<p>I'm sorry if this seems non-CC related, but I'm having some issues in school, and I would really appreciate some parent input and advice. </p>
<p>By defintion, I suppose I am a good student. I go to class, am engaged and active in discussions, get A's, have good rapports with my professors and peers, and have big academic plans for the future. I'd say this is your typically average, acceptable student. </p>
<p>However, there's this one little thing: I never feel that I'm doing enough, and I'm starting to pick up some anxiety-related habits and reactions. </p>
<p>I don't want it to get out of hand here. I'd say I'm just a perfectionist that freaks out about things, but last week, I began unraveling. I had an anxiety attack during a test in class, and though my professor understood and calmed me down throughout the ordeal, I felt ashamed that I let it get that far. I aced the test that I "failed completely" and would "have to drop the class over," and I aced the other two I had that week as well. Yet I've been having night terrors (apparently) and have been moaning in my sleep. </p>
<p>I've been feeling uneasy with myself, and though I'm sure a lot of people would recommend seeing a doctor, I'm sure that it's just something in my head that I can somehow beat on my own. (Right?) </p>
<p>Generally, how do students step away from this anxiety cliff? If you're doing really well, why would you feel that you're not? I really want to just nip this is in the bud, and I guess I'm just wondering how I can do it? </p>
<p>Thank you so much for your time. I truly appreciate it. </p>
<p>Really, I think you should see a doctor. Sometimes it’s a chemical thing and you really can’t control it on your own, in which case some kind of low dose anti-anxiety meds might do you a world of good. But only a doctor can tell you that, so let them do their job and go seek some help. There is NO SHAME in not kicking the problem on your own… best wishes to you, I know anxiety can be crippling.</p>
<p>You could have a friend, parent or relative that knows you very well that reassures you - of course you’d have to talk frequently. Or you could go to your counseling center to talk to someone and maybe talking will help you out with your anxiety. If that isn’t enough, then there are anti-anxiety medications.</p>
<p>Definitely see your college counseling service. Nothing you have to say will be new to them, and they will have options for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, meditation–there are many paths to reducing anxiety, and there’s no reason why should should try to handle this alone. The way to “nip in the bud” (though it sounds like you are are well past the budding stage) is to get help now. Your anxiety isn’t a rational response, and trying to bring rational solutions to it by yourself is an exercise in futility. (BTW, anxiety issues run through my family, so I’m speaking from experience.) All the best to you.</p>
<p>Hi Harvest Moon - please contact some one in your school’s counseling center. They’ll be able to help you find the correct resources for some help. The type of anxiety you describe is strong enough and as you weren’t in danger of failing - was disproportionate to your situation. Colleges and Universities are places where students can receive assistance to help them. As others have stated, there are multiple methods of helping us deal with the stress and anxiety. You are right to seek some help but try some people at your campus counseling center. Please feel less anxious soon!</p>
<p>Don’t be afraid of talking to someone. It doesn’t have to be a long term lets look at your entire life kind of appointments. They can give you tools to deal with the stress. Breathing exercises. Foods to avoid. Caffiene can add to nerves. And it’s good to know when to cut yourself some slack. And exercise, do you workout at all?</p>
<p>A good therapist will give you lots of techniques that you can use from here forward. You may need to go off campus if you are not happy with services on campus. Best wishes.</p>
<p>Do make sure that you are eating, sleeping, and exercising enough.</p>
<p>Some SSRI’s can help with this kind of anxiety.The problem with panic is that once you have it in a situation, you develop anxiety about anxiety, so to speak. There are techniques to help with this, and also meds. SSRI’s can help with anxiety, for instance, without the grogginess of drugs like xanax or ativan. Sometimes, temporarily, a beta blocker can help, but that is for a doctor to decide.</p>
<p>Besides yoga, meditation, tai chi, there is also self-hypnosis, various tapping techniques and other non-medication approaches that you can try.</p>
<p>I think checking in with your college mental health/counseling center is a good idea. This is not an uncommon problem.</p>
<p>See an MD also to check thyroid, hormones (if you are female) and other physical causes, but most likely you will find counseling and the above approaches, including possible short term meds, more helpful.</p>
<p>Don’t try to handle it yourself. Please go to the counseling center. If they recommend medication, please take it. My DS takes medication for anxiety and it has helped a lot. Don’t feel weak about having to ask for help. You are far from alone.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry to hear you’re experiencing anxiety. It’s more commonplace than you may realize especially in people who are perfectionists. You don’t want this to spiral out of control. Have you talked to your parents about this? You’re next step is to find someone who can help you deal with your anxiety. This may involve therapy and medication. Don’t put off getting help! Hugs to you.</p>
<p>Ringing the same bell as everyone else. Go to the counseling center. Talk to a therapist. What you’re experiencing is SO common. The therapist will help you decide/recommend any next steps.</p>
<p>Also, if you’re not in the habit of working out, get yourself on an exercise schedule and stick to it. Doesn’t matter what it is (your school probably has a weight room or a pool or a yoga group).</p>
<p>I only wanted to add that I have struggled with this same sort of thing most of my adult life, and only in the past years was convinced to get some counseling help. “Worrying” people are wired to feel a perpetual sense of alarm, always braced for a potential disaster and convinced that being something of a perfectionist will ward it off. When it impacts your ability to relax or function, it’s time for help, as everyone has said. I did feel stupid for not being able to cope, but you know what? That was only my reaction. Everybody who loved me was relieved. </p>
<p>I saw a therapist for about 4 months and it was very helpful. You do have to think of it as a necessary task, not as a failure. Taking care of yourself is a valuable and acceptable action. The other big change was exercising regularly for the first time in my life. I couldn’t believe how much better I felt if I just walked most every day (don’t turn it into another task, or must-do, or way to fail). </p>
<p>I see that you are in college…but I do not know what year or what your major is. Irregardless, seek help thru a psychiatrist or psychologist to identify where your anxieties stem from. An LCSW may help with behavior modification or counseling but it is critical to determine if this is something new (situational) or as a result of some chemical imbalance or even a physical cause. Keep your head up. Take one day at a time. Don’t try to think too far ahead.</p>
<p>Start exercising…ASAP.
Talk to someone about it, it is very important, but in my experience exercise does wonders for the mind. Also, you will have to learn how to calm your anxieties. We ALL have them and we have learned, somehow, how to be in control…it is not easy and it does take some time, but the benefits will last you forever.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone else (seek professional help, and exercise). I’ll just add that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s something that all of us at some point in our lives should do for one reason or another. The weakness arises only from the failure to seek help when warranted. So… go do what needs to be done. Good luck.</p>