Feeling Anxious About Going Back To College?
This back-to-school season is unlike any other.
After the shutdown on campuses in Spring 2020, most universities worldwide have announced the courses will be online for the fall season. Many students across the world are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime back-to-school season.
It is a strange time to be a freshman, indeed.
University of Southern California (USC) has announced that courses will primarily remain online.
So if you feel overwhelmed and feel like your anxiety is taking over you during this unprecedented time, know that you are not alone.
For the ones who are experiencing discomfort about this academic year, we have a few suggestions to help you.
Pay attention to how you’re feeling
You may be feeling a sense of discomfort. Sitting with a negative emotion without identifying what it is doesn’t help you address that problem.
That’s why, let’s start with acknowledging we may be experiencing anxiety.
You may not have anxiety disorders, but everyone experiences anxiety from time to time.
Think clearly about your motivations
Talking with an AI app and other supportive network of people can help.
On Ashley, you can create a group of other students who experience anxiety.
Try rationally analyzing your thoughts
How do you feel? Jotting down your thoughts on a journal or with digital apps to track your mood can help.
Practice grounding techniques
Focus your attention on the present with guided breathing, stretching, and mindfulness exercises.
Consider your mental health while choosing to go back to campus
It’s a difficult choice to make but it is your choice.
Imagine positive outcomes instead of negative ones
This technique is especially helpful for those dealing with anticipatory anxiety.
It will help you replace your worry with excitement and encourage you to realize that some anticipatory worries might be unrealistic.
Limit your news intake
Choose the resources you take your news from wisely and limit your intake.
Try to not check news more than 2–3 times a day.
Feeling anxious, stressed or looking for someone to talk to?
You can download Ashley AI Friend for free and start chatting with a therapist trained AI friend in a safe and private space. Ashley checks in your mood, converses with you and gives you free CBT resources to help you feel better. No judgment included. Or you can talk to other real life users on the group chat. Connect, make friends or vent off! Download now: https://bit.ly/AshleyIn
