Uni Student with Anxiety

[jazzyw_98]

Hello, I'm new here and I thought I would share my story. I'm sure there are many of you with the same problem so I would just like you to know that you are not alone.

I am a 17 y.o. uni student from Brisbane. I graduated from high school last year and I was extremely excited to start uni and I thought this year would be great. But after I was accepted into I started getting really terrified about the idea of going to uni, the thought of it made me feel sick. I started to develop agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house alone). So I started uni but I couldn't go alone, my mum had to come with me and my friends were all at a different uni. I hated uni immediately and wanted to change to be with my friends. I skipped every tute and I wouldn't eat.

I went to a psychologist for a few sessions and that helped a bit but I haven't been in a while.

So now I'm at the same uni as my friends and I love it there but I'm so scared to go to class and the bad habits I developed last semester are getting worse. I've skipped a couple of tutes and I don't know how to catch up and the thought of going there being behind scares me. I'm scared to be alone.

Anyway I hope this all makes sense, this is a really broken up and condensed version of my story.

[Guest_322]

Hi jazzyw_98,

Welcome! I just read your post and it really struck a chord with me. I'm at uni too btw.

Sorry, I'm just caught up with something at the moment so will return with a proper response later. But I just wanted to quickly say hi.

Dottie 😊

[Guest_322]

Hi again,

Thanks for sharing your story, and you're right, there are many people who can relate to your struggles.

Firstly, congratulations on finishing year 12 last year and getting into uni!

I think the transition between school and uni can be really tough as the 2 are very different. It can be so scary and disappointing when you've such high hopes. But then those hopes are dashed when uni doesn't turn out to be quite what you expected.

It's great that you've transferred to another uni where you get to see your friends and seem to like it a lot more there. But managing studies can certainly be tricky so I feel your pain.

Can I make some suggestions?

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to either email/see your tutors about how you've missed some tutes and see if they can help you catch up. From my personal experience, most tutors are pretty approachable and happy to help.

Or maybe some of your high school friends are doing the same units as you- maybe you can ask them if they will share their tute notes with you.

Also, most unis have a disability officer/office that help students who are struggling with mental health issues or other difficulties. You could make an appointment/call and tell them about missing tutes, etc and see if they can offer some assistance.

The other thing is that unit outlines are super helpful- they generally give details about tute content e.g. readings, etc so maybe check those out so you can maybe start on any required readings.

Sorry for the long reply. Feeling lonely and overwhelmed by your studies is horrible. Hopefully this post helps a little.

Dottie

[Broncies_18]

Very normal I went through the same thing, uni have me a oximetry which has branches off into health anxiety which I am suffering from severely atm but long story short I hated the course I was doing and transferred  with all my mates and beyond happy.

[jazzyw_98]

Hi Dottie,

Thank you so much for your advice! It was really refreshing to hear. I've contacted my tutors and they have replied so it's just a matter of catching up now.

youre at uni too! I hope you're enjoying your course and good luck too!

[jazzyw_98]

It's nice to know I'm not alone! It's always nice to have friends around for support.

[Guest_322]

Hi Jazzyw,

It's great to hear from you again 😊 I'm glad you approached your tutors and they sound like they have been helpful. I've no doubt that you'll be able to catch up as you've already made the big first step.

True, true, I find it helpful too to feel like there's support and friendship all around you (you have that in your offline life and here on the forums too) 😊

Dottie

[Doolhof]

Hi Jazzyw,

Dottie has given you some excellent advice here. Hopefully you will be able to catch up with your studies.

Are there study groups you could attend as well to help you to catch up?

Does the Uni have a mentoring system where people can help you out with getting used to be at Uni and encouraging you as well?

Have you spoken with your friends about how you are feeling? They may be feeling the same way. Could you ask them to encourage you to attend the tutes together?

I'm sure the lecturers want their students to succeed, communicating with them will help you through as well.

Are there social aspects of the Uni that you enjoy? Are there clubs or groups that get together that you might like to join? Finding the fun stuff may help you through as well.

Wishing you well with your studies. If you don't mind me asking, what are your subjects?

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools