How do I calm my anxiety on the first day of college?

How do I overcome my first day of college anxiety?

Ease yourself in

You don't have to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, even if other people are doing it. It's important to take things at your own pace. If someone asks you to a social gathering that you feel you are not ready for, it is completely ok to say no. You do not need to give an explanation.

Why does college trigger my anxiety?

Stress and anxiety in college students can be caused by several factors. Some common causes of anxiety include transitions, academic pressure, peer pressure, new social settings, and unmet expectations. Knowing what is causing student anxiety makes identifying coping skills easier.

How scary is the first day of college?

The first day of freshman year can be a scary thought. You are walking into a new place, with new people at your new home, and you have no clue how to take it all in. The best part of being a freshman is that everyone else in your class is right there with you, and the people who aren't were there at one point.

Why am I so anxious first day of college?

The first day of college can seem like the perfect storm of anxiety-inducing triggers. Between not knowing where your classes are, not knowing the people in your class, nor how/where you're going to find time to nap/eat/be a human being -- feelings of fear and stress can put you in a dark place.

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Why am I so nervous on the first day of college?

It is perfectly normal to be worried or nervous about heading to college! It is a big transition from high school to college for all young adults and especially for neurodivergent young adults. Feeling anxious before freshman year is truly a universal experience.

Is it normal to be anxious for college?

Experiencing anxiety in college is no rarity. In fact, therapists identify anxiety as the most common concern for students, according to Pennsylvania State University's Center for Collegiate Mental Health's annual report.

How common is anxiety in college students?

Anxiety. While anxiety is a common and normal reaction to stress, anxiety disorders can disrupt students' daily lives. 35% of students said they had been diagnosed with anxiety. 34% of all students surveyed said anxiety negatively impacted their performance in class during the last 12 months.

What does college anxiety look like?

Other warning signs are prolonged feelings of sadness or despair, excessive anxiety or panic, isolation or withdrawal from typical daily activities, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, giving away possessions, changes in personal hygiene, and excessive use of alcohol or other drugs, which are often used by students ...

What medication is used for college anxiety?

Medication for College Anxiety

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs are a popular choice, because they're generally well tolerated and considered more effective than other options.

What is the best anxiety medication for college students?

The best daily medications to treat GAD are antidepressants from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) categories. The SSRIs sertraline and escitalopram and the SNRIs venlafaxine and duloxetine are effective treatments for GAD.

Is it normal to cry on your first day of college?

It is very normal. It's a big change, leaving home, going to some strange place, leaving all that is familiar. It can be exciting and overwhelming and scary all at the same time. I cried when I first went off to college.

What calms you down?

Can I miss the first day of college?

Failure to attend may be taken into consideration by instructors when assigning grades. Students who miss the first class meeting, are absent for two contiguous class meeting or have too many absences MAY be dropped by the Instructor at any time during the semester until the final deadline for withdrawal.

What do teachers think when students cry?

Most teachers would agree that acknowledging the student's emotional state without being too obvious is better. And don't be nervous or embarrassed yourself! A friendly, approachable, soothing attitude is usually more appropriate.

How long does it take to feel normal at college?

Feeling homesick at college can last a few weeks or several months. Homesickness can also return, even after you think you've gotten over those feelings. Adjusting to your new environment can take time. Strategies for dealing with college homesickness can help you overcome those feelings.

How does the first day of college usually go?

The first day of class is usually a syllabus review day. You will probably receive a syllabus with important deadlines, assignments, professor office hours and textbook requirements. Keep your syllabus in a safe place as you will likely refer to this more than once.

What not to say to a student with anxiety?

What is the number 1 drug for anxiety?

Gabapentin is the most common drug used to treat anxiety, accounting for 17.6% of prescriptions dispensed in 2022. While typically used to treat seizure disorders, the medication is also used to manage symptoms for patients with anxiety and other mental health disorders.

What is the most common anxiety disorder in college students?

PANIC DISORDER: characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear and anxiety that occur often and without warning. College students are in a high-risk age group for panic disorder, as it most frequently is diagnosed during young adulthood.

What is the safest anti anxiety drug?

What are the top 5 medications for anxiety?

The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

Do anxiety meds cause weight gain?

Two anxiety medications that cause weight gain are tricyclic antidepressants and atypical antidepressants. The anxiety medications that result in weight loss are SSRI's also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SRNI's also known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Do anxiety meds help with overthinking?

If you have anxiety, medication can help because the medicines used for anxiety alter the chemicals in your body and brain, reducing symptoms, and often helping you calm down and focus on other things.