Struggling with University and Anxiety

[PaperWolf]

Hi everyone, 

I'm a university student who has been struggling with anxiety since upper highschool.  It affects me socially but mainly in my performance at uni. Finishing assignments feels like a nightmare as i struggle to start any work and frequently experience exhaustion, shaking and panic attacks.  I control everything including food up until my exams and arrive early to try and get a seat the furtherest away at the back. i tend to enter a cycle of pretending im okay then getting more and more behind until i start having panic attacks and missing assignment submissions whilst finding it difficult  to talk to my family and friends as i feel quite a lot of guilt.  I have exams and last assignments very soon and my university doesn't have any available counselling appointments which I'm finding difficult as it took quite a lot of willpower to try to seek help. i joined hoping to feel a little less alone in it all.

Take care everyone 😊 

Lila 

[SeanM92]

Hey there, 
Welcome to the forum
If your uni doesn't have any open appointments, you can actually go to your GP and let them know, they can help aswell or refer you to an outside clinic for help. I think this would help you out alot. If you feel comfortable with it though.
Just Keep in mind that your not alone in the world with these feelings, i guarantee you that there is more then just you even at your campus that feel that way, its just people find it hard to talk about it or seek out others in these cases.

 Take care

[Lori]

Hi PaperWolf,

Welcome to the Beyondblue forums! You have done an amazing job reaching out and asking for help welldone!!

University can be really daunting and nerve racking, I 100% understand what you are going through as i had the same difficulties when i was at University. For me what helped me get through the stressful times of assignments and exams i practiced alot of relaxation skills to help keep myself calm during these times and to also prevent myself from having any panic attacks. 

Maybe you could look into some relaxation strategies ? It could be really helpful for you while being at University. Also another strategy that  you could try is you could try going for a walk around the campus or another area before sitting an exam or going into a classroom to help clear your mind and help keep you calm ? 

I found myself that exercise and relaxation strategies where extremely helpful and has made a difference this could for you too ? It's always great to try new things and see what helps as everyone is different. Just an idea ?

I understand there is a bit of a wait to speak to one of the counselor's on campus but do you think it might be a good idea to see if you could see your GP and get their opinion on it all ? or just have them to listen to what's going on ? see if they can help with anything or give you some idea's to help.

Anxiety can be a horrible experience and can get in the way but i always find it's great to challenge it! Challenge yourself to the best of your abilities and you could surprise yourself try new things to see what helps and what doesn't, all you can do is try. 

You have done an amazing job by reaching out, and being at Uni, welldone to you keep up the goodwork and keep us updated. 

Stay strong!

-Lori 🙂

[shad0wings]

Hi there Lila! 

Are there any local GP's or psychologists near you? Even starting out seeing a GP would help (it will help you emotionally as well).

Talk to your family. If they are supportive/good people they will truly try and help you. Also feeling guilt is a waste of time. Feeling guilt will only make you feel worse. And think, why am I feeling guilty? what am i feeling guilty of? You have no reason to feel guilty at all. It is called a mental illness for a reason - illness. You don't feel guilty for having a cold do you? Try to think of what your feeling in the same way. Trust me it helps.

~taylor