Anxiety and studying abroad?
So I took a leap and am studying abroad in a different country from home. Initially I wasn't experiencing as much anxiety as I had anticipated but yesterday was really bad. All day I felt kind of out of it, headache, nausea, constant need to go to the bathroom. I brought my anxiety medication but now I'm fearing that if I keep experiencing episodes like this I won't have enough to last me the entire program and I was hoping to get some tips on how to reduce this feeling. For example this morning I woke up feeling anxious, possible because I was worried about feeling anxious again. I have a lot of support back at home but it's hard with the time difference and I don't want to cause any worry. My doctor told me I could reach out to him at any point but I'm not sure how that would help me out, maybe I should give it a shot. I've not told my professor here how I've been feeling because I'm not sure I'm comfortable enough to open up to her about this. I also have a little support from other students in the group but I don't want to feel like a burden or "Debbie downer" because I'm feeling too anxious to go out or do anything. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for listening
@anoranza
Well, first off it was really difficult I imagine to change countries. Some people, completely normal, without any anxiety issues, can develop anxiety once they change environments. This anxiety disorder is called adaptation disorder. It is definitely hard to handle or to treat with medication as you're not tackling the root of the problem you are facing: adaptation.
On top of that you are experiencing more anxiety because you are being introverted in this situation. Getting help from someone that you care about is a very good way to cope with the anxiety that you are feeling. I understand you don't want to be a burden to others, but being introverted in a situation of adaptation issues IS NOT a good idea. I myself had adaptation disorder and I never told my friends or family that I was experiencing anxiety lest I be taken for granted by people I care for. However, the matter at hand is ANXIETY which can only become worse if you do not open up to people about it. Granted your doctor and any other expert help may calm your anxieties, but being open about it is the best thing.
Another thing you can try is to better adapt to the country you are in. Learn about the culture, speak the language fluently, adapt the accent, participate in different cultural activities. These are things that will help you adapt and make you feel like the culture is your own. This may be hard, but try to ask say one of your colleagues if they can say show you around the city. More you feel comfortable with the culture, less you will be anxious in it's presence.
To sum up, I think you should gradually tell people, not just medical experts about the anxiety and try to become familiar with the culture. And remember anxiety is not an issue that should be neglected. Seeking help for anxiety is not causing a burden to anyone, it is helping yourself and letting others help you.
What are you anxious of? Is there a need to be anxious? You just took a HUGE step forward in life!!! Embrace this chance of a lifetime that will never arise again.
I am in a similar situation, as I lived in america for 14 years, and moved to japan. The cultures different, and I admit I have faced many trials and problems, but ive been able to get through each and every one. Its made me grow in ways that I never would have if I didnt come to Japan.
Keep moving forward.
@anoranza I think there are a number of strategies you can try to use to bring your anxiety levels down. First of all, is there anything like a student health centre/medical centre of a student services centre on your campus, where you can ask to connect with counselling?
But even through the 7 Cups community there are a number of options. Have you tried any of the "Self-Help Guides"? There are some that address anxiety or loneliness or college life or social anxiety; a few different ones might be applicable in your case.
The practice of meditation can also help some people reduce their anxiety. There are many recordings of guided meditations available online, and here on 7 Cups also. Here there are a number of short guided meditations, I think mostly under 10 minutes, called "Mindfulness Exercises".
And of course, you're always able to come on line here to chat with a listener or to join a chat room and share your fears or concerns with someone. And at times, just verbalising the problem can make it seem more manageable.
I hope that some of these strategies might help you out. Take good care, and wish you the best of luck!