Trouble Adjusting To College

[Weremonks]

I don't know if this post fits in this thread completely, but it's the one that's most apt to my feelings of what is happening to me. As a freshman in college, I had the initial stress and excitement of getting a new start somewhere and meeting all new people. After having to transfer high schools mid way through junior year, and falling out of contact with most of my friends from childhood, I was mostly nervous for making new friends. After three weeks now, I've made several groups of friends, and have been more social than every before in my life. But for some reason I'm still really nervous and despite my best efforts to calm myself (meditation, studying, music, ect.) I haven't been able to. This coupled with nightmares and a girl in one of my classes triggering the memories of my rape, I haven't been able to focus on anything for very long or even feel fully apart of events happening around me. I know it's normal to get homesick and stuff like that after going to college, but I hated my home life, which is also unsettling me a little bit. I don't really know what to do anymore because I've tried all of the "normal" things I do for calming down (meditation, listening to isochronic tones when I sleep, listening to soft music, running, eating) so if anyone has any other ideas on calming down to the point where I can take notes and function in class and conversations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi, are you registered with disability services? If not, it would be a good idea.

 

[Weremonks]

I'm not enrolled with disability services, but I don't personally feel like I need to. I'm a week ahead in classes thankfully, and maintained a 3.8 GPA in high school despite playing 5 sports and taking 7 AP classes. I've always been able to succeed academically (transferring in almost 2 year worth of credits), it's not really the academic stuff that's bothering me, it's more the social and psychological stuff that's getting to me.

 

[joeylittle]

Hi, @Weremonks. I moved this thread into Employment and Education since you are really working on how to adjust to the new environment of college.

I second what @Solara suggests: figure out where the disabilities service center is and go and talk to them. They can likely hook you up with all sorts of resources and supports - hopefully they are decently supported by the college. You should also look into mental health services, specifically to see a counselor you can talk things out with and brainstorm with.

College is a big adjustment, whether you liked it at home or not. I was the same, really couldn't wait to get away from my family - but felt completely discombobulated and isolated for the whole first semester. I think pretty much every college freshman goes through a version of it - and when you are dealing with PTSD or any mental health issue, it's just extra-extra hard.

 

[joeylittle]

I've tried all of the "normal" things I do for calming down (meditation, listening to isochronic tones when I sleep, listening to soft music, running, eating) so if anyone has any other ideas on calming down to the point where I can take notes and function in class and conversations

Indicates that you've done your best to apply what you know - and you mention taking notes and functioning in class as being a problem. Regardless of your confidence in your academic abilities - go and get registered. Whether or not you need to use any of the accommodations is up to you - but it will help the university give you access to the support systems it has, and those are going to be a really important part of your adjustment.

it's not really the academic stuff that's bothering me, it's more the social and psychological stuff that's getting to me.

Disability services can give you access to things to help with this also. I'm just passionate about this issue because I work with undergrads and frequently see things slide downhill very quickly; I'm not saying that's going to be you, I'm just saying that going and doing it now while you're ahead in your work and have a bit of time is going to be much better than trying to deal with it later.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi I am a bit confused as you say you are having trouble functioning in class (which is an academic issue), but then say its not the academic stuff that is bothering you. Its not about the academic stuff bothering you. MANY people who register for disability services don't have issues with the academic end per se, but they need the services regardless. One group that comes to mind is the deaf/hard of hearing. They require disability services in order to excel, but wouldn't necessarily have issues with the academic end of things. The thing is that disability services is a safety net. Even if you don't need it, its good to know its there. If you spiral out of control, you won't feel like getting those accommodations at that point, and instructors may not be all that forgiving. But, if you have taken precautions then you will get the support you need. And, since finances are involved in one way or another, its also a good idea as you will be taking precautions against financial repercussions (losing a scholarship if your GPA falls too low, or having to pay to take a class a second time). Yes, you may be ahead of the game at this point, but it is very early in the semester and things will only get tougher. You are unable to judge how the rest of the semester will go at this point. Think of disability services as an insurance policy. Its a good thing to have just in case.

 

[Nighteyes]

I feel for you. When I moved away to college the first time it was a major adjustment. I as well left home as home was a huge contributer to the PTSD. I made lots of friends and was completely a different person. However; at one point was triggered and it began a spiral of symptoms.

I was also a 4.0gpa holder, and through the help of school councilors I was given support and a means to maintain this average. I recommend seeking out resources at your college like counceling services, disability services to at least see what they can offer for support.

If not that then seek out community resources, you might be suprized at what's out there. Also, since I'm not sure what you are majoring in, but lots of programs like healthcare have volunteer options which could help gain experiance , friend ships and someone to confined in...

Best of luck, just remember it does get better one day, one moment at a time.