School and anxiety

Hi everyone,

My classes started about 9 weeks ago, at first I thought having this much anxiety about school was just a normal thing for the first week or two, but it's been two months now, and I actually think it's worse than before. My college is only 10 minutes away from my house, so I still live at home, I honestly don't know I'd do if I had to live in a dorm. I would go crazy in that little room, I don't know how people do it. Every morning before I have to go to class, I get this weird, sick feeling. I start shaking, I get a headache, I feel nauseous, and I just want to cry. The car ride to get there is awful too; I have to take this long country road and for some reason it makes my depersonalization even worse.

I don't really know why school gives me so much anxiety. The classes aren't bad and the people there don't seem to be that bad either. I think what scares me the most is the fear of having a panic attack there and loosing control. Having this constant depersonalization that I can't get rid off makes it hard too. I'll be sitting in class feeling like my hands aren't mine, or like I'm going to float out of my desk. I hate feeling so anxious and depressed about going to school, but I don't know what to do to not feel this way. I never thought that I'd say I miss high school, but I actually kind of do (especially the dance team, since my college doesn't have one):

Hi T.U.W.,

M.D. brings up good point...

I remember not having strong connections in college, like I did in high school. If definitely felt like there was a sense in isolation for the first time in my school experience. Socializing shifts from mostly at school...to away from it, in once you are in college.

So purposely finding groups to be involved in becomes crucial. There may even be an anxiety overcomers group...have you checked?

Another thing you may want to do is speak with your student counselor. He/she could have some advice and reassurance to offer.

Are you practicing your coping skills in the morning before you have to leave? Getting up just 15 or so minutes early to do so could really make a big difference. (need ideas? Let me know and I'll make suggestions)

Finally, in regards to your biggest worry...

...have you ever actually lost control during a panic attack? I have had plenty of them in public, in front of people...on stage even!! You know what? No one can even tell. Sure it feels like we are out of control...but in actuality, its is mostly internal.

If you did start to feel an attack coming on, use of your breathing exercises could likely get you through it....with no one being the wiser.

Worst case senario...you excuse yourself and go to the bathroom, or health office...

I know this is a challenge, but you can get through it! Great job so far on persevering! Keep up the good work, and with time and effort...you are going to reach your recovery goals.

Let us know how you are doing soon,

S.C.