<p>Hi,
I am a freshmen at UIUC. I entered with the intention of pursuing Computer Science, but I am worried for my academic future. </p>
<p>I have been struggling this year academically. I have been studying relentlessly and it has yielded no results. I have been taking tests that I would normally understand, but while taking them I can't even begin to comprehend how to go about completing it. This has begun to make me feel useless and incompetent. I decided to go see a mental counselor regarding my behaviors. He told me that I had anxiety disorder and thinks I may also have depression. I think the stress of the engineering curriculum along with these conditions have taken their toll on me emotionally. </p>
<p>A part of me felt that maybe i should withdraw and attend my local junior college, but I fear that going home and attending a lesser school would be even worse for me emotionally.</p>
<p>I am looking for general input from anyone who may have had a similar experience at school. I am also looking to find out what my options are to aid me academically considering the circumstances at uiuc. </p>
<p>Help would be greatly appreciated:) many thanks!.</p>
<p>Hi Apple. My son experienced a similar situation in high school. He attended a very difficult residential school his Soph year and was diagnosed with Social Anxiety and depression after a Semester. Up to that point he had been bright enough to mask his disability with intelligence alone so his grades were really good. Once he felt the pressure of being in a new environment his anxiety hit harder and his brain was not able to process things that seemed simple before (this is the “fight or flight” phenomenon–our brains put all of our resources into survival when we are being chased by a lion/highly stressed thus we cannot process things like Algebra, etc.).</p>
<p>I know that Illinois has certain accommodations that can be made for people with learning disabilities and any anxiety order is a learning disability. </p>
<p>First, seek professional help with someone who is legally qualified to diagnose you (the person that you met with may or may not have that qualification). They may suggest medication which can often be helpful. </p>
<p>Second, ask that professional to assist you with your school and getting appropriate accommodations. Here is Illinois’ website for students with disabilities:</p>
<p>If you are having difficulty processing you may need help navigating through the website.</p>
<p>Third, don’t go through this alone. Talk to family, friends or staff at the school. There is a way out of deep anxiety and depression but I’ve never heard of anyone succeeding by going at it alone. Again, most importantly, seek professional/licensed help.</p>