I move into college early tomorrow morning and I’m so nervous!! I’ve been so nauseous and felt sick all day from the anxiety. I’m 3 1/2 hours away from home and we actually just moved, so not like I could go home even if I wanted to. I’ve lived in the same place my entire life so this is very new and scary for me. I have a pretty severe anxiety disorder and while I’d like to think I’m keeping it together pretty well right now I’m so scared. I’m scared to be away from my parents, scared to be independent without my family/friends from home, etc. It just makes me feel so unsafe, as weird as that is. I’m definitely WAY out of my comfort zone. We have a very hectic few days (busy scheduled days, speeches, orientation activities, etc) and I’m getting nervous to the point where I actually could make myself sick from the stress. As stupid as this is my biggest phobia is throwing up, especially away from home or somewhere where I don’t feel comfortable, so this is a lot for me. My throat is so tight I’ve never been sick from anxiety but I’m scared I’m going to be since it’s such a huge life change. It’s unlikely but I can’t stop thinking about it.
I feel so out of control and I’m scared I can’t do this. They gave me a $20k scholarship per year, I’m in the honors program, and we moved to a BEAUTIFUL place (the campus is to die for as well) and I don’t want to ruin this all.
what you’re feeling is normal! I am having a tough time adjusting to college rn but know that almost everyone goes through this even if they don’t show their feelings. Try to meet people at orientation, and know that new surroundings can be stressful but it’s all about how you look at the situation. Try to plan ahead with your roomate maybe on things you want to check out on campus! And once you’re settled on campus I suggest going to counseling; it’s nothing to be ashamed of and they will help with anxiety hang in there!
I felt similarly just a few weeks ago relocating from my house to a new region starting a new job where I don’t know anyone (and also have to drive everywhere, which gives me a lot of anxiety in itself). Just remember that your friends and family are just a phone call. text, or e-mail away. Maybe schedule a Skype or Face-Time session with someone close to you once or twice a week, depending on your schedules.
Another thing that might help is spacing out your orientation activities if you can. When I first got to college, I went to every single activity and event because I thought that was what was expected of me. But in actuality, oftentimes, a lot of those events are optional. Don’t feel pressured to do everything, and remind yourself that particularly in speeches or performances, you can sit near an aisle, in the back, or with a friend, and all the attention is off of you.
I also STRONGLY recommend going to counseling. Maybe you can get medication for the anxiety (which, it always stinks to hear that, but it can be very relieving to not have to put so much effort into just getting through day-to-day life). But even if you don’t, counselors can help you talk out your fears and then put them in perspective for you. Conditions like anxiety or depression that are associated with “catastrophizing” (you assume the worst will happen or obsess over the worst-case scenario occurring) can be de-escalated by distancing yourself from your thoughts a little (e.g. In response to thinking you’re going to get sick, instead of assuming that it’s true or getting upset with yourself for obsessing, remind yourself that it’s just a thought and let it pass through your mind). Counselors can help you practice strategies like that to deal with anxiety. In the interim, try researching how other people deal with their anxiety and/or emetophobia; you may get some ideas you can start putting into practice now.
I expect you will be fine and that the anxiety will pass once you get into a comfortable routine, start classes, and find some friends. But I absolutely agree that it makes sense to go to the counseling office and let a professional help you to deal with this anxiety so you can experience a better, less stressful start to college.
I’ve never been sick from anxiety but I’m scared I’m going to be since it’s such a huge life change. It’s unlikely but I can’t stop thinking about it.