College is a stressful time, and if you’re struggling with anxiety, it can be even more challenging. For the first time in your life, you’re on your own and have to make all of your own decisions—which can be overwhelming! But don’t let anxiety get in the way of doing what’s best for yourself.
Anxiety can manifest in different forms.
There is a lot to consider when you’re dealing with anxiety. You might wonder if there’s something wrong with you, or if you’re doing what’s necessary to manage your symptoms. You could be dealing with physical, mental and emotional symptoms that can take over your life if left untreated.
It’s important to know that everyone experiences stress differently, which is why it’s so important to get help quickly when you start feeling overwhelmed by anxiety. It can manifest in different forms: some people experience more physical symptoms while others feel anxious all the time (or both!). The best way to determine what’s causing your feelings of anxiety is by seeking professional medical advice from a licensed therapist who has experience treating college students’ mental health issues.
It’s normal to experience mental health challenges during college, especially when the pandemic has changed so much about college life.
College is a time of change, growth and development. It’s also a time when many people begin to experience anxiety. While it can be overwhelming to learn how to balance academic and social life in college, there are strategies you can use to help manage your stress levels.
With all the changes that have taken place since the pandemic, it’s normal for students like you to feel stressed while trying to manage your responsibilities at school with those of your family members or community members who depend on you for support during this difficult time.
Taking care of yourself is an investment.
When you’re anxious, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of school, work and everything else that comes with being a student. But when you have anxiety or another mental health challenge (like depression), taking care of yourself is an investment in your future. It can help you manage your anxiety and depression so that it doesn’t interfere with your academic performance or other aspects of your life.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary! You have a lot going on as a college student, between classes, extracurricular activities and internships/jobs; but making sure that self-care factors into the equation is essential for maintaining good mental health. It’s not something that should be relegated to “extra” time or considered only after all other responsibilities are met.”
If you’re experiencing anxiety that is interfering with your daily life and academic performance, reach out for help.
- Mental health is important for your overall health and well-being.
- It’s okay to reach out for help when you need it.
- There are many resources available on and off campus that can help address your needs and make a difference in your life, such as: Campus Counseling Services, Student Wellness Centers, through private, off-campus counseling, or reliable online resources such as NAMI and SAMHSA.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that college is an investment in your future and a time to grow as a person. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, take some time to reflect on what’s causing these feelings. If possible, seek professional help from professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by college students.
Melixa Carbonell, MA, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP, NCC is a clinical mental health provider with a private practice specializing in anxiety, ADHD, and life changes.