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New uni student suffering anixety

3 replies

jenkel · 15/12/2023 20:19

DS has always been a somewhat anxious child, but with our support always seemed to be able to get through it, we/they have never sought any form of support. However since starting Uni in Sept it seems to be on another complete other level and they are struggling, they love the course, the halls kitchen group that he is in aren’t awful, but also seem happy to keep themselves to themselves. Not sure what triggers the panic attacks, got to admit that I’m no expert and floundering a bit on how to help. DS has sought help at uni and have had one counselling appt, with 5 more to follow and the counsellors have urged them to make a drs appointment, which they have for when they go back to uni after Christmas (at home for Xmas now). They have been home for a week and have had one panic attack since home, we have had a chat and they want to continue at uni, we are supporting them as much as we can financially and trying to make uni life as easy and enjoyable as possible even though we are a good few hours away, trying hard not to put any pressure on them. Any tips on how to help and what is the drs likely to do, I guess it’s some form of medication which does scare me a little but ultimately I just want ds to live the life that he wants and to be happy.

OP posts:
Squiggles23 · 15/12/2023 20:46

Oh no Op! Sorry to hear this.

It probably is very overwhelming and quite a huge transition. Can you make a doctors appointment at home so he could get seen sooner? I think you can go to two different doctors when you are at uni.

Has he given you and ideas at all of what was happening before the panic attacks? Out and about? Drinking? Etc.

Working out the triggers and a strategy seems a good ideas.

Is he eating healthily and looking after himself properly at uni? Sleeping ok?

Would he be open to trying yoga or meditation? Any other exercise like running etc?

Bumbleby · 15/12/2023 20:57

Get him a GP appointment for when he is home, they can see him as a temporary patient. He could also call or self refer to the Wellbeing Service with the Mental Trust near his uni or home, it will be a by telephone.
Accessing support from Headspace App, they have a student section, Kooth or Young Minds
Some mindfulness techniques, exercise, yoga etc
If he avoids things that make him anxious it will make it worse, facing these things in small bites with your support - look into CBT techniques

blotchyredanditichy · 16/12/2023 11:02

Charlie Waller Trust have some great resources www.charliewaller.org/resource-library

Also www.studentminds.org.uk/

Sending hugs to you both- this is so scary for you but it is really great he is talking to you and letting you know how he feels.

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