Taking time off school because of anxiety?
Hey everyone :) So I'm supposed to be starting my last (non-compulsory) year of school soon but I'm really not sure what to do. Going to class gives me really bad anxiety, but I've been trying to go anyway so that I can get more used to it and it hopefully won't bother me as much... but this doesn't seem to be working, as my anxiety hasn't got any better after tons of "exposure therapy" i.e. forcing myself to go to class even though I hate it. So, I'm considering maybe taking some time off to just get better and decrease my stress levels - but I don't want things to get worse when I do return to school/ university later! So what do you guys think? - if continuing to go to class doesnt make it easier for me, then would not going make it harder to go back to that kind of educational setting later (as I wouldn't be used to it anymore)? I'd really appreciate your help since I'm completely stuck! Thank you <3 <3 <3
I took a semester off for health reasons (physical and mental) in college, and then again in grad school and both times it was a really good choice for me. I needed the chance to heal and it wasn't that different going back than if my summer break had just been extra long. I don't know how it would work for you or how things are set up at your school, but I didn't feel like I got more anxious or "out of practice" by taking the time off.
Pushing yourself through the year without working on the problem will not make it better, especially if you wanna go to university afterwards. But I also have to say the best way to fight anxiety is supported practise. To be more precise: See a therapist regularly but stay in school. You're responsible for teaching your brain that there is no reason to be anxious. This is a hard thing to do, it can be done alone but I would advise seeking professional help, because therapists are like personal trainers for your mind. They know how to support you best. Unfortunately if left untreated, anxiety will come back as it was when you return to school.
