ANXIETY
You’re not alone.
Anxiety in college can feel isolating, but you're not alone. O2 Counseling offers a supportive space to address your worries and develop effective coping strategies to manage anxiety, empowering you to make the most of your college years.
What Anxiety Is:
A natural response to stress or perceived threats.
A persistent worry, nervousness, or unease about future events or uncertain outcomes that are difficult to control.
Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.
Sometimes a diagnosable mental health condition when severe and long-lasting.
Not always a bad thing.
Anxiety is a common challenge that many students face.
It’s important to understand what anxiety is in order to get support if it’s impacting your daily life or academic performance.
What Anxiety Is Not:
Just being stressed about deadlines or exams.
A sign of weakness or personal failure.
Something you can always "snap out of" or control easily.
The same as feeling sad or depressed (though they can coexist).
A permanent state - it can be managed and improved.
An accurate predictor of future events or your abilities.
Common college anxiety triggers.
Fear of failing or not meeting expectations
Worry about maintaining scholarships or good standing
Meeting new people and making friends
Public speaking or class presentations
Living away from home for the first time
Adjusting to a new environment and routines
Choosing a major or career path
Job market concerns post-graduation
Managing student loans and debt
Balancing work and studies
Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself
Getting through the dissertation process
Fear of disappointing others or oneself
Balancing academic, social, and personal responsibilities
Feeling overwhelmed by multiple deadlines
Questioning personal values and beliefs
Exploring sexual or gender identity
Navigating romantic relationships or breakups
Managing long-distance relationships with family or partners
Adapting to new sleep patterns or eating habits
Feeling inadequate compared to classmates' achievements or social lives
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) on social experiences
Making important decisions without immediate family support