Column: The transition to college is hard — it’s OK to seek help

Fellow first-years, I hear your cries and I share your struggles. We made the trek to Chapel Hill bright-eyed and feeling ready to conquer the world. In high school, we checked every box to ensure our admission to our top choice universities. We played on varsity sports teams, we were officers in clubs and we managed to get As in most of our classes. Then we came to college, and things changed.

I remember sitting in the Carolina blue chairs of Woollen Gym, surrounded by my peers. I listened as the administrators shared the accomplishments of the people sitting around me and I wondered to myself, ‘How did these kids get opportunities like these?’

I was sitting among people my age who were already entrepreneurs and researchers. Thus began the feelings of my own stress and anxiety from the high levels of college expectations.

As the semester began, I started loading up on extracurriculars. I joined CRU, a campus ministries association, the psychology club and Circle K as their social chair. I figured I could have several of these activities going on while still being able to keep up with my classes like I did in high school, but the simple truth is college is a lot harder than high school.

Although I, and several of my peers, powered through the fall semester going to classes and attending meetings, I know some us were disappointed in our grades and felt emotionally, physically and intellectually drained as we headed home for a month of napping, binge-watching our favorite shows and eating holiday treats.

Then, with the new year, we returned to UNC for our second semester.

The high level of expectations in college can be stressful. We’re entering university with impressive resumes, but now we have to take them to the next level. This added stress can contribute to pre-existing mental health conditions or could even cause a new problem to develop.

According to an article by TIME magazine, over the past six years, the number of college students seeking mental health help has increased, but it’s still a taboo subject around college campuses.

I think one of the hardest steps is to admit there may be something wrong and accept the fact you may need help.

Luckily, UNC’s Counseling and Psychological Services are phenomenal. CAPS is located on the third floor of the Campus Health Services, right next to Kenan Stadium. There are walk-in hours every weekday.

I recently visited the CAPS office myself. I went in with knots in my stomach and sweaty palms. I was greeted by warm smiles and encouraging handshakes. Everyone in the CAPS office made me feel safe and comfortable.

I almost didn’t go. But I’m telling you — if you’re considering CAPS, at least go for a walk-in appointment. I left feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

If you’re anxious, depressed or extremely stressed, you’re not suffering alone. Getting to college is a stressful process, being here can be stressful and maintaining a high GPA for possible graduate school applications while participating in extracurriculars can be a lot to manage. It’s not uncommon to feel some anxiety.

Your feelings are valid. Own them. You reserve the right to let your feelings be known and to seek help.