If you deal with anxiety or any type of anxiety disorder, then you might already be aware of the unprecedented stress that is mounting as we approach the end of the semester. Whether it is obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, paranoia, post traumatic stress disorder, constant worry or irrational fears, those beasts have a way of getting in the way of your everyday life. When you throw school work, final projects and final exams in the mix it seems as if you do not have a grip on your life and that everything is spiraling out of control.
Though living with these disorders can be difficult, it sometimes does not have to be. As someone who has an anxiety disorder I know personally that it is possible to make it through final exam time even if it seems like dark clouds are looming over your head. To combat those icky feelings of the extra pressure that the end of the semester brings, we sometimes resort to really good and to some not so good options to ease our minds. In undergrad alone, the use of prescription medication is deemed necessary to gain focus, ease overactive nerves, calm racing minds and to even catch up on some much needed rest that you may not be getting. For some that option is well controlled and for others it sometimes turns into a habit that is hard to break.
While we all experience “all nighters” or “cram sessions” the trend of misusing drugs such as adderall and vyvanse is a leading option for many college students wanting to make the best grades. While not everyone will need either prescription in their lifetime many college students will opt to use the drug even if it is not for them. Both drugs are frequently used in treating ADHD, ADD, narcolepsy or severe sleep conditions in children and adults. However, most students get their hands on these prescriptions from classmates and close friends. Statistically college student ranging from 18-25 are more likely to be exposed to the drugs while those in their junior and senior year are more likely to abuse them.
Abuse of a drug is defined as “the overindulgence in, or dependence upon, any addictive substance, especially alcohol or drugs”, as defined by Affordable Colleges online. While the mental havoc of wanting to do well in school weighs heavy on your shoulders, taking a medicine for a condition that you do not have can become addictive and in most ways a crutch. While many see no short term harm in taking drugs such as adderall or vyvanse without the proper prescription there are some effects that could creep up in the long run. An example of this is being at a greater risk of depression and aggressive behavior, or if you already have depression you could be doing more harm than good.
Statistically, 1 in 4 college students have already used drugs that do not belong to them while 1 in 3 admit that they use the drugs to concentrate and stay up to study. What is most alarming is that 54 percent of college students are asked to trade or sell their prescriptions to peers who need them. While this may seem harmless there is more internal damage that could manifest later on in the form of health issues.
If you truly feel as though you need some type of stimulant to get you to relax and focus better in school visit your counseling center so that they can refer you to a psychiatrist and psychologist. The thought of going to ether can be scary especially since the stigma around mental illness is avidly judgemental, however, the sooner you discover a treatment that works for you the sooner your wellbeing will be! If you are looking for a start of where to go visit GSU’s counseling center on taking the next steps.
If you are truly feeling out of sorts it is important that you know the signs. Depression and anxiety will look different on everyone and often not have a face at all. Internally there will be something that does not sit right and if you are feeling that way be sure to tell a trusted friend or peer or if you do not have access to them call the suicide prevention hotline or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org for immediate help. Not only does this site offer help on suicide prevention but they also offer help on what you can do before you depression takes you to a darker place.
There is always one thing to remember when you have anxiety or an anxiety disorder and that is to remember that you are made extra special. Just think of yourself as having a super power that many people do not understand. Yes, it is difficult to process sometimes because you have so much running through your mind but you can continue to push through until the end of the semester. Take your life day by day because there is so much more to life beyond your final exams that you will one day accomplish. Anxiety, depression and anything dealing with your mental state is not the end so try not to think of it as such, but if you are truly having a hard time here are a few tips to help you sort things out:
1. Take a step back.
If things have become too much and if you are overwhelmed because you want to be amazing simply take a break. I know that is easier said than done (trust me, I get it) but everything begins with stepping back to see the full picture.
2. If you need a prescription get a diagnosis.
It is one thing to understand that you may have some type of diagnosis but do not take anyone else’s medication. You never know how many doses they have or how strong each dosage is, plus you do not want to become accustomed to something you do not have access to!
3. Breathe.
Literally just breathe. Go running, do yoga, exercise your physical the way you do your mental and balance things out. Taking the time to breathe will calm you down and help you see pictures more vividly.
4. Sleep.
Get plenty of it. All nighters will happen but what good are you on test day if you cannot focus?
5. Therapy.
Maybe your problems are bigger than what you can solve on your own and maybe you and your head are not rational enough. Getting an outside opinion of someone qualified to help you if more valuable than you feeling like you are walking alone. Gone are the days of saying that therapy is not something that you need. At some point we all will need it, so why not start now?
6. Celebrate!
Yes, celebrate! Life has so many beautiful things to offer that we often ignore because we get into our own heads. Once you finish those finals close those books and go out to do something that you enjoy!