How To Cope With Anxiety At Cardiff University
Sweaty palms, racing heart beat, fluttering stomach, heavy chest are the common symptoms one experiences often when they suffer from anxiety. Perhaps these symptoms are regularly felt when you’re put in a situation that makes you nervous such as a job interview or an exam. However, these symptoms can be experienced daily for no reason at all, when you have an anxiety disorder. It’s an unbearable feeling that can take over your entire life, especially when you’re in an intense environment such as University. This is my personal story of how I dealt with my anxiety disorder at Cardiff University.
1) Be open.
Being so wrapped up in your emotions is not healthy. Bottling what you’re feeling inside, will not make you feel any better. The truth is that it’s understandable if you don’t want to broadcast your anxiety from the roof tops but it’s vital for your health to open up to your friends. The friends I made at Cardiff University this year we’re immensely helpful and I owe it to them to credit them for their support.
2) Push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Join that society you were thinking about, Sign up for sports teams and have fun with your friends. The Great thing about Cardiff University is there is so much on offer for students, with over 200 societies to choose and 60 sports clubs to join there is something for everyone, no matter your interests or abilities.
3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“A problem shared, is a problem halved”, words to live by, As overwhelming as Cardiff University may seem, you are not alone. Cardiff University offers fantastic services in order to make you feel comfortable opening about your anxiety. Student Support is located next to the Students Union, and their well-being service offers students, walk in appointments daily, one on one council sessions, and a variety of workshops on coping with mental health so you can find the most suited forum for you.
4) Keep in touch with Family.
It’s important not to be over reliant on your family, especially when you first start as you will find it harder to adjust to University life. But, if you do feel a little homesick or wanting to reach out to someone who understands what you’re feeling, pick up the phone or arrange for your family to come visit and go on a day out, Sometimes all you need is advice from your mum.
5) Accept some days will be harder than other.
Acceptance is perhaps the most challenging process when coping with anxiety. Maybe, your anxiety out lives how long you expected it and that’s okay. Take each day as it comes. Try your hardest to be proactive but don’t beat yourself up if you are struggling. Take care of yourself, your health is the most important thing.
6) Don’t let the best years of your life be run by your anxiety.
A closing point is, take on board all the information above and put it into action. Cardiff University is where you can make mistakes, discover who you are and who you want to be. You will start to feel more relaxed when you realize you don’t have to suffer in silence. And remember that anxiety can affect us all in different ways, and no one person experiences the same. There are many small things that can relieve it. They will help you get the Cardiff University experience you deserve.
