The Presence of Anxiety in College Students

Entering college is often the first time you take on multiple roles and responsibilities. Suddenly you have a new-found freedom from your family, and a million opportunities are knocking on your door. But what if your year brings strong feelings of anxiety, fear, worry, or being overwhelmed? What if you can’t handle your responsibilities as well as you may have hoped? Whether you are about to enter your first or final year of college, looking ahead to the year before you can bring a mixed bag of emotions. There is increasing pressure to attend every social event, have a killer internship, find your future spouse, and ace all your classes… and at some point sleep. This can be a lot of pressure and lead to significant feelings of anxiety and stress.

Anxiety on College Campuses

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, forty million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder, making anxiety one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses. Studies have also found that eighty percent of college students say they experience frequent or daily stress, while nine percent have considered suicide in the last year. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety that get in the way of your daily life… you are not alone. Most likely the person sitting next to you in class, your roommate, or even your significant other is experiencing similar moments of anxiety and stress. Given that anxiety is a common occurrence on college campuses, you might be wondering when it’s time to ask for help.

When is it Beyond Normal Stress?

To a certain extent, everyone will experience symptoms of anxiety and worry at different points. This is a normal part of life, especially in our fast-paced culture. But when does stress go beyond a helpful and healthy amount to something that hinders joy, success, and fulfillment? If you experience one of more of the following symptoms for an extended period of time, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Excessive or unrealistic worry that is hard to control and that occurs more days than not for several months
• Restlessness, fatigue, shakiness, and muscle tension
• Shortness of breath, a dry mouth, trouble swallowing, nausea, and diarrhea
• Feeling on edge, having trouble concentrating, experiencing difficulty sleeping or falling asleep, and irritability

The Causes of Student Anxiety

It is also important to note the patterns or behaviors that often contribute to the presence of anxiety. Some of these factors include a lack of sleep and the use of unhealthy coping skills, such as drinking and the use of stimulants. Learning disabilities, lack of family support, and financial stressors can also contribute to the rise in anxiety during college years. But one of the most common factors I see in my office is the excess use of social media. Spending hours on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the belief that you are missing out on something all the time. Social media encourages its users to step away from the current moment and instead to focus on what “others” are doing and enjoying. For college students, this often leads to feelings of inadequacy in social groups, a poor body image, and a desire to be someone or somewhere else. Unfortunately, all these factors play a huge role in the life of college students and pose daily or even hourly temptations.

Make Time for Yourself

One of the most common excuses I hear for not seeking out professional help is a lack of time. Between classes, work,
and social events, there is little time to make your way to a counseling appointment. But not having time is actually part of the problem. When you fill your schedule to the brim with social events, study sessions, and other activities, you are only contributing to your feelings of stress and anxiety. It is important to set aside specific time in order to slow down and honestly address your own well-being. By addressing your anxiety, you will be able to function better as a student, friend, and employee. Small failures and relational stressors won’t be quite as earth shattering as you will be able to stand on stable ground and manage everything on your plate. You don’t have to go on living with constant stress or anxiety. Whether you make a few small adjustments to your daily life, or reach out for professional help, I want to encourage you that anxiety does not have to be a persistent issue. Instead, it can be a passing moment that you meet with confidence and thoughtful coping skills.

Christian Counseling to Overcome Student Anxiety

As a Christian counselor, I have been privileged to witness how students have been able to find their place in a stressful world and take control of their own lives. If you are struggling with student anxiety and would like to find a safe space to work through the challenges you face, please consider speaking to a trained Christian counselor.