I am a 25 year old transfer student attending ETSU. I was previously enrolled in school but it was 5 years ago. Since my earlier days in college I have gained a 4 yr old daughter.  I am trying not to stress out too much about going back to school but I am one of these people that have to have the answers when asked, I am a patient person but when it comes to life changing opportunities I tend to stress and be more impatient.  I know that I am stressing things right now that I have no control over but I don't know what to do.  I am a worrier, I have been since I can remember. I worry about EVERYTHING.  I worry about housing for me and my daughter, making the grades, getting a part-time job around my classes, daycare while I am at this non-existent part-time job and while I attend classes full-time. A lot of my friends tell me to just "go with the flow", but in every aspect of my life I seem to stress things I have no control over.  What is my problem??

 Any major life transition can be scary and overwhelming, particularly when you have multiple roles and responsibilities.  Worrying is a common reaction to such stressors.  Worry can be a motivator to take action and prepare for upcoming challenges.  On the other hand, worrying about “everything” and worrying about things that you cannot change can be wasted energy and take the fun out of life.  Chronic and high levels of worry (also called anxiety) can even lead to problems in everyday functioning and contribute to health problems.  So, it is hard say “what is your problem.”  It could be that you are having a fairly normal response to a very stressful life change.  It is possible that you have a high need for order, control and success in your life (sometimes called a “Type A” personality).  It is also possible that you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder.  For instance, symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder include: excessive anxiety and worry occurring for more than 6 months; difficulty controlling the worry; restlessness; fatigue; irritability; difficulty concentrating; impairment in functioning or significant distress caused by these symptoms.  You may take an on-line screening for anxiety disorders by visiting our web page (http://www.etsu.edu/students/counsel/onlinementalhealthscreening.htm) entitled “On-Line Mental Health Screening.” 

These are only a few suggested possibilities.  We would recommend that you meet with a mental health and/or medical care professional for a more thorough evaluation.  The ETSU Counseling Center can provide an assessment, treatment and referral for currently enrolled students.  We are located on the 3^rd floor of the D.P. Culp Center and our phone number is 439-4841.  Even if you are not currently enrolled, our staff would be happy to consult with you and guide toward the available resources on campus or in the community.

Lastly, as you are preparing to return to school, you have some very real needs that can be addressed through resources on this campus.  You can do it!  Use your worry constructively by taking some action that will prepare you for success. We encourage you to contact any or all of the following resources in order to get the support you will need:

Adult, Commuter and Transfer Services (ACTS):  2^nd Floor Culp Center, in the ARC  439-5641 assistance to adult, transfer and non-traditional students including academic guidance, mentoring, and social support.

Little Bucs (Student Child Care Facility):  1^st Floor, Warf-Pickel Hall, 439-4198,  affordable and convenient child care services for ETSU students.

 Office of Financial Aid: 1^st Floor Dossett Hall, 439-4300, financial assistance and on-campus employment opportunities.

Career Placement and Internship Services, 3^rd Floor Culp Center, 439-4441,  information about off-campus employment opportunities.

This web site is best viewed with Internet Explorer.  Send questions or comments about this web site to:     Connie Yakley at yakley@etsu.edu   Last modified: September 18, 2007 11:46:50 AM,    East Tennessee State University

                Back to Student Affairs Home Page