Today is August 14, 2019.

I move into my college dorm in exactly 10 days. Holy shit. I’m completely, absolutely terrified.

Every incoming college student, or honestly just any human being about to experience something new, is going to have jitters. They’re going to nervous, or maybe even a little scared. But my anxiety is making everything worse, and heightening all my fears.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m super excited. This is a new chapter of my life that I get to explore. I get to make new friends, try new things, take classes that I want to take, and be the person that I want to be. This is the start of a grand new adventure, but am I ready?

Dealing with all these emotions leading into college has me questioning if I’m really ready. I’ve come up with the following steps to ensuring my college success. If these help you, let me know!

#1: Set a Safety Plan

It’s always smart to have a safety plan in place, especially when dealing with mental health issues. Having a plan ensures that you know what to do and who to go to when a crisis arrives, or is about to happen. So, by setting a safety plan, I will know who to turn to when the situation needs it.

#2: Rely on Positive Coping Skills

Coping skills are helpful to get through any situation no matter where you are. It can be as simple as grounding yourself by observing your surroundings, listening to music, or deep breathing. Or my personal favorites, coloring or playing piano. Sometimes, if I’m really stressed out, upset, or sad, I’ll put on some music, find a quiet spot, and sing along so I get my feelings out. However, it is important that the coping skills you’re using are positive. Don’t isolate yourself from your problems in order to make yourself feel better temporarily. It will only make your problems worse in the long run. Don’t rely on technology as a permanent solution. Only use it as a temporary distraction, until you are in the proper mindset to face your fears or problems.

#3: Don’t Be Afraid to Feel

Sometimes it feels like people will judge you for feeling what you feel, or for showing your emotions. Never be afraid to express yourself. If you need to cry, then cry. If you need to scream, then scream. Do what you need to do in the moment. Never ignore your needs. You come first. Feel what you feel, when you feel it.

#4: Remember to Breathe

When things get too hard, it can feel very overwhelmingly suffocating. It’s important to remember that you can always take a step back if you need one. That doesn’t make you weak. It makes your smart for recognizing an acknowledging your limits. So, when you need to, take a step back. Take a deep breath. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat until your mind is clear and your heartbeat slows. Just always remember to step back and breathe.

Most of the steps are work-in-progress for me. I’m not great at any of these steps, so that’s why they’re in place. They are for me to work on and get better at, so I have the tools to succeed when I need them the most. And at the end of the day, I know I’ll be fine. I know I can do anything I set my mind to. I know that I wouldn’t have picked Luther if it wasn’t the right school for me. I know I can do this! So yeah, I think I’m ready.