I didn't know I had PTSD until last year, so I went through college knowing something was wrong but not understanding what. I wish I had known then, to save myself a lot of heartache and self-hate.

What is your experiences/challenges you face going to college?

I remember being so tired when I was in school. I'd be up with insomnia/fear until 5am and then go to class at 8. Studying was hard because sometimes it was so hard to focus because so much was going on inside me. I can normally focus quite well, for long stretches of time, but when my symptoms are going...forget it. I felt like something was wrong with me since I couldn't concentrate the way my friends could.

It also made social life difficult!

Does the college you are going to make special accommodation for you?

Wasn't relevant then, since I didn't know my problems had a name. Now, I still go to school, but manage myself quite well so no one needs to know about my PTSD.

What specific aspects of PTSD affect a college student?

I think the nightmares are a big one, since sharing a dorm room is such a challenge. I kept myself up quite often and would sleep in lobbies, etc. to avoid getting into a deep sleep when roommates were around. Also, my concentration was very short so my academic performance was a challenge. My self-esteem was awful so I was highly critical of myself while being very demanding. I graduated with every honor I could earn but still felt like a failure. And my social life was affected by everything that affects even an adult's life...intense fear of closeness with others, deeply suspicious, etc. It made making friends a challenge.