dealing with an anxiety disorder when your in college?

Answer 1

I have severe panic attacks, I too am in college. They are caused by most anything, social mostly, and doing presentations scare me into a full blown attack. I also have anxiety and perform OCD like things before my classes. Its all associated with school. However I just started an anti-anxiety med called Lexapro (there are many others though) I have been on it for over a month and have been panic attack free since. I would talk to a doctor or psychiatrist though before beginning any drug. I feel your pain though you arent alone, and don't give up on college like many people with anxiety do. Just know your not alone. You can email me anytime if you want to talk.

Answer 2

Finding a significant other that understands you, and supports you, and holds you, will work wonders. I find that I have them more when I'm alone. Don't let college overwhelm you. Take on the attitude that you are in control of your destiny, and that you will eventually make it 'cause you want to, and aren't going to give up. Never quit trying, and take each day at a time. See, if you can find someone in the same boat as you, and help each other. Have fun, if or when you aren't doing home work. Worrying about things, aren't going to make things better. If you don't get everything perfect the first time, do it again. Always do the best you can. And have fun as much as you can. Life's too short to be unhappy. Get a cat. It'll love you unconditionally, and makes a great companion. Take on an extracurricular activity that you enjoy, like painting, art, photography. Get involved in the green movement, and make lots of friends, full of positive ideas. With all the doom predicted, now wonder people are depressed, and are having anxiety disorders.

Answer 3

The treatment of any phobia involves exposure so you need to get out there as much as possible so you will be able to overcome the fear. It is easier said than done but baby steps are important. Being in school is nice because there are so many opportunities for social interaction at different levels. You will never again have such an opportunity so overcoming this anxiety now is ideal. Talk to a school counselor. Perhaps there is a support group around that might be able to provide support. Don't give up because I am certain you can learn some coping skills that will help you succeed.

Answer 4

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!


Another great website: http://www.markway.com/acceptance/menu.h...

Answer 5

If you can see a doctor or psychiatrist see if they diagnose anxiety. If the do, Lexapro is an excellent med.

Make use of your school's mental health counseling center; they can teach you behavioral techniques to control your anxiety.

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Answer 6

I had that same problem in school. I was given effexor and it took care of it. I felt so much better. I got it from the campus health clinic.

Answer 7

take a course in anxiety and phobia. Worked for me.

Answer 8

Learn the breathing techniques.

Answer 9

TALKING with your friends and helping each other go thru shyt together

Answer 10

try walking. it helps. breathe deep. go to www.holisticonline.com for tips. try also going to www.adaa.org.