Updated Anxiety Story | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Updated Anxiety Story

A view of my anxiety a year later.

8
Updated Anxiety Story
Pixabay.com

I am a person with social anxiety. Social anxiety is defined as a chronic mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety. In simpler words, being social is scary. But obviously it is something that many people cannot avoid, especially a college student.

My anxiety story started almost one year ago. While there are many factors that contributed, with time and much thought, I have pinpointed it to a few factors. One of them was obviously being away from home for the first time. I have been away from home before, but usually at least one of my parents have been with me or someone I was close with at the time or I considered family. Going from a routine of going to school, then coming home to see my family, pets and spend time with friends into going to school and coming back to my room with very little contact with my family was tough. Another thing was a certain person in my life. This person made me feel uncomfortable in more ways than one. They would make me fear to leave my bedroom or even answer the door for someone because I may see them.

A year went by and a few medications were tested until I found one that I felt comfortable with. Coming back to college, still worried about minor things, I though I could deal with it until I walked into one of my classes and saw the same person who made me scared all throughout last year sitting in my classroom. A few weeks later, after a long and stressful day, I broke down. I decided earlier that day to not take my medication because it wasn't working as well as it once was. I came into my room and cried on the phone with my mom. After hanging up I cried more until my roommate came in and had to try and calm me down before practice.

I love practicing because I love the sport I play and I love my teammates. But that day, the thing I loved made me terrified. I didn't go to the next two practices because of the unusual fear of playing. Don't get me wrong, I get nervous before playing a game sometimes, but practice is usually different.

The beginning of this year, I would barely eat in the dining hall. Going there made me feel like vomiting. I would leave my room for only school and practice. I even remember one of my roommates friends asking why they never saw me around the campus. I answered by telling him that besides going to class and practice, I never left the room. Not to eat, or hangout with friends or even just to get some fresh air. I would ask someone to drive me to the grocery store to stock up on food so I wouldn't ever have to leave.

The next few weeks went by. I went home for a few days because I needed to be somewhere that I knew I would be safe and that I have been for a long time. I changed medications and started talking to people about my issue. At first I was embarrassed of seeing someone about what was wrong with me. But I shouldn't feel embarrassed of trying to get to know myself better and why I am the way I am.

At this moment in time, I am now going to eat a few times a day (gaining back all the weight I lost plus extra). I made goals for myself such as "Go to the dining hall during a busy time with some friends." and "Try talking to a few people I have wanted to become closer with." Now I go alone during busy times of lunch and don't get as scared and I have made a few new friends. It's weird thinking about that one day earlier this month that I was crying in my bed, scared and depressed about leaving my bed for anything and now I go out and do things alone without a thought in my mind that I can't do something.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24742
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10322
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7566
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments