Hello! I am new on CC but have been reading forums posts about leaving for college. I will be eighteen this year, just a few weeks after I leave (April 15th) and I graduated HS last year at almost seventeen. I opted to stay home for a year, but then my family ended up moving and it has been my own personal hell. No friends here. I hate it. The only reason I stay is 1) family and 2) can’t afford to move out. I have reached the point where I am okay with leaving my siblings and really my dad too (not super close to him) but thinking about not seeing/talking to/hugging my mom on a regular basis kills me. I am excited and mentally ready to be on my own(most days). I am independent, I own a car and a business, I can cook a few things, I know how to budget and grocery shop, etc. I am not too dependent on my parents except for shelter and dinner every night, but it is so terrifying. I have sixty two days until I leave and my mom and I are driving three days across the country (from IN to ID) so I will be super far away. I was homeschooled almost my whole childhood and all throughout ms/high school so I am not accustomed to what happens on first days of school, etc. I am very much a homebody and have a hard time making friends (but when I make them, I am very loyal! 
I have a group of about ten close friends from high school - some were homeschooled, some not). I am not worried about the academics except for mathematics, but that’s a different story. Just being so far away from my mom and being completely on my own is worrying the heck out of me. Can anyone tell me how to make the transition easier on myself? Tips for freshman? Etc. I already struggle with depression and anxiety and after finally getting out of the last depression rut from moving, I wouldn’t be able to handle another when I move again. Thank you in advance!
@texasgirl0597 you just have to hit the wall and break through, and it will be OK. You’ll see.
I think an important thing to know is that homesickness is normal and that a lot of students experience it. Everyone deals with it in different ways. Keeping busy can help to stave off the homesickness. Some people like to stay connected with their friends and family through texting, calling, or skyping regularly. It can help to know that you have plans to go home over Thanksgiving or Christmas break. It can be overwhelming to be on your own, but just stay confident that you’re perfectly able to live on your own and that everyone has to learn how to do this at some point. Get involved with your school and keep an open mind to all new opportunities. You’ll be fine.
How is your depression and anxiety managed? Therapy? Medication? I think it’s important to establish a support system at your university in case you need it. Know what your options are at your school’s counseling center, see if your insurance will cover a therapist in the area, or set up any other relationships near your school that you would need in the event of an episode. Transitioning to a new environment can be a very stressful time and if you’ve struggled with these things in the past, it’s very likely you may struggle with them again. Make you have a plan in place near your school in case you need help.
Through medication. I’ve mostly learned how to live and deal with it, but when it gets bad…
Anyways, I’m not on my meds right now but I know I need to go back on and get established in the next six weeks if I want to be okay with the transition. I have a friend who will be attending the same school but because of my experiences here in Indiana and not having friends physically here I am used to calling a friend and calming myself down that way. Technology is fantastic in that way but it’s hard. I just fear that it will get much worse with this transition to my new life, basically.