'm currently set to start University in two weeks, and while I understand that it's perfectly normal to be apprehensive about a big life shake up, at this point and time I don't feel like I'm equipped to handle it. The prospect of a place I'm not familiar with in a city I hardly know is proving too much. I've struggled with social anxiety for the majority of my life and though I thought I was making progress my with therapist, the amount of sleep and hours spent worried about this is seriously making me reconsider. I recently decided to make a day trip down to the uni to take a guided tour, but I couldn't even make myself go - instead I ended up on the verge of a panic attack at the local library. Now Im second guessing if I'm even capable of doing this, and seriously contemplating withdrawing of pushing back my course. I feel horrible about myself, and can't help but compare myself to others on my situation who are taking it in stride.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there

Starting uni is no small feat, especially for someone with anxiety. For a start though, it's unhelpful to compare yourself with others, as we're all different and find different things easy or hard. Most people are going to experience nerves starting something new and unfamiliar anyway. With anxiety, it's usually on overdrive. Forgive yourself, and accept that it just is, and that's ok.

Are you still working with your therapist? If so, are you able to work through some strategies around how to make things more manageable? This is what I do with my psychologist. I'm now in my 4th year at uni and never thought I'd get this far. It's important to think about what makes uni a scary prospect for you, specifically, not generally, and what you can do about it.

Some examples of coping strategies for me are: having a map so I know where I'm going, arriving early so I don't have to walk into class and get stared at, sitting near an exit so I can leave if I feel overwhelmed etc

There are going to be challenges. But ultimately you're going to have to decide whether to give it a go or not. I think the other thing to remember is that you could always try and if you find you can't possibly manage, then you can always withdraw before penalty date, rather than deciding now to push it back.

Happy to chat more if you'd like 🙂

Katy

[mia26]

Hey,

I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder a few days ago, and when I saw your post I was really glad someone could relate to what I'm going through. I also start uni in a couple of days and it feels very daunting and scary for me as well. I had a very similar experience when I was supposed to go to orientation week last week but I couldn't will myself to go due to my anxiety. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We are going to make it through this together! I completely relate to comparing myself to others, lots of people seem to be joining up to so many clubs and signing up for pubcrawls (my worst nightmare) and I'm definitely very scared that I'm not going to make any friends. This is a massive life change but I know we both have what it takes to make it through this. I know it's hard but try not to compare yourself to others, everyone is on their own journey, try and start small by just attending lectures and work your way up to engaging in more social things, even if for this first year you just focus on coursework and only go in on days you really have to. I wish you all the best and I hope everything goes well for both of us !