Everyone feels anxious from time to time. Being anxious is actually a good source of motivation when you’re pressured for a deadline. Think about a big exam or presentation. If you’re nervous, you’re more likely to work harder and, as a result, perform better. But regular worry, such as stress over a grade, comes and goes with time. It has a definable source, and it isn’t so intense that you can’t function. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, prevent you from living life the way you want. Left untreated, they can be self-destructive and stop you from achieving your goals.
Why Anxiety Disorders Occur in College
Young adulthood is the time when the majority of people first experience symptoms of a psychological disorder. Most of all mental illnesses develop before age 24, half of them start around age 14. You might look back and realize that you struggled back in high school, too, but you never really had a word to describe it. One belief that stops people from getting help is the idea that their anxiety is just a part of their personality.
If you think it’s normal for you to be anxious, then you likely don’t see it as a problem that needs treatment. But here’s the deal, if your worries cause you distress and seriously impacts your decision-making and lifestyle habits, it’s likely more than just your temperament. Speaking to a mental health professional you trust can shed some light on your thoughts and help you determine whether you have an anxiety disorder.
Regular Anxiety vs. Disordered Anxiety
Regular anxiety starts in response to a trigger, like a job interview or a date. Most people feel nervous before things like this. Disordered anxiety can be triggered by these events too, but it is much more intense. It can be so overwhelming that you find yourself cancelling plans and isolating yourself from others just so you don’t have to feel anxious. You may experience anxiety or even panic attacks, which include physical symptoms like:
- Shortness of breath/feeling like you can’t breathe.
- A feeling of dread, impending doom or indescribable fear you can’t shake.
- Sweating, trembling and shivering.
- A rapid heart rate or feeling like your heart is beating out of your chest.
- Feeling worn out by your thoughts.
- Consuming thoughts and fears that make it impossible to focus on anything else.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, a therapist may be able to help. Utilizing online counseling is key for support, even if you’ve been dealing with your problems alone for years. You can review this guide on the importance of mental health services in college, which might help you voice your needs better at your own school.
What Can Be Done?
The best course of treatment depends on the type of condition you have. For example, with generalized anxiety disorder, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) could be the most effective. With OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERPT) is a form of treatment. Talking with a therapist is the first step toward figuring out what treatments might be helpful for you. Remember that everyone is different, so there’s no right or wrong way to get better. What matters most is your comfort and wellness.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
