Feeling trapped

[Scythe13]

The feeling you're having Tibbs is natural.

Unfortunately for you, because you are basically running solo with prepping, your anxiety and angst about the whole thing is going to be greatly amplified because you feel alone. If you're walking 10 miles, it will take a long time alone. If you're walking 10 miles with someone, it will feel much quicker, even if it takes the same time. The same is true with prepping. If you're in your journey to get people ready for what you foresee, and you're alone (probably even victim to resistance) then your emotional state will be heightened. So you're feeling powerless, alone, and can't see an easy way out (trapped) which is exactly the reason some people get obsessed with prepping and forget they need to have a semi-normal life, living it up, out to the pub with mates, and things like that.

I know how you're feeling because I've been there too mate. The trick it.....there is no trick. You do as BP said, Just buy a few extra tins each week and build up your stocks slowly. You do what I say 'Get your fitness in check, so that if something happens, you're physically ready for it.' Do what NR says 'Know what you're prepping for, then prep until you're comfortable you've done enough. Once you reach that point, prep some more.' You do what SD says 'Be realistic. Zombies won't come after you, so don't freak out about things that will never happen.' You do what my brother-from-another-mother Binary says 'Relax and have a beer.'

Know your limits. If you're doing what you can, without becoming a silverfoil hat member, and can still function in modern society and not be a total recluse, then you're doing what needs to be done.

College is not going to be the best place to meet other preppers. However, it is a great place to meet people that will rip the piss out of you. In college, you're best off doing something simple, like joining the DofE Award group, and use that as an excuse to build up kit. Maybe help out by volunteering at Scouts as a young leader (it's not a COOL thing to do, but say you do it because your cousin goes there, or something like that).

Don't have yourself expelled from being social at college or uni. That is the best way to draw attention to yourself.

Just be yourself, enjoy the outdoors, and carry a couple of extra items with you, and buy a few extra tins as you can.