Ask Tiffany: Living and Learning with Anxiety

I let my anxiety get the best of me this fall semester and chose to defer until spring. My anxiety (which takes the form of nausea) feels like it’s taking over my life; when I was at school, I tried to attend classes, and found 10 minutes into class I couldn’t handle it and left. I’m not sure what to do and I’m so scared the same thing will happen in the spring. What should I do?

Anxiety is a very common issue at college campuses — According to a 2012 National Alliance on Mental Health survey, more than one in 10 college students suffer from anxiety.

If you have not sought counseling, now is a great time to start. It’s no secret that Engemann counselors are a bit busy at best; at worst, grossly understaffed, evidenced by a counselor to student ratio of one to 1,700 in 2014. (However, I should say that USC announced plans for a six counselor increase last semester.) If you are unable to receive prompt and adequate care at USC, Engemann counseling services will help you find a healthcare provider who specializes in treating anxiety. Therapy can help you develop the skills to manage your nausea attacks.

Because I’m obviously unfit to give medical advice, the best I can do is to give you the spiel I give my own friends. Your mind needs to be taken care of just like your body, and your health should come before all other responsibilities. You might have anxiety your whole life, but once you learn how to cope with it, you’ll get control back.

Tiffany Kuan is a senior majoring in business administration. Her blog advice column, Ask Tiffany, runs every Monday.

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