<p>I have severe anxiety problems. I am always getting panic attacks, and it's gotten worse since I've gotten to college a few days ago. The stress of "is it worth it", plus thinking about my parents, personal problems, academics, friends, etc. I don't know what to do, I don't want to have a bad time at college, and have to go home because I can't stop or control my panic attacks. I've literally had to walk away from conversations or other social interactions because I can feel my heart racing, and then I feel like I can't breathe and I get this cold feeling all over my body, and I literally think that I'm going to have a heart attack or I'll stop breathing. I don't want to go to my schools counseling service, I'll feel weird...</p>
<p>People won’t think any less of you because you’re going to your school’s counseling services. A lot of students go, so why should you feel any less than them? And if these people are your real friends then they shouldn’t care either way.</p>
<p>Are you taking any medication for your anxiety? If not, why not do something like exercise, etc, if you feel stress coming on? It could help take the edge off. You need to figure out what you are anxious about; then, journal it, write it on a piece of paper and rip it up, or remind yourself that this feeling of anxiety will go away, you just have to breathe and wait it out. Anxiety attacks/panic attacks suck, but they do end, and they won’t kill you. Replace the negative thinking with a grounding technique and think of how great you will feel after you have conquered it! And, please do go to the counseling center…that’s what it is there for! The people there have seen it all, and know how to listen and offer help.</p>
<p>Going to the school’s counseling services is fine. What you’re feeling is sort of normal for many students when they go to college, except I am not sure about the degree of it. I was really nervous my freshman year, thinking is it worth it to go through all this trouble, when will it end, why am I doing this? etc. Time heals all things, and have you talked to your parents about this? It might help, whether it is homesickness or just being in a new environment. I was really stressed last year. For some students, it takes a week to get over it, for some, a semester, and for others, a whole year. It’ll take time to find a few great friends that you just hang out together and have fun. You’ll be fine in the long run, as long as you don’t let it overwhelm you and seek help, whether from your parents or from the counselor. Don’t let it build up inside you.</p>