What do you do when you feel like you are so overwhelmed you can't handle it?

I feel for ya. The first semester of college away from home can be really, really hard.
Does your school offer any type of counseling (it’s nothing to be ashamed of- schools wouldn’t offer it if people didn’t use it) that you can take advantage of for stress relief? Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
Do you have to take 5 classes and a lab next semester? Maybe you can plan on taking it a little easier next semester, and have that to look forward to.

First, take a deep breath. You are not alone in this experience. It happens to many students. You need to speak with your Dean and get a handle on where things sit for you. Then, you need to be able to talk with your professors if things seem to be spiraling out of control. I agree with Likeradar – there has to be some support for the students on campus.

You have a full workload, for sure. You say you have been pulling it off – well keep it up! That’s awesome! And maybe next semester you don’t have to have such an intense workload.

Also, is there a gym there that you could go work out some stress? Are you eating right and taking vitamins (I’m a Mom – these things your Mom must ask you, right?) And I hope you are calling home and letting your parents know how you are. Are they able to come and visit at any point? Even a short visit could help your state of mind. It can be very lonely, I’m sure.

There are probably campus clubs too that you could become involved in (even though you sound like you have a tough schedule) and that is where the friend thing might evolve for you. And you never know, you may find yourself talking with someone who feels exactly the way you do.

Good luck! You are strong – you came here to ask for help!

Take a moment to quiet your mind and focus.
Then just move forward even if you are taking baby steps.

You can get there. Do not look at how far you need to go- look at how far you have come.

I agree with what’s been said, and I totally know how you feel. This semester of college (I’m a junior) has been soo challenging and I feel like everyday I’m being asked to climb a mountain at a 90 degree angle. In the words of dori “just keep swimming, just keep swimming” it seems overwhelming but it’s definately not for nothing. Thanksgiving is coming up closer and closer and that’s a nice time to just forget everything and relieve stress, and before you know it winterbreak will be right behind it.

Make sure you break up your work though, if you just go to class, do work, sleep and repeat you’re going to get burnt out verrrrry quickly. I joined a dance team at school to work off some steam and keep both sides of my brain thinking. Putting your body in motion is the best thing you can do for your brain (it needs exercise too!!) Also never sacrifice your sleep. I have friends who stay up all night long and I do just as well (and most of the time better) because I refuse to cut into my sleeping. And definately don’t starve your social life, nothing worse than realizing you have never met anyone new because you’re hoarded up in your room studying (I realized the only people I knew were the people in my major and my roommates… not good)

If the work load is honnestly too much the teacher can extend some deadlines, as long as you are keeping up with the work and show you’re getting outside help (such as using the learning center). Teachers notice who is really working and who is not.

Good luck, and welcome to being a college kid. Just remember to breathe and enjoy yourself :)

As others have said, counseling is an excellent option as is going to a gym regularly to work out. Another thing that can be helpful is find a campus club or organization that interests you and join it. Yes, it will take a bit more of your precious time, but it may bring you some friends and it will let you relax for a bit.

When I first went to college my parents lived in South America so I rarely saw them and didn’t get home for many holidays. I joined several clubs and stayed with a couple throughout my college time. It really helped to blow off steam by hanging out with people who liked doing an activity that I liked also. I ended up in the Biology Honors group (so I could hang with folks in my major), the Karate club (for physical release), the sailing club (to just have fun “messing about in boats”) and the science fiction club (for intellectual pursuits and free reading material).

First of all, take find a friend off your list. Just be friendly to people you interact regularly. Often when you ‘look’ for a friend, you have preconceived notions about what they should be. If you are friendly with people you interact with every day you are more likely to socialize.

2nd. You have just learned a hard lesson about college v high school. In college you don’t have to take a killer load. The first year especially when there are so many gen ed classes. If you are a business major, take the easiest science classes possible. If you are a math major take an easy English class. Balance is key.

Third, sometimes you should lay down and take a nap.

Get off

I go to sleep.

I would say that, if at all possible, join some kind of group. What do you like to do? Photography? Crafts? Scrapbooking? The college might have a group for it, and if they don’t, find one on the net. you need something besides school to do every so often.

sit down write out your problems, be grateful, then unplug from negative people, then start instilling new habits i.e getting up early, stay clean and fresh, meditating, try laughing 5 minutes a day for no reason. just know your in the growing process soon you look back
be amazed.

Take a deep breath. Talk to someone I trust. Sleep on it.