Sleepless nights, difficult classes, crowded spaces, and loud parties are all defining characteristics of the college experience. It can be a draining time for anyone.
Now add social anxiety into the mix. Moving away from home to live with strangers in an undersized dorm room becomes a much larger undertaking. Your ability to participate in class discussions can make or break your grade, but you can't seem to stop anxiety from rearing its head without fail, a constant presence in your life which you neither wanted nor asked for.
Social anxiety is disruptive to learning, and to personal and social growth. And yet, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems facing college students. It often occurs alongside other disorders, including depression.
Mental health is a seldom-discussed topic, despite the destructive effects poor mental health can bring about. The stigma surrounding it draws a deeper divide, and increases the isolation of individuals who live with anxiety and other mental health issues.
Many people respond to talk of social anxiety as if it were synonymous to an intense shyness. However, studies have disproved any strong correlation between shyness and social anxiety disorder.
I made the mistake of letting anxiety take control during my first year of college at Oregon State University. I shared a dorm with two people from my high school, and relied on them far too much socially. Though I met new people through classes and activities, I formed no lasting relationships, and wound up feeling isolated.
Even when I heard about events that interested me, I was too uncomfortable to actually go to them. Some days, I couldn't bring myself to leave my room for more than a quick stop at the dining hall. I regretted every missed opportunity, but felt powerless to do anything about it.
After a year gone mostly to waste, I found the resources on campus that I had been in need of.
Most campuses have vast resources for maintaining mental health. At Oregon State University, the services provided by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are covered by student fees. In other words, you're paying for it regardless, and may as well take advantage of it. Employees at CAPS are certified mental health professionals who can provide individual, couple, and group counseling. CAPS provides counseling during office hours, as well as an after-hours hotline for emergency situations.
CAPS also offers free relaxation services through the Mind Spa, including a full body massage chair, guided relaxation, and meditation.
The stress of college can take a toll on both the body and the mind, and the damage can be much greater for those who live with any form of an anxiety disorder.
My advice is to take advantage of any help you can get, whether it be counseling, medication to ease your symptoms, or the "buddy system." Ask a close and trusted friend to attend an event with you, or even to sign up for a class with you, if it's something that interests you both. Having someone familiar around can make it much less daunting to go somewhere new.
Most importantly, don't force yourself into situations that you know may trigger an anxiety attack. It's okay to rely on your instinct to tell you how much is too much, and take breaks when needed. It's difficult to feel as if you can't keep up with everyone else, even though it feels like you put in twice the work. But letting the stress of college wreak havoc on your mental health won't do any good.
Take a mental health day when you need it. You're not alone, and you're going to be okay.
