Anxiety and depression in college

Student Lounge College Life
1

Hey guys…I need some advice and a place to vent. I’m a first-year student attending UCLA. It’s the first week of classes and I’m just gonna say…I hate it.

I never thought I’d be this sad. In highschool I was social, I enjoyed myself. But now that I’m attending college…I’m depressed, stressed out, and have anxiety, and I don’t know why. My girlfriend of 5 years (yes since middle school) left to UC Davis about 5 hours away. We’re doing the long-distance relationship and I miss her incredibly. It’s difficult to leave someone you basically grew up with…

I grew up in Los Angeles and I hate being here at UCLA. I’m not living in a dorm (off-campus co-op) and it’s difficult to make friends. I go home on the weekends since I live about 20-30 minutes across town. Classes started today but I didn’t really talk to anyone and being that I had only one class, I wasn’t motivated to do so.

I’ll be up front with you guys…I made a mistake coming to ucla. I don’t like the area, I don’t like the people, and the school wasn’t my first choice (attending because of financial costs).

I’ll see my girlfriend in about 2 months but I still feel like shit. She’s having the time of her life up there. I’m having depression, anxiety, and stress down here. I call her and FaceTime her but I still miss her.

Maybe I’m just feeling sorry for myself or taking this too serious. I haven’t made any friends and I don’t want to be at this school. I don’t know anymore. Someone have any advice? I don’t know what to do with myself…am I ready for college?

2

Okay so classes have just started meaning you haven’t really had the time to adjust completely yet. College is a huge transition! Everything is new and it is human nature to fear the unknown. If I were you I would first visit the counseling center at your school to talk to a professional that can help you with your anxiety and depression. I would also see if there are any clubs or events that interest you. It is going to be tough at first but you have to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Also if there is a student center or something on campus then maybe plan to take some work there and just be around people. Surrounding yourself in a busy area will make you feel less alone. And if you end up sitting all alone no one really cares. It’s college and everyone is doing their own thing. Plus if you sit in an busy area you might start to see some familiar faces from class. Reach out to people. Once classes start picking up and the school work starts piling on then you will have less free time to dwell on these things.

It won’t be easy but it is something you can do to better your college experience. I think you are ready for college but you do have to have the mindset for it. I highly suggest going to see a counselor and in the meantime get yourself outside and just around people. Overall, give it time. Best of luck!

3

Are there fun events happening on weekends at your campus? Try not going home for a while.