This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Oxford Emory chapter.
My freshman year of high school, I was diagnosed with severe OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and began taking medication for it. Now that I am a freshman in college, it is a whole new world that I need to adapt to. Here are five things that I have learned when dealing with OCD during my first few months in college at Oxford College of Emory University.
- You’re Definitely Not Alone: I went to a very small high school, so I was always alone when it came to my mental illness. However, now that I’m at a larger college, I have met so many other people that struggle with similar things, whether that be through casual conversation or through various mental health clubs on campus. It is wonderful knowing that you are not the only one dealing with your issues, and it is also helpful to learn coping mechanisms that others may use. Having someone that understands completely what you are going through and is in the same environment is comforting, and this aspect of college has been really reassuring. Join clubs and take notes of others, you may find your new best friend!
- Communal Bathrooms/Sharing: Yeah, throughout the entirety of my college application process, this was my biggest fear. Sharing a bathroom and shower with strangers (for me, twenty-four) is absolutely terrifying. Although I am still adapting to this, I have some advice on how to make it easier. For showering, set your alarm for a weird time, such as 6:23 or something. Most people would set it for 6:30, so now you have a head-start and can choose whichever shower you want (I choose the one furthest from everyone and is normally the cleanest)! This way, you have some alone time and are in a shower that is comfortable for you. This idea applies for the bathroom, as well. Set your body on a schedule for when not a lot of people are in there. Also, I take note of when the cleaning staff have just finished cleaning, and that ensures that the areas I’m using are clean and sterile for me. Same goes for the dining hall. I took a peek at how they clean the shared dishes, and this made me feel a lot better. If that isn’t the case for you, then don’t feel badly bringing disposable utensils or what not! No one is going to take a second look at you, I promise.
- Decompressing: It is becoming more common for college campuses to have counseling and health centers. Definitely take advantage of these places, they’re there to help YOU! I also set a time aside each week where I talk on the phone with my best friend (she’s on the other side of the country) where we catch up and we help each other work through stuff, and this routine comforts me a lot. Also take note of where study rooms or quiet areas are, and be sure to use them whenever necessary. Your roommates may be in your room, and sometimes you just need that alone and quiet time for yourself.
- Professors Care About Their Students: Most professors realize that college is becoming increasingly intense and stressful, and colleges are working on compromises or means to ease the school environment for their students. Many professors will understand and work with you if you need more time for an assignment because of your anxiety or stress; they are willing to listen and help you out! They are more than likely willing to work something out that isn’t as stressful for you, whether that be an extension or extra help on the assignment. Professors are there for you, and they genuinely want you to succeed in their class. Get to know them, and they’ll happily help you out! Don’t stretch yourself too thin; it’s the beginning of your college career, that bad grade on a test in some class is NOT going to ruin your life, I swear.
- Having a New Space: For me as well as many other sufferers of mental health, my room at home became my safe space and somewhere I could retreat to when needed. Now that we’re in college, this space is shared with someone else, and it is in a completely new area that is not yours anymore. If you don’t have a pair of headphones, now would definitely be a time to invest in a pair of noise-canceling ones. Music could serve as a sort of refuge and take you to a safer place in your mind, or keep the annoying sounds of your roommates or hallmates out. Bring posters or pictures that you had in your room at home; this’ll make it feel like you’re in a trustworthy place that is yours. My mom had a perfume she’s always worn, and I sprayed this on my pillow and blanket before I left so that my bed would be more comforting. Spend time getting to know the room, spend time chilling in there and making it a familiar place. You’ll find yourself referring to your room as “home” within the first month, I know I did. It’s your safe space for the year, so the quicker you become comfortable and friends with it, the better. If you didn’t choose your roommate and went random (like me), get to know them and how they treat their room before college starts up. Nipping potential issues in the bud will avoid conflict in the long run.