This is a letter to all incoming freshmen that feel a little too nervous coming into college.
Sure, everyone has some nerves when beginning a new chapter of their life, but this letter is going out to all students that are constantly worried due to the massive change that is about to begin.
Coming into my freshman year of college, I thought I had everything figured out. I've known that I want to become a Special Needs teacher since is was a freshman in high school, I was on the collegiate dance team and was coming into school with 17 new friends, and although my school is 2.5 hours away, I didn't think I would become homesick that often.
About a week before I began my college experience, I started to feel on-edge and worried 24/7. It would drive me crazy as to why I couldn't figure out the exact reason why I was always nervous. I have been a nervous person all my life, but this was a whole new level of worry. I decided to take it upon myself to do some research about what had been going on with myself.
The definition of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, according to The Mayo Clinic's website, is an excessive amount of ongoing anxiety and worry that interferes with day-to-day activities. GAD is an extremely common disorder among college aged students, and after talking with professionals I was officially diagnosed.
My anxiety got in the way of nearly everything I did. I would become anxious when doing the simplest tasks that normally wouldn't be a big deal to someone else. I would have anxiety when trying to decide what time I needed to wake up before going to class or morning practices, when deciding what to wear for the day, what to eat for lunch, and whether to go out with my friends or stay in for the night.
Although this experience was scary and beyond rough, I wouldn't have been able to get through my freshman year without amazing friends, the support of my family, and a way to release all of my anxiety.
I cannot stress this enough... HAVING A SOLID FRIEND GROUP WAS EVERYTHING!!!
I was beyond blessed to have a great group of friends by my side when I was going through the toughest experience I have yet to face. My friends were there for me whenever I needed them. When I was up late at night with millions of thoughts running through my head all at once, I could text them at whatever time of night asking them "Hey are you up? I need to talk" and they would respond instantly letting me know that I can tell them what was on my mind.
Whenever I physically needed help, I had a group of friends that lived on my floor that would let me run into their room and just sit there so I would have people to be around. Without a group of friends that loved me and supported me when I needed it the most, I feel that my freshman year would have been even rockier.
Although sometimes I argue with them... My family rocks.
With myself being the oldest of three kids, it is safe to say that me leaving the nest was a little difficult for my parents to grasp. I'm sure it didn't help much either that I would always say phrases such as "I can't wait to get out of here" or "take me to Maryville already". Once my GAD began to consume my life, my family was always there for me. There would be some Sunday's that my mom would make the 2.5 hour drive to come take me out to eat and hang out with me when I was feeling on edge, and then she would make the trip back home that night.
I would call them both at 2:00 AM when all of my friends were asleep and I was up having a panic attack. I cannot thank them enough for what my parents did. My younger siblings were just as great. Whenever they found out that I was struggling, they would both either Facetime or text me the next day to ask if I was okay. I've said it before, and I'll say it a million times more... My family is the best thing to ever happen to me.
And lastly, finding a way to release your anxiety is extremely important.
Finding a way to free all of the boiled up nervousness that's living inside of you is beyond important. For me, surrounding myself with people and having fun helped a lot. Whether it was performing on the sidelines with 17 of my best friends, staying in and playing board games with my RA and others on my floor, or sitting around and watching movies and talking with my best friends, I was completely distracted and wasn't focusing on everything in my life that was making me anxious. Some people choose to color in those detailed coloring books, reading, listening to music, and many other ways. One new way I have found that helps distract me from my anxiety is writing. Whatever it may be, find something that distracts you and try to work it into your daily routine. I promise it will help.
So college freshman, I understand how difficult this is. It feels like you are drowning and you can't swim up for a breath of fresh air. But, I am telling you that eventually it does get better! Stay strong and don't be afraid to ask for help. Find yourself a group of friends that loves you unconditionally, stay connected with the people from home that you push you to be the best person you can be, and find little ways to distract yourself from your anxiety. I'm a very firm believer in the big Man upstairs, so I'm ending this letter with a bible verse that helped me get through my toughest days, and I hope this advise will help you as well.
Cast all of your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you. He will help you live through your darkest days.
~1 Peter 5:7~
