I’ve always felt like I’ve had mild social anxiety, but now, with it being my first year in college, I don’t think it’s just that. At the beginning it was okay, but now I’m in my second quarter and nearing the end, and my anxiety is sky rocketing. I used to eat a small breakfast, then lunch, then dinner, with some snacking in between, but now it’s just a small brunch or just snacks and then dinner because I’m too anxious to go out and don’t even feel hungry. I was doing good talking to people and meeting new people, and now I just wanna stay with the few Ive connected with because Im exhausted and scared to bother new people. I even got a boyfriend a few months ago here, and I think I’m developing some sort of separation anxiety (it’s my first relationship), because when he has a change of plans and we can’t hang the days we usually do, then I have a pit in my stomach and feel somewhat depressed. Ive tried to work against it by going out to my dorm’s balcony and breathing in fresh air, but I’m too scared to actually go on walks alone on campus because I’m so used to being with someone and scared of looking like i’m a loner. I know so many people do it, but my fear has caused me to get dinner with someone almost every single day... After being here for about 4 months, Ive probably only gotten dinner alone about 4 times. It’s not that I’m just that social, I just want it to feel like I’m doing something, even tho I really do enjoy alone time and staying in my room. I think Im even afraid of my suitemates thinking I have no plans. 

I know this all sounds irrational and I think it is, but I don’t know how to change my mindset. I was thinking of reaching out to psychological counseling on campus since it’s free, but I don’t know if that stuff works or if it’s a waste of time. It’s starting to affect my academics because I always feel the need to be out- even when I have work to do. I think in a way it’s my coping mechanism while at the same time causing me anxiety because I can’t stop going out when I don’t wanna go out.