Managing overwhelm and the college experience
By Rayan Abdulkadir
Q: I'm feeling so overwhelmed, I have no direction, and I just feel like garbage. I feel like I have no one to talk to. Where should I go?
A: Dear Reader,
Thank you for your question—I can tell your heart is heavy, and I am happy that you have used this column as an outlet. Being able to name your emotions and identify an issue is the first step to creating the kind of change that you're looking for. You are not alone in what you're feeling, and I'm happy to help.
Being in college is incredibly hard. I think what everyone tells you is that it's supposed to be the best time of your life. Parties, football games, all-nighters with your friends, but sometimes it's not. Sometimes college is back-to-back exams, crying over biology and calling your mom to tell her you hate the place.
That's okay. It’s okay to struggle and feel like garbage, especially when you feel like your entire world is crashing down on you.
It's easy to get caught up in what you “should” do or how you “should” feel, but you don't have to have all of the answers right now. You don't need to know exactly what your ten-year plan is or what kind of job you want. You literally just have to get through today. Today is what will get you through tomorrow and so on. Take things one step at a time. If it's helpful, you might want to make a list of the things bothering you; sometimes it can be helpful to identify what you do and don't have control over. From there you can create an action plan.
Struggling with homework? Make an appointment with the Tutoring and Learning Center in the Library Book Here.
Need someone to talk to? Visit counseling in Derham 330. Make an appointment here if you need to talk to someone more urgently—visit the counseling center from 2 to 3pm Tuesday through Thursday for crisis hour to help you get where you need to be.
Trying to figure out a career? Visit Career Development, in CdC 210
Want to socialize more? Visit community spaces like the Center For Women, CdC 230, or check out SEEK’s Event Instagram @stkatesseek.
You are going to be okay. Although this may seem like it's never going to end, it will. The only way out is through, and St. Kate’s has your back. I implore you to reach out to your community and be honest about how you're feeling. Call your mom, text back your friends and breathe, because you are going to get through.
