Is anyone else feeling physically unwell from college?
I’m a first-year online student and I’ve been really struggling lately. My first term went surprisingly well—I managed to complete almost all of my assignments by Thursday with hardly any stress. I never thought I’d find college to be so manageable. However, this term has been a completely different story.
Now, I’m lucky if I can get through one or two assignments a day before I start feeling a migraine come on, along with nausea, dizziness, and an overall sense of being unwell. At first, I assumed it was just stress, but even the simplest discussion posts are overwhelming. This makes it nearly impossible to keep up with my work.
I’m sharing this in the hopes of finding some comfort in knowing I’m not alone and maybe picking up some advice. I take breaks regularly while studying, make sure to eat, hydrate, and focus on my breathing, but I’m still unsure why I keep feeling this way.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re going through a tough time, and it’s completely valid to feel overwhelmed, especially when things change from one term to the next. It might be helpful to consider a few things.
First, the transition from a smooth first term to a more challenging one can take a toll, both mentally and physically. Sometimes, the pressure to maintain a certain performance can create additional stress, even if you’re not consciously aware of it.
Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Talk to someone: Consider reaching out to a counselor or therapist, even if it’s just to talk about how you’ve been feeling. They can provide support and coping strategies tailored to you.
Reevaluate your workload: If possible, take a step back and assess your course load. Are you taking on too much? Sometimes lightening your academic load or adjusting deadlines (if feasible) can relieve pressure.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga can help calm your mind and body. This might be particularly beneficial when you notice that physical symptoms are surfacing.
Physical health check: If you haven’t already, consider consulting a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Connect with peers: Sharing your experiences with classmates can help combat feelings of isolation. They may have similar experiences and insights or tips that have worked for them.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek help. Take care of yourself!