Why are college students experiencing so much anxiety?

Honestly, we are in a pretty dystopian time. Inflation, late stage capitalism, housing market crash, and foundational rights being revoked are among a few factors. 

Not to mention, we are still in a pandemic! It is a lot to handle. Then you add expensive universities and their high expectations into the picture. This added stress is enough to make anxiety go through the roof.

Then, you add unpaid internships and a heavy workload that has the potential to topple your work-life balance. Anyone would be anxious and unbalanced with all of that responsibility and pressure. 

Marginalized populations are more likely to lack support and have additional barriers to success. This lack of support on an individual, community, and/or societal level causes a lot of anxiety. 

Marginalized populations experience added stressors such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and more. These stressors increase anxiety levels and may dysregulate our body and nervous system. 

How can I handle my anxiety during these challenging times?

1. Mindfulness. Mindfulness empowers us to focus on the present moment and not fall into anxious thoughts about the future. This empowers us by giving ourselves the skills necessary to focus on the present and get work done.

2. Schedule self care time. College is a crazy busy time and takes a lot of energy. We need to give ourselves energy and joy by taking time for ourselves. 

There is no shame in taking a break and having some fun! Also, a night in and splurging on a pedicure is good too.

1. Reach out to your friends and family. Sometimes, we isolate or overlook important people in our lives when times get rough. Letting the people that care about us support us and make us laugh can make all the difference.

2. See a therapist. Sometimes, the stress gets too much to handle on our own. There are plenty of anxiety therapists that enjoy working with college students like you. 

How are college students under pressure?

Often, college students are unsure of their future. You have this looming date before you. On this date you leave the university and go off on your own. 

Off on your own in a society that isn’t known for its generosity to those that tumble and fall. The unsurity and potential devastating consequences for failure causes a lot of pressure to be perfect!

Going out into the world with the rapidly rising cost of living and state of the economy causes tons of pressure. There is added pressure to stay afloat for students that don’t have financial support. 

Of course, you have the added pressure of fundamental rights being challenged. Roe v Wade being overturned and taking away women’s right to choose their fate is devastating for many. 

Luckily, there are actions that you can take to take care of yourself during these times.

How can I take care of myself when I am under so much pressure and stress?

1. Let go of what you cannot control. Sometimes, we find ourselves focusing on what we cannot control and agonize over it. The thing is, we are wasting precious energy focusing on what we cannot control! Identifying what we can control and taking action can support our mental health and life. 

2. Tap into self compassion. You may be hard on yourself when you are struggling with the pressure and stress. Showing yourself grace and practicing self compassion empowers you to act and makes life more enjoyable. 

3. Be aware of your inner dialogue. How are you talking to yourself? Being mindful of how you talk to yourself and practicing switching your tone and wording can make a huge difference. 

How do you talk to your best friend? You deserve to be talked to with kindness just like you would talk to your friends. 

growgood psychology has a team of  anxiety therapists that are dedicated to supporting you during these wild and tumultuous times

To add, at growgood psychology we will create a safe holding space for you to discuss all of the struggles that come with college life. At growgood psychology you can develop skills to release anxiety. Our therapists can help you tap into joy and calm during intense and tumultuous times.

Finally,  connect with us now to begin the healing process and embrace growth with our holistic therapists!