I'm planning on moving away to attend college (still in state, but a 4+ hour drive from my hometown) and I have mild separation anxiety, but I will be living with my aunt, uncle, and younger cousin. I'm scared that I'm making a hasty decision although I have thought about it for nearly half a year now. I am very unhappy where I currently live, however my family being there makes it hard to leave (but I do have family where I am moving to, as well). I have looked at colleges there (cheaper than the ones where I reside) and found a community college to get my basics at, and then transfer to a 4+ year institution. I would greatly appreciate any answers, as I have been struggling with this for quite some time and am slowly descending into the 666th tier of Hell whilst being prodded by the maleficent three-pronged fork of Lucifer. *sigh* I hate anxiety.
Pro's and con's to moving away from home for college?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by novaeir
- Topics:
- college, moving, anxiety, separation
Responses (2)
Hello novaeir
Given that you have mild separation anxiety, I do think it is very brave of you to plan going to college. I seems to me that you have thought this matter through and I don't see any hasty decisions.
There is no denying that it won't be easy to leave one part of your family even though you can see them in the vacation. But if you add in that you are very unhappy where you live then it seems the right course to follow.
Choosing to go to a Community College near other important family members is a big plus and a very sensible decision. In not allowing your anxiety to take centre stage, you are looking after you and planning a good, fulfilling and productive future for yourself.
Have you been in touch with the College you are going to and explained your Seperation Anxiety to them? You may not need to do that, but bear in mind that in addition to help with physical health care you will be able to access mental health care too, should you need it. Even if you don't need it right away, the knowledge that it is there might be comforting.
Do your Aunt and Uncle know about the MSA? If not it might be worth sharing this with them. They sound great and if they are prepared to offer you a home from home with them, then hopefully they will help and support you with your separation anxiety.
Please don't stress yourself and allow those anxieties to take over your life. Hell only wants bad people and you are not a bad person. You are someone who is doing their best for themselves in difficult circumstances. Think how proud both parts of your family will be when together they watch as you step up on to that podium to collect your degree.
As you did when you prepared your pros and cons list, remember your assessment of all the good things involved in going to college. Keep those in mind, don't lose sight of them.
Finally let me repeat what I said at the beginning. You are a brave and resourceful person and you deserve to suceed. I am sure you will.
'third age'