College Mental Health: The Reality of the Grind

Last semester I had three panic attacks in the library before I realized anxiety isn't

just stress. Everyone glorifies the grind but nobody talks about the warning signs.

Your body keeps score If you're losing sleep, avoiding friends,

or your chest feels tight constantly, that's not normal college life. I started with

five minute breathing exercises between classes. Sounds basic but it rewired my nervous system.

Then I got real about my schedule. Color coded everything and learned to

say no without guilt. Game changer was joining a study group where we

actually checked in on each other first. The campus counseling center became my