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

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