Dealing with pre-college anxiety.

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>I have a history of mental health issues, primarily related to anxiety and paranoia with its roots in my school transfer in 5th grade (long story short, going from having a huge sense of pride in myself and having that crushed at a new school doesn't do any good for a developing brain...), that I've kept in balance for the past year with regular aerobic exercise and some therapy. </p>

<p>Anyways, now that the number of days remaining until I move off to school decreases, my brain is essentially entering defensive mode. I've grown extremely anxious and paranoid (not "tin-foil hat" paranoid...) I'm stuck in overflow housing with 5 other people in one (oversized) room. Naturally, I'm expecting the anxiety to increase exponentially as I get closer and closer to move-in. It'll likely reach the tipping point when I see the campus. At that point, I'm almost certainly going to have a panic attack (Shallow breathing, racing heart, sweating, nausea. You know, the works...) which will last roughly 3-10 minutes.
I hate to admit it, but I'm already afraid of roommates. I haven't even talked to them yet, but, as crazy as it sounds, I think they're already judging me. 5th grade ruined me.</p>

<p>Essentially, my mind is going to go through hell up until the point of move-in. Any tips on alleviating some of this unnecessary anxiety?</p>

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<p>What kind of therapist do you see? It sounds like some kind of cognitive behavioral therapy would be helpful. There are good books and workbooks you can read on CBT for some tips on how to stop “catastrophizing” in your thinking. </p>

<p>Basically you need to practice replacing your paranoid worries with more rational responses. Easier said than done. </p>

<p>Do you do any other stress relief besides exercise? Meditation, yoga etc?</p>

3

<p>well your threapist could help. def sounds like cognitive behavioral therapy could help like surfcity said.</p>

<p>remeber to relax. take it one step at a time. try to think positive. say positive things and do positive things. </p>

<p>having a mental health issue will make it harder, but try to relax and enjoy. college is a lot of work, but it is a lot of fun to</p>

4

<p>

Why stop when you get to college, if it actually helps you? Most colleges will have both a recreation center and a psychological services center. </p>

<p>Remember that there are many other people moving in at the same time you are, and they’re all nervous too. I think if you tried to contact your roommates you would feel more comfortable about meeting them. Are your parents/other family coming with you to move in? It would be totally okay if they stayed around for a few hours until you get over the initial stress.</p>