The first thing: You daughter needs to stick with her comfort zone and take forays into college life. When I started, there were gatherings at the pool for locals. Each time I attended, I spoke to one person and if wildly brave, even a second student. I sat on the close edge and tried to look pleasant. I cant say I remembered or formed friendships then, but at least I was present and could watch. Afterwards, I went home and vomited and cried, but at least I was there. Fortunately, I was supported by high school classmates and others from sister schools.
Students often think of college as a time to re invent themselves. Anxiety does not work that way. It is an is that must be accommodated. I found sitting on the front edge of a classroom helpful in listening and learning, but placed few demands socially. I avoided loud places and cracking gum. If there were style points for an intense startle response, I would have earned olympic medals. People always responded sympathetically. I still remain committed to gagging.
Now, when I started college, the only medications were benzodiazepines. Even with good medication now, anxiety is always with me. Developing good coping and social skills, thanks to my wonderful mother, who got me through brownies and later.
Other things that helped me included volunteering in the back processing books to shelve and sell. Again, present but not outside comfort zone. I was a lector at church where I could hide behind a podium…actually did stand on a red stool. I love reading Scripture aloud. It also helped me do something public with people sho know text but dont listen closely. ah, the crock cowed thrice and announcing couples whose funerals were held th prior seek.
So, be you, find where you an be comfortable, avoid what is unpleasant, learn deep breathing and personal calming strategies, take medication exactly as prescribed. Remember, you wouldnt walk in dark alleys at night. Exactly why should you live out you personal njghtmare?
I dont need to disclose often. People have asked me if I thought they didnt notice anxiety. Other idess…if you love theater find your best seating and stick to it. You can go many places and do many things when you have established your personal zone. Dont isolate yourself, but not feel required to do what you dont enjoy.
I am not anxiety on hoof. My life is clearly different from what others prefer, but it is my life on my terms.
Oh, watch verbal tics such as automatic apologizing.