Anxiety therapy for college students is an important option. For those fortunate enough to attend college, those years often supply some of a student's most memorable ups and downs. Yet, as with most situations now, even university life is currently more confusing than ever. The trying circumstances under which families are trying to assess how their kids are doing in the classroom and out is unprecedented. Confusion is to be expected, as is some measure of grief.
But how do you know when things have escalated to a more serious level of depression, anxiety, or pain for your college student? You want the best for your child. Giving them space to succeed and fail is healthy. But knowing when to step in and get them some help is a key part of your role.
An Epidemic of Anxiety Disorders in College Students
Recent studies have found that 60 percent of U.S. college students are struggling with anxiety disorders. There are many traditional reasons for this escalation, e.g.
The student may have been a victim of childhood trauma
They might have a biochemical imbalance
College is expensive and often results in student debt
Plus, of course, like any other big transition, starting college can make people anxious
Even so, these basic explanations cannot account for the exponential rise. Research points to some other, more recently developing factors:
Political pressure: Many campuses are becoming very polarized
Students are less prepared: Many young people of the current generation of college students was raised by anxious, over-protective, “helicopter” parents. Therefore, some teens might not be ready for so much responsibility
Social media: These platforms often increase anxiety in every realm
Future insecurity: More and more, the once-certain benefits of a college education feel less certain
Whatever combination of factors has your kid feeling overwhelmed, it remains essential to identify the signs of trouble.
Anxiety Therapy for College Students: A Few Signs
Have you noticed the following signs of problematic anxiety in your college student?
Physical Fallout
These can be the trickiest symptoms because it’s so tempting to assign them a purely physical cause. However, anxiety in college students can manifest in a wide range of somatic symptoms, including:
Palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath
Unexplained aches and pains
Lingering muscle tension or sensations
Sweating, trembling, shaky voice
Digestive issues
Sleep disturbances
Extreme fatigue
Increase or decrease in appetite
Encourage your child to be forthcoming with you about any symptoms they notice. Talk with them about the link between emotional pain and physical sensations. Suggest they keep some kind of journal to best monitor such patterns. Listen and note repeated complaints of illness, discomfort, or persistent bodily symptoms.
Social Shifts
Anxiety disorders can alter one’s social dynamics in a dramatic way. In a college setting, this is very hard to discern. Students are already dealing with new cliques and friendships and it may seem “normal” if they ease into things slowly. That said, keep an eye out for:
Withdrawal
Self-isolation
Excessive shyness
Making excuses to avoid social interactions
Lost Emotional Equilibrium
The combo of college and anxiety — in the midst of all the current strife — can reveal itself in signs that are more obvious than others, e.g. relentless worrying, feeling edgy, inability to concentrate, panic attacks, angry outbursts, and/or test-oriented stress. Less obvious but no less serious are issues include:
Perfectionism
It’s no secret that moving from high school to college involves an uptick in pressure. When anxiety is present, this pressure can produce an obsession with perfection. Beneath this unhealthy quest is a deep fear of failure that must be addressed.
Procrastination
Does your student mention putting off important projects or papers? Are they often overwhelmed by "forgotten" responsibilities or sudden waves of school work? It may be that they are so anxious about performing well that they procrastinate doing things at all until the last moment. Unfortunately, this just exacerbates worry and upset when they do have to eventually get things done.
Lowered Expectations
This can begin with intrusive or persistent negative thoughts and escalate into a generally distorted, worst-case scenario point of view. Inside the classroom and out, your child may start to feel inadequate, unworthy, or expect failure.
Anxiety Therapy for College Students: Next Step
This phase of your child's growth and development is best seen as a group effort. Your college-age young person will need to have an equal voice in the process. It helps to talk face-to-face with them but if that’s not going well, you may need to conference together with a potential counselor. The idea is to make sure your student doesn’t feel forced or stigmatized. Approach your child with compassion, not criticism. Give yourselves permission to seek help. Neither of you has to have all the answers. Right now awareness, acceptance, and commitment to healthy support are enough.
There is no shame in needing help. Especially during college. Especially in the trying second decade of the new millennium.If you would like support and are looking for a psychotherapist, please contact us for a free consultation to learn about how we can be of service.
To find out more about our services in Colorado click here: Anxiety Treatment. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver...
