College Success Tip # 8
Anxiety
According to Emory University's Suicide Statistics, " there are more than 1,000 suicides on college campuses per year. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 18-25, and the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24." This is an alarming statistic that should not be overlooked. Many college students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) are frequently faced with personal issues outside of school. Although some of our problems do not go away instanteously college students must be mindful of how to handle anxiety.
Anxiety is defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as a fear of nervousness of what might happen. "According to the Anxiety Disorders Associatons of America (2012), anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in America (Sherfield, 2013)."
It is vital for college students to become aware of the common causes and effects of anxiety, and what to do in order to reduce it.
Anxiety can occur due to a new changes in one's life for example:
Independence
Responsibiity
Environmental shift
Social shifts and pressures
Academic pressure
Isolation
Lack of security
It often takes individuals time, discipline and focus to adapt to a new lifestyle. Although anxiety is common, it is important to recover and press forward positively. When one cannot press forward in the midst of changing and challenging times, this is where major problems can develop.
If you experience any changes in your eating habits, attitude, self-esteem, concentration and memory, sleep paterns, relationships, and activity/energy levels evaluate your life and see if you can make some positive changes. If you feel that you need additional assistance contact a trusted health professional, your college counselor, professor, hospital or even the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. There are many trained individuals who are willing and able to assist college students.
Tips to cope with anxiety include:
Prayer, Praise & Worship
Eating healthy balanced meals
Exercise
Understand that mistakes happen and press forward
Focus on what triggers your anxiety and deal with it
Stay away from drugs
Surround yourself with positive people
Relax
Giving you something to think about,
Dr. Bryant
Resources:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
http://www.adaa.org/sites/default/files/GotAnxiety-2014.pdf
Cornerstones for Career College Success. (3 rd ed.) Sherfield, R.M., & Moody, P.G. (2012)
Emory University: Emory Cares 4 U Suicide Statistics
http://www.emorycaresforyou.emory.edu/resources/suicidestatistics.html
Merriam- Webster Online Dictionary
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxiety