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Im currently in the middle of a four week program for school leavers and as students. The first two weeks are outward bounds.
Im currently in the middle of week one and I've had to come home two days before the first week ends because my anxiety just built up too much. I was in a dormitory with seven other people, five of whom I didnt know before the program. On night one I worked myself up to a point where I ran out the room to calm down because the rest of my roommates were talking constantly past lights out when I just wanted to sleep. Since that first night I've noticed all the other girls have been wary around me and I've began to feel isolated.
I feel terrible because I've let my anxiety get in the way of having a good time and it's stopped me from doing the last few days. Because apart from that, it's been enjoyable.
Next week I have a second outward bound residential again and im absolutely terrifed. We all have our own rooms to sleep in but being around people from 7-9 is still really daunting for me, especially since most of my social encounters rarely exceed 9 hours. Does anyone have any tips to get through 5 days worth of being away like this? I hardly manage two. Thanks
0 likes, 14 replies
lisalisa67 emily-xx
Posted
emily-xx lisalisa67
Posted
I was very recently diagnosed with anxiety, despite having signs of it for the past six months I always put it down to homesickness. It wasn't until four days before I left for week one did I speak to a GP and she told me it was anxiety. She didn't prescribe me with anything, just asked if I wanted cognitive behaviour therapy or to be referred to some useful websites. I chose the latter. Medication wasn't a option for me, although I was hoping it would be.
Actiquser emily-xx
Posted
have a ball and enjoy yourself
richard89308 emily-xx
Posted
This is a good test for you emily about courage and self reliance. If you last the second week and don't flip out with a panic attack you should be proud of yourself., but be realistic and achieve what you can cope with.
I loved all that stuff as a kid and thrived on it. Do your best and let me know how you get on.
emily-xx richard89308
Posted
This second week will certainly be the most realistic week I'll have to get through, seeing as it is a university setting and the first resembled primary school residentials (big dorms, games all day etc). So i really am going to try my best to get through relaxed as it matters I can cope in a uni setting. Think what didn't help either is week one was three hours away in a county I've not been in since I was a child. Whereas week two is somewhere I go often and I've already been to the location on a day trip in high school. If I can do it I'll be so happy.
Misssy2 emily-xx
Posted
You said you have your own rooms? Converse with them (baby steps) and retreat to your room when you become overwhelmed.
There is NOTHING wrong with being who you ARE...if you get over stimulated easy than so what....back away....when you want to particpate...participate...
Here is something that may help...I was in an institutionalized building for 4 days...around strangers...the Nurses wanted us out of rooms...if possible for many hours during the day....what I did to "survive" was I grabbed coloroing materials...and just focused on the coloroing....When I felt like talking...I would talk...if not I would just listen as I colored my picture.
So I was present...I wasn't isolating totatlly...and the coloring took my mind off of the anxiety....or get a puzzle to put together....
Misssy2
Posted
I think if you do that emily...you will find 1 or 2 people who want to color with you....or help with puzzle....you will loosen up....bring ear plugs if you sleep early so the noise doesn't disturb you....think of all the comforts you need....bring a box of your favorite crackers.....a favorite CD with a headset....a favorite blanket.
emily-xx Misssy2
Posted
I have a colouring book that Im taking, but I don't know how successful it is once the anxiety becomes overwhelming. I tend to use it on a day to day basis as a wind down from school type of thing, but if it is as you say it is, and is a method of isolating, then I'll turn to that more.
lisalisa67 emily-xx
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lisalisa67
Posted
emily-xx
Posted
Just a question for anyone reading this thread. I haven't added anxiety down on my medical forms for this program but should I? And if I did, is it required that reasonable adjustments are made for me? Just like how people with physical illnesses will be given extra support etc.
lisalisa67 emily-xx
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emily-xx lisalisa67
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Next week isn't run by the university itself, it takes place in a university, but the company who im doing this program with hire the university out for this. So it's completely unique. All I wanted to know is whether this program is required to give me support for next week now that they know I have anxiety.
lisalisa67 emily-xx
Posted
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