Anything new?

New things and experiences can always be a anxiety provoker.

Knowing me and my hectic life, it has always been able to throw weird and un-explainable experiences at me. Some are good and some are bad. Most of these I do not mind and can deal with. However, most feel as if I cannot cope.

Coping with 'new' things has always had a scary label in my head. No not a label more like a giant red button with a 'Do not touch' sign above it.

Then when something new happens my brain goes into a panic overdrive. Feelings overtake my body, my brain blanks itself and shuts down and I freak out.

However, more recently I have been managing to cope wit these situations. I have managed to calm myself down, laugh it off and continue with my life.

But even I know that this will not be the case for every anxiety situation out there.

I had one rather recently that I did not how to cope with. A identity crisis.

Coping with something that comes, all of a sudden, out of the blue is shocking. Sometimes it can cause you to retreat and have a huge panic attack. This is normal. It is fine to feel overwhelmed by something small or large, whatever the situation is.

I remember for years I could not go outside alone without having a major panic attack. Going to a manic, busy public place was out of the question for me. I lived inside my house and a few hospitals. I barely went outside, socialised and had deep interests.

Now looking back I really do not know how I coped. I think even back then I was struggling to come to terms with 'medical issues' and life itself. It was scary I will admit that. I was afraid of something that was never going to happen, and it took over my life.

Now I will not say that moving on and dealing with it was not easy. It never will be. My life has proved that.

I have a new experience coming up that I am sightly terrified about.

I am going to college.

To most people that will not be shock to them. They will probably think 'Sure you're bound to be nervous, but just chill.'.

Going to college is a major stepping stone for me, as this will be the first time I will be in full-time education since six years ago.

I have missed out on a lot, socially and mentally.

However, I found out who I am without the stress of deadlines or people around me constantly.

However, I overcome this small/large fear the other day by going to the enrolment day. Granted there were a few mishaps and problems (many of which I was not happy about), but I did it and got through it.

The prospect of going to somewhere that is called a 'college', but looks more like a university is daunting. It scares a lot of people.

I managed to get through the anxiety by talking to people.

I could not have imagined doing that this time last year.

Talking to people brings you back to your present situation and makes you relate to what is happening. By talking to people around you, your brain is focused on something else entirely. I can vouch and say it is anxiety provoking, but my goodness it works.

Trying new things can help, but be scary. It is natural to hide at the sight of the word 'new'. I know that from experience.

Therefore, it is worth pushing your limit (gently) and making sure you get all of life's experiences.

I know on the first day of college I will be freaking out. However, I already know that others will be the same, and some even know me. It makes me feel at ease knowing that I know at least one person there.

I also know that many people will start their new life this coming month. College, Secondary School, a job and University are all daunting but just remember that you are not alone. People everywhere feel nervous when starting something new.

My tips on coping with something new

• Breathe slowly

• Remember other people have felt this way too

• Talk to people

• Focus on the work

• Remember this feeling is only temporary

I hope this helps any of you people starting your new journey alongside me.

Molly-Tastic Treves