I've got university interview coming up this month. Severe anxiety kicking in!!

The thing is, just last September, was the first time i was able to even face going outside the door. I managed to go to college and stick at it, I'm still at college now until June and i still can't believe i got through it after many unsuccessful attempts the years before.

Even the idea of me applying for uni is completely alien to me, last September i was preparing to live my life as a recluse and give up on even trying to leave the house, and here i am, talking about an upcoming uni interview. Crazy haha.

The thing is, i really feel this year at college has helped me SO MUCH with my anxiety, it's still there and it's still affecting my life but i'm going out there, being able to talk to new people without having a panic attack, feeling comfortable in a new place with new people etc...

And because of that, I desperately need to get into UNI this year, I *need* to. I can't come this far only to go back another two steps, it's as if my hopes are al riding on this. I know the career i want, I know i can do it, I just need this chance.

I need to *not* stuff up this interview

But i'm scared stiff, not only am i going to an interview, which is daunting in itself, but that day i'm going to have to go into a strange place, ask at the reception for the course tutor, be shown around the place by people i don't know, with people i don't know, and only after that I'll be interviewed by more than one person.

How the heck am i going to cope with that?

I'm not on any meds or anything, it's just me, alone, waiting to be eaten alive

Hi Puppet,

Firstly, congratulations! You've taken some really big steps in leaving the house and completing a college course on top of that. You should be so so proud of yourself!

I completely understand your fears about University. I went on a simple visit to one University last year, and I couldn't walk through the door at first. If my mother hadn't come with me, I would have just sat outside for goodness knows how long! Is there anyone who could come along with you to offer support -- a friend or family member? Just having someone to talk to on the way there and be by your side as you sign in at reception might be a huge help. Some universities will also not mind a parent coming on the tour with you.

Have you sought professional help for your anxiety? You say you aren't on any meds, but have you thought about doing any form of therapy? It sounds like you are doing a really great job of gradually exposing yourself, and challenging yourself to take new ventures, and some therapy, or CBT could be a great support for that as you take it further.

Wishing you the very best of luck ( ( ( ( Puppet ) ) ) )

Take care, Florry

Hey Florry!

Thanks *hug*
That's actually a really good idea, I might bring someone along with me, I'm a nervous wreck about it, especially having to cart around a big portfolio by myself haha.

Over the last 4 to 5 years i have seen my doctor about it, he sent me to a councilor but it made me feel even worse talking about it to her, she had to be the most patronising woman I've met. One of them actually told me to "help myself" for my parents sake because i'm worrying them sick (wonderful, thanks! lol) after that i gave up and never went back. Even going to the doctors at that time was hard enough, i had to prepare myself hours before leaving the house just so i wouldn't have a massive panic attack.

I might change doctors or try to see someone else though, i don't want to go on meds but you're right, other therapies might help me alongside setting challenges for myself, I'll look in to that.

Thanks again *hug*, i'll need all the luck i can get haha.

xx

( ( ( Puppet ) ) )

I hope that you find someone to accompany you and that the interview goes as well as possible!

I am really sorry that you had such a horrible experience with a therapist. I have had some pretty bad experiences too, and all I can really say is to try and keep going, because when you find the one the you click with, it will make the searching worth it.


Best of luck with the doctors and the uni visit, take care.

Florry

I 100% understand how you're feeling, Puppet. That kind of stuff is really nerve-wracking to me, too.
Bringing someone with you is a good idea, moral support is always a good thing in those circumstances.

Good luck! Remember that afterwards, you'll be glad you did it!

UPDATE !

Thanks for your help, guys! I went to the interview eventually, by myself, and guess what? i got a place!

I thought I was dying haha, it was so nerve wracking. But i somehow managed to just stay calm and talk to the two interviewers, i managed to surprise myself @_@ they seemed really pleased and said they'd like me on the course. I thought it was a dream and i'd wake up any minute haha.

It's amazing, not even a year ago i was here posting about not being able to face enrolling for college, and hardly even being able to go outside the house. And now i'm off to uni in september, and the weird thing is, i'm actually really looking forward to it. That feeling of complete dread isn't there anymore!

I've noticed that with each step, going to college, uni etc i'm getting a bit more confidant and daring to try more things. like this time i realised it wasn't half as bad as the worrying about it was, i think i might be slowly coming out of this nightmare i've been in for most of my teen years :)

Congratulations! Sounds like you took a big step!