Dylan Thomas, Mindless Mag

Anxiety in Students

Anxiety is common for many students and young people. The demands of university can cause anxiety to manifest in many ways, and everyone has different experiences with it. For many, university marks a massive transition in their lives, being the first time many have moved away from home and lived independently. Going from the supportive bubble of sixth form or college to university is hard. It is important to remember however that anxiety is a completely normal response to big life changes like university. What is not normal is when this anxiety stops you living to the fullest and being able to enjoy university.

According to StudentMinds via an online survey they conducted among students, 64% of students feel the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing. For many, the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions and made it harder than it already is to receive support with them. 7 in every 10 of students have either been diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition, are experiencing a short-term mental health condition, or think they may have an undiagnosed condition. 

Many different factors can contribute to anxiety and poor mental health, and with recent contentious topics such as the cost-of-living crisis contributing, the problem is clearly widespread among the student population. We need to see more effective action from universities and the government. However, students can do certain things to relieve their anxiety and other mental health issues and prevent further issues from rising.

What Can Students Be Doing?

For many students, their first port of call when facing mental health struggles is their university. This is the institution they pay tuition to and expect support from. However, research shows that university counselling services are underfunded and oversubscribed, and for many the waiting list is simply too long. I know from my own experience with my university’s wellbeing team, they have good intentions but the sheer number of students they must assist means they have to prioritise who they offer help to. This means however that students either have to self-fund therapy or look at other aspects of their life to improve their mental health.

Many of the activities of student life are not conducive or helpful to ensuring good mental health. For many students, drinking and going out is an active part of their culture and a way in which many of us socialise. However, poor sleep habits, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of exercise can all impact mental health, along with substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use. For many students, university is the first time they are exposed to things like drugs and alcohol, and for many the desire to fit in and peer pressure mean they partake in things they wouldn’t usually. Many students then get into a cycle with alcohol or other substances where they find it difficult to escape. However, many universities now offer societies focused on sober socialising, and it is becoming more common for young people to try sobriety.

One of the most effective ways to tackle anxiety is to practise self-care. This means taking time for yourself to relax and recharge. University is an extreme environment, and it can be stressful and intense. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can help students cope with anxiety and reduce stress levels. Some activities that promote self-care include exercise, meditation, yoga, listening to music, reading, or spending time in nature. For many students, waking up on a Saturday not hungover from the night before and going on a walk in the park can be all the difference they need.

Another important strategy to tackle anxiety is to try and identify and challenge negative thoughts. Anxiety often stems from irrational or distorted thinking patterns, such as catastrophizing or assuming the worst-case scenario. By questioning these thoughts, students can develop a more realistic and positive outlook and stop jumping to the worst-case scenario. For instance, instead of thinking “I will fail this exam,” students can challenge this thought by reminding themselves of past successes, developing a plan to study more effectively or asking others for help.

Other Resources

Other resources can be accessed to try and assist with the anxieties that students feel. NoPanic is a helpline and resource set up to help people who suffer with panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and more. They offer monthly support emails for those struggling with their mental health and offer a membership with access to recovery services and a member’s chat for peer support.

Anxiety and poor mental health are extremely common, and it won’t last forever. Building a support system is crucial for managing anxiety. Talking to friends, family members, or someone from your university can help you feel less isolated and provide you with a different perspective on any problems. It is never weak to ask for help if you need it.