What should I do please?

[Anonymous]

So I have anxiety, I got bullied in the past so each time i have to go to a new school I get really triggered, I already have a school im 21 and almost finished. Getting my social worker degree. But its in a new school because mom said i should finish as early as possible but if i waited like a few months then id go to a school i know and finish later like in June.

what should i do?

I feel really stressed that i have to go to new university tomorrow im scared and annoyed

[BobbieBoy666]

The decision of whether to start at a new school now or wait a few months is a personal one, and it's important to weigh your anxiety and well-being against the desire to finish early. Here are some steps to help you navigate this decision and manage your anxiety.
Understand and address your anxiety
Your anxiety is a real and valid response to past trauma from bullying, and feeling triggered by a new school is a normal reaction.
Acknowledge the source: Recognize that the fear comes from your past experiences, not from any current threat. Understanding this can help you separate past triggers from your present situation.
Talk to someone: Speak with a counselor or therapist about your fears. A professional can provide strategies for managing anxiety and processing trauma related to bullying. Many universities offer counseling services for students.
Validate your feelings: Tell yourself that it's okay to feel scared and annoyed. Dismissing these feelings will likely increase your anxiety; while accepting them can help you move through them.
Focus on the present: Practice mindfulness to stay grounded. Techniques like deep breathing can help when you feel overwhelmed by worst-case scenarios.
Evaluate your options with a cost-benefit analysis
Create a list of pros and cons for each of your choices to help clarify what is most important to you.
Option 1: Start at the new school tomorrow
Pros:
Finish earlier: Following your mom's timeline means you'll complete your social work degree ahead of schedule.
Sense of accomplishment: Pushing through your fear and completing your education on an accelerated timeline could be a significant achievement for you.
Cons:
High anxiety and stress: You will have to immediately face the stress of a new environment, which is a major trigger for your anxiety.
Risk of burnout: The combination of anxiety and a demanding academic program could lead to burnout, affecting your performance and well-being.
Difficult social integration: Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety can make it harder to make new connections and build a support system at the new school.
Option 2: Wait a few months for a familiar school
Pros:
Prioritize mental health: This option allows you to put your well-being first and avoid unnecessary, intense stress.
Familiar environment: Attending a school you already know can reduce the anxiety related to new surroundings, letting you focus on your studies.
Time to prepare: The waiting period can be used to work with a therapist on coping mechanisms for your anxiety, so you can enter the new environment feeling more prepared and in control.
Cons:
Delayed graduation: You would finish later, in June, which goes against your mom's preference for an earlier finish.
Pressure from your mom: You may need to have a difficult conversation with your mom to explain your decision and manage her potential disappointment.
Communicate your needs to your mom
Parental pressure can increase academic stress, and it's important to advocate for your own well-being.
Use "I" statements: When you talk to your mom, use phrases like, "I feel really stressed and anxious when I think about starting a new school tomorrow because of what happened in the past".
Explain your needs: Help her understand that this isn't about being lazy or giving up. Frame your decision as a way to ensure you finish your degree successfully, rather than risk your mental health in an anxiety-inducing situation.
Schedule a check-in: If the conversation becomes too difficult, suggest that you both take some time to think before discussing it again. This is more productive than an argument.
Create a plan for either scenario
No matter what you decide, having a clear plan can reduce your feelings of powerlessness.
If you go tomorrow: Focus on managing just the first day. Plan your route, your clothes, and a simple reward for getting through it. Know where the student counseling center is located in case you need immediate support.
If you wait: Put a plan in place for the next few months. This could involve finding a therapist, volunteering, or starting an online course to keep your skills sharp. This will show your mom you are still productive and committed to your goal.
Ultimately, your mental health is a top priority. A few months' difference in your graduation date is a small price to pay for graduating as a healthy, well-adjusted social worker, rather than pushing through and risking your well-being.

[BriamG22]

Hmmm, I know it's scary and it pisses you off, but sometimes putting yourself in a new environment and uncomfortable situations is actually really good for you. It helps build character and it may even prove beneficial for your anxiety.

I promise that what you're feeling now is not how it's gonna be tomorrow. I'm sure after a day or two you'll be able to regain some semblance of normalcy. Do you think you can tough it out for a couple of days?

If its something you really think you can't handle then just wait the few months. A delay of a few months is never really going to damage your career, trust me. By the time you're like 28 or 29 the delay of a few months will feel like a drop in a bucket.

If you're going to attend the new university you should really be doing it for yourself, to challenge yourself, to build yourself and to show yourself you can adapt to new environments.

Just remember to take deep breaths, exit from a situation if it gets too overwhelming, find and meet some nice people. You can do it!!!

[Asker]

That is so sweet thank you

[BriamG22]

All the best on the first day! Believe in yourself and just keep reminding yourself it's not going to be as bad as you're anticipating, right now is the worst its gonna get.

When you're in class taking your notes, listening to the lecturer, it'll be much easier!

You can do it, I'll be rooting for you! 💪💪

[Asker]

But it’s different, i get overstimulated and very hot when I’m around a lot of people and environment, I faint because I have pots too

[BriamG22]

Would you prefer discussing this over DM?

[Asker]

Sure! I’d love to

[AI Opinion]

Transitioning to a new school can be challenging, especially given past experiences. However, consider your long-term goals and the benefits of finishing earlier. Building resilience is vital, and this situation provides an opportunity to cultivate it. Practice self-care, and try to connect with a counselor or mentor at your new school for support. Joining student groups might also help create a sense of belonging. Trust in your capability to manage this change and focus on the positive outcomes.

[jahaims]

You sound like a child. How tf are you going to be a social worker?

[Asker]

That is mean.

[Iron_Man]

Exercise learn self-defense defend yourself don’t take any crap off of anyone

[Anonymous]

You should start practicing martial arts, so you can defend yourself from the bullies.