As a college student, it is normal to feel some level of anxiety. After all, you are entering a new phase of your life with new challenges and opportunities. However, for some students, anxiety can become debilitating and interfere with their success in college. If you are struggling with anxiety, you can take steps to manage it and achieve your goals. We will explore the battle of fighting anxiety in college students and provide tips on how to win that battle.
One in five college students will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, such as anxiety. Campus life can be a constant battle for these students to manage their symptoms and stay afloat academically. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fighting anxiety, here are four tips that can help you or a loved one struggling with the condition make the most of your college career.
What causes anxiety in college students?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the country, affecting 40 million adults each year. College students are especially at risk for developing anxiety disorders, and it’s important to understand what causes these disorders so that students can get the help they need. Many different factors can contribute to anxiety in college students, including academic pressure, social dynamics, and internship or job stress. Students need to be aware of these factors and manage their anxiety to thrive during their college years.
What makes a person overwhelmed with anxiety? The situation or circumstance may be classified as stressful, and it can lead to somatic symptoms such as headache, insomnia, palpitations, and gastrointestinal illnesses. These non-psychological factors may trigger the feeling of anxiety in students. But, there are also psychological factors that cause the state of anxiousness, like the lack of time management and low self-esteem. In addition, students may be more susceptible to stress if they feel that they are not coping with their lives, including academics, family issues, and relationships.
Dealing with anxiety in college
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone. However, anxiety can be especially debilitating for college students, interfering with academics and daily life. If you are struggling with anxiety, you can take steps to manage your symptoms and reduce stress.
What makes you anxious? Being late or unprepared? Not having enough money? Is it something about your classes, your living situation, or even the people you’re friends with? Knowing what sets off your anxiety will help you avoid it.
Even if struggling to put words to exactly what’s triggering your anxiety is difficult, try to start at least narrowing down “something” that’s making you uncomfortable. Then, once you’ve identified one thing that’s causing you anxiety, figure out the next thing. For instance, maybe you’re anxious about your living situation because your roommate/landlord isn’t getting back to you, which makes it impossible for you to plan how to set up your room.
