Ever since about my Junior year of high school I have been experiencing at least one time of absolutely horrible stress each semester. I start feeling like I am falling behind and can't keep up, I get so overwhelmed and it feels like I can't get out of it. It feels like my whole life is so out of balance because I have more to do than I think I can handle. My grades are fine (All A's), and I know that is a feat in college. There are just these times when I just can't seem to cope with life. I know there has to be a balance, but gosh! I just can't seem to find it and HOLD ON TO IT! I went to a counselor about this last semester, and it really helped. But somehow I am right back where I started all over again: depressed, stressed out, overwhelmed, and wanting desperately to be happy again. I want to beat this. I am a counseling major for crying out loud! And I want to be the best counselor that I can be someday.
If anyone has some encouragement, or experience with feeling this way I'd love to hear from you!
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What you are feeling is not uncommon - especially during this part of a semester.
Many students start to get what I like to call mid-winter sickness, and they get restless as spring break gets nearer. Cabin fever can be an issue - which can lead to roommate conflicts.
Roommate conflicts in and of themselves can be stressful - especially if you're feeling pressure about mid-terms or finals - little things can start to set you off
I don't know what year you are - but seniors can have a whole other set of concerns and worries situated around graduation, job searches and fears that they have picked the right major.
For many students, money becomes an issue - especially if you are working part time, or are trying to come up with money for spring break - you may start worrying about where to stay during the summer, or looking for a summer job.
Given all the things that today's college students deal with, it is not surprising that you are stressed out and concerned.
You might try a visit with your counselor again - I don't know if you were seeing one off campus or if you were going through the school - but sometimes just having a place to vent is all you really need.
If you live in a residence hall, find a RA that you are comfortable talking with - maybe he/she can come up with some programming that can help you relax - or at least direct you to the correct resources on campus.
Also - if you are concerned about classes (even though you have A's, I completely understand your worry - scholarships, graduate school etc are often dependent on grades) have a chat with your professors - you don't have to ask for any special favors - but maybe just let them know that you are feeling very stressed out. You would be amazed at how recpetive professors are to student needs if they know about them.
One of the things that got me through school is thinking of things in terms of semesters. I can handle anything for a semester. Then it's over and I can move on.
Try not to over extend your self with outside activities. If you are involved in lots of things outside of the classroom, realize it is ok to say no and take some time for yourself. On the flip side, if all you are doing is worrying about classes, give youself permission to find a hobby that you like, or volunteer in order to give you something else to focus on.
You can get through this. Really college is more about persistence than anything else. Take some time for yourself to relax and breath a little bit and give yourself room to make mistakes - (mistakes are where the best learning comes from). You've got a whole bunch of people here rooting for you - and the end result is not as far off as you think!
Take deep, deep breaths. Breathe. Remind yourself that you are in a busy time and that it will be over soon. If you can afford to, get a massage. Take warm baths with lavender scents to calm down. No matter how busy, take a least 5 minutes just to relax Good luck. You're doing great! Lendi
__________________ It's ok to cry if you're sad. Tears are God's little safety valve.
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College isn't/wasn't an easy time for any of us. Remember that everyone feels that stressed at some point of their education! Remember to put everything into perspective: A's are great, but B's pass the class just as well. I know that this sounds counter-producitve, but playing sports through college (or getting involved in any club or organization) really helped me! Can you beleive that? Dealing with PCO, Anxiety/Depression...and then playing basketball?? (maybe I was just plain crazy!) The physical activity really helped me calm down to concentrate when I needed to And I got in a REALLY great schedule of practice then dinner then working on my assignments. Schedule your time out, stick to it, and REMEMBER to add FREE TIME for yourself!!!!
And BTW, my best friend has her master's in counceling--MSW, and she has "breakdowns" every now and then just like everyone. No one will ever fault your ability to be a great councelor just because you are NORMAL!
Take care of yourself.
hugs- julie
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This isnt very encouraging, but I withdrew with a whole semester of W's last semester..and I didn't go back this semester. I couldn't handle college. I started to feel stressed out sophmore/junior yr in high school..and each semester as it went on(i was a starting junior year iin college) it got worse and worse! I transferred aftger m y freshman year, but it never got better at my new school... I plan on going back but not for a couple years.. I don't recommend giving up though.. I kinda wished I hadn't..my brothers a graduate student now, and he never gets freaked out but this semester cuz of tests and all, he is too..its doable..just think at least this summer unless your in summer classes youll get a break..
I know how you feel!! I love being in college, living with the people I love, but at the same time, I'm also living with people I can't stand and it's so hard! Yesterday I had a freaking panic attack in class, go figure. Not to mention I'm a music major so the words "take time for yourself" mean nothing to me....there's always something to be practiced, lol.
Feel free to e-mail me if you want to vent more or talk about college...I'm a senior too, but I still have another year since I'm a Bible major and a music major.
Hang in there though, we'll get through AND it's almost summer! PTL! I can't wait.
The College Cope 
