Takeaway: College can be both an exciting and stressful time for young adults. It can also be a time when mental health issues like anxiety make themselves known. In this blog post, I shed light on the common causes of anxiety among college students, as well as key signs to look out for and helpful coping tips to try today.
College students and anxiety: What’s the link?
If you’re feeling isolated in your struggle with anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Mental health disorders, including anxiety, are more common among college students than many people realize. In fact, one recent study shows that 44% of college students are experiencing moderate to severe anxiety. That’s nearly half.
But why do college students experience such high rates of anxiety? (For reference, data from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that just under 20% of American adults experience anxiety in a given year.) The answer to that is multifaceted, especially since each college student is their own unique individual.
There are several elements of the college experience that can contribute to college students’ experiences of anxiety. We’ll review several of these later in this post. However, it’s also important to be aware that young adults can have their own risk factors regardless of whether or not they’re in college.
Family history, certain life experiences, and even physical health conditions are all factors that can increase a person’s risk of mental health disorders like anxiety. Plus, young adulthood is a common time when underlying mental health issues emerge for people.
While I can’t speak on behalf of all college students, I’ve seen firsthand the impact anxiety can have. As a therapist in Nashville, TN (and online throughout the country), I work with college students like you who struggle with mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and more.
Thankfully, I’ve also seen that having a mental health disorder doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fulfilling college experience. But before I share my top tips for coping with anxiety in college, let’s learn more about how anxiety shows up and where it comes from.
Signs of anxiety in college students
The word “anxiety” is often used as an umbrella term for general feelings of stress and pressure, along with clinical anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder.
Nearly everyone experiences worry or stress from time to time. These can be challenging emotions to navigate, but they are different from clinical anxiety disorders. When someone has an anxiety disorder, their symptoms make it difficult to function and navigate their day-to-day life.
While each disorder has its own symptoms, here are some common signs to look out for if you’re wondering whether you or another college student might be struggling with anxiety.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Procrastination
- Persistent worry that’s difficult to control
- Perfectionism
- Social isolation
- Panic attacks
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Physical symptoms
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible anxiety symptoms. While insight and awareness are important, this list is also not a replacement for a formal assessment from a mental health professional.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can also overlap with other mental health problems or even physical health issues, so it’s important to seek professional guidance if you or a loved one is struggling.
What causes anxiety in college students? | 7 common causes
All college students are unique individuals with their own identities, history, struggles, strengths, and experiences. At the same time, there are many common factors that contribute to anxiety in college students. Here are a few.
1. Transition into college life
College students experience several changes at this point in their lives. Many move away from home for the first time and live in a completely new environment, sometimes in a different city, state, or even country. There are also new people, pressures, and opportunities to navigate. All of these transitions can be difficult to cope with and may lead to new or increased anxiety.
2. Managing time & responsibilities
The structure of college is typically very different from that of high school. College life brings new freedom and new responsibilities alike. Students are more in control of their time which can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Many students are also navigating school work along with jobs, extracurricular activities, and a social life, which can be a lot to handle at once.
3. Academic pressure
Similarly, college brings a new level of academic pressure. College students may have a difficult time managing their course load and the rigorous nature of their work. Plus, students can feel the pressure of performing well in school in order to land an internship or career they’re passionate about. This can feel overwhelming, and the possibility of falling behind or failing can be highly anxiety-provoking.
4. Relationships with peers
For many students, college is an exciting time to build connections with new people. However, living amongst peers can also be stressful. College students may compare themselves to others, struggle to manage conflict among roommates, or have a difficult time coming out of their shell. All of these challenges can contribute to anxious feelings.
5. Lifestyle habits
With the freedom and changes that college life offers, students may engage in different activities that can change their lifestyle. They might stay up significantly later than they did in high school or experiment with different substances. These lifestyle changes can influence a person’s mental health, including triggering anxiety symptoms.
6. Uncertainty of the future
College students’ anxiety may also peak as graduation approaches. As the transition into the working world approaches, it’s expected to feel stressed or worried about what the future holds. However, the anticipation and uncertainty can also manifest in an anxiety disorder.
7. Stigma around mental health
Even though awareness around mental health is likely higher than ever, stigma still exists. This can prevent college students from seeking mental health support when they need it. Prolonging seeking treatment (or forgoing it altogether) can make symptoms even worse.
Tips for supporting college students’ mental health
While anxiety can be intense, uncomfortable, and overwhelming, it is possible to heal. Thankfully, there are plenty of options when it comes to getting support for yourself or a loved one. These are tips that have worked for my clients, and I know they can help you, too.
Though I’ll discuss these strategies in the context of anxiety, know that they can be helpful for anyone coping with any type of mental illness.
Learn more about anxiety disorders
Education is an important first step in getting the mental health support you need and deserve. While you don’t need to be an expert in anxiety, it can help to learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatments. I’ve covered some basics in this post, but there is much more information out there. You can start by visiting the Anxiety & Depression Association of America’s website for some helpful resources.
Use relaxation, mindfulness, or self-care strategies
There are many self-management strategies that can help ease anxiety symptoms. Deep breathing, grounding skills like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, and getting enough sleep are just a few skills you can practice to manage your anxiety. While these strategies aren’t replacements for getting formal support, they can be a helpful tool in your toolbox.
Explore your school’s mental health resources
Many college campuses have onsite mental health services to support students’ mental health. This could involve counseling, support groups, or other resources that can help you cope with mental health challenges like anxiety. Visit your school’s counseling center to see what they offer.
Consider working with a mental health professional
Local mental health providers are another great option for getting anxiety treatment. Working with a local, off-campus professional can ensure that you get year-round support, not just during the school year. Plus, this allows you to choose a mental health provider who you really connect with instead of just working with whoever’s available on campus.
As an anxiety therapist in Nashville, I provide in-person therapy to college students in Brentwood, Franklin, and Spring Hill. I’m also credentialed through PsyPact, which allows me to help people virtually in over 30 states.
If you’re struggling with overwhelming anxiety (or other mental disorders like trauma, depression, and more), don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’ll get to the root of your symptoms and find the tools you need to actually enjoy your college experience.
