How can I handle the immense stress?

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>Firstly, allow me to introduce thyself! I am a freshman attending Foothill College, and this is my first post here on College Confidential, although I'd frequently come across interestingly relevant threads in the past and have always been a fan of the forum.</p>

<p>Upon recently graduating from high school and reaching the unforgiving age of 18, I have found that over the course of my first quarter I have been accumulating an insurmountable amount of stress. I know that this is quite common in students adjusting to the adult lifestyle that college demands, but I feel like my stress goes beyond that of my peers. Between being placed under the inclination to work full-time (as my parents do not have the desire to financially help me), achieve a high GPA, and maintain a decent social life, it feels like I am going to collapse under my own density and form a black hole.</p>

<p>Regardless of what I am doing nowadays, there is a constant looming presence in my mind, reminding me to worry about whether or not I will have enough money to pay the bills, or if my grades are going to be good enough to transfer into a decent university, and if I will even be able to afford a university, or what I am going to do if I lose my job, etc.</p>

<p>It's been driving me unto insanity. There have been moments where I could no longer take the stress and went into very depressive states, wanting to give up on absolutely everything. But alas, if I gave up on everything, I would probably starve to death on the streets, so I force myself to keep living with this anxiety in life, for the sole purpose of hopefully being able to make something of myself in the future. Although I have always considered myself to be more mature than most at my age, I had never thought that adjusting to independence would be so difficult. Being an adult, I see that life is no longer as merry as I had once imagined, and that living is definitely not easy.</p>

<p>I have found that just by typing about how I feel in my current situation has actually reduced my immediate stress level significantly, so perhaps I should find counsel in somebody that I can discuss my anxieties with.</p>

<p>Anyhow, what can I do to negate this stress from my life? I have found plenty of unproductive means of avoiding my anxieties, but what can I do to completely remove my constant worrying? I know what I need to do in life, but why does my mind insist on making me feel a constant anxiety and insecurity in pursuing these things?</p>

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<p>Hello. I made an account to reply to you. You remind me of myself and I’d like to help.</p>

<p>Firstly, you cannot completely remove your worrying, nor should you want to: it serves an important role in your psychological health and ability to interact healthily with the world. However, there are habits you can develop to make it more manageable.</p>

<p>How much have you studied psychology? It sounds like you might be on the verge of situational depression, a mental state caused by the repetitive/prolonged hormonal imbalances all the stress is causing you. I suggest you read about depression, cognitive behavioral therapy, and existential crises. Suddenly getting a new perspective of the world can be a bit of a shock and might raise new and uncomfortable questions. This can augment the anxiety and self dooubt you’re feeling.</p>

<p>It does sound like you have an awful lot on your plate. Do you have friends you’re comfortable confiding in? Have you told your parents about your situation? </p>

<p>I suggest finding out if your employer has any health resources you can use. Even if they don’t, you should feel free to call a hotline if things get rough and you need to talk to someone. Also, I’d be happy to talk to you if you’d like.</p>