Managing Student Anxiety: Strategies For University Success

Anxiety is a common issue among university students, and it can be caused or exacerbated by various factors, such as workload, lifestyle changes, academic pressures, and social interactions. While some anxiety is normal and can be beneficial, excessive anxiety can impede daily functioning and negatively impact mental health. It is crucial for students, instructors, and parents to recognize the signs of anxiety and know how to manage it effectively. This involves understanding the triggers, seeking professional help when needed, and utilizing resources available on campus, such as counselling services, peer support, and academic skills workshops. By addressing anxiety, students can improve their overall well-being and enhance their ability to learn and succeed in their university studies.

Characteristics of dealing with students with anxiety at university

Recognise the signs of anxiety in students

Recognising the signs of anxiety in students is crucial to helping them manage their mental health and providing them with the support they need. Here are some key indicators to look out for:

Academic Performance and Behaviour

A common sign of anxiety is a decline in academic performance, such as a decrease in grades, missed assignments, or poor exam results. Students with anxiety may also struggle with procrastination, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of being overwhelmed by their schoolwork. They might miss classes due to physical ailments brought on by anxiety or as a way to avoid situations they perceive as threatening, such as tests or social interactions.

Social Withdrawal

Students with anxiety may start to isolate themselves and withdraw from social activities. They may stop engaging with friends and become less interested in social events. Social anxiety, which often begins around early adolescence, can lead to students spending more time alone and feeling uncomfortable in social situations.

Emotional Changes

Anxiety can cause emotional changes such as constant worrying, irrational fears, nervousness, low self-esteem, and irritability. Students may find themselves getting easily irritated by small things and may exhibit unpredictable behaviour. They may also experience prolonged feelings of sadness, despair, or thoughts of self-harm.

Physical Symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in physical ways, including changes in sleep patterns, headaches, stomachaches, and other physical ailments. It can also lead to increased alcohol or drug use as a form of self-medication.

Lifestyle Changes

Entering university brings various lifestyle changes that can contribute to anxiety. These include staying up late to finish assignments, changes in eating habits, financial stress, and the pressure to manage independent living and self-care routines.

It is important to remember that while these are common signs of anxiety, each student's experience is unique. Some students may exhibit obvious signs, while others may internalise their anxiety, making it harder to recognise. Early identification and support from teachers, staff, and mental health professionals are crucial to helping students effectively manage their anxiety.

Understand the causes of anxiety in university students

University students face a unique set of challenges that can contribute to anxiety. Understanding the causes of anxiety in this population is crucial for providing effective support. Here are some common causes of anxiety among university students:

Academic Pressure and Workload: University students often experience high levels of academic pressure, with heavy workloads and demanding courses. The transition to university can be challenging, as students may be managing their workload independently for the first time. This can lead to feelings of stress, especially during exam periods or when facing strict deadlines.

Social and Environmental Changes: Leaving home and starting university involves significant social and environmental changes. Students may feel anxious about leaving their support system of family and friends behind. They also face new challenges, such as living with roommates, developing an independent identity, and navigating new social situations. These adjustments can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of loneliness or isolation, which are risk factors for anxiety.

Sleep Deprivation and Caffeine Consumption: University life often disrupts healthy sleep patterns. Students may pull all-nighters or consume excessive caffeine to keep up with their studies, leading to sleep deprivation. This disruption in sleep can negatively impact their mental health and increase anxiety.

Financial Stressors: Financial concerns, such as tuition fees, living expenses, and managing a budget, can be a significant source of anxiety for university students. Financial stressors can create a sense of uncertainty and worry about their present and future economic stability.

Personal Factors: Anxiety in university students can also be attributed to personal factors, such as relationship issues, self-esteem struggles, or difficulties adjusting to university life. Some students may experience negative self-talk, self-doubt, and cycles of obsessing about various outcomes, leading to increased anxiety and possible isolation.

Understanding these causes of anxiety in university students is essential for creating supportive environments and providing effective interventions to help them thrive during their academic journey.

Learn how to talk to students about anxiety

Anxiety is a common issue for university students, and it's important that instructors know how to talk to students about it. Here are some tips for educators to effectively communicate and support students who may be experiencing anxiety:

Firstly, it is crucial to increase awareness and understanding of anxiety. Familiarize yourself with the common mental health challenges students face, such as stress from academic pressures, loneliness, sleep disruption, and heavy workloads. Understanding these challenges will enable you to better direct students to the proper resources and support systems. Many universities offer seminars, workshops, or training sessions led by campus health resources to help instructors in this regard.

When speaking to a student about anxiety, it is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment. Address your concerns privately and respectfully. Validate their fears and take their concerns seriously. Avoid labelling their anxiety as "silly" or using it as an excuse for their shortcomings. Instead, acknowledge that their feelings are understandable and that you accept them. For example, you could say, "I understand that you're feeling anxious about the upcoming exam. It's normal to feel this way, and I'm here to support you."

Encourage students to open up about their fears and worries. Ask specific questions to help them sort through their confusing fears and feelings. For instance, you could ask, "What worries you the most about the upcoming exam?" Offer reassurance and let them know that it's okay to feel anxious. Share your own experiences with anxiety or fears when you were their age, especially if you had similar concerns. This can help the student feel less alone and more understood.

Provide information about anxiety and how it can be managed. Explain that anxiety is a common and normal emotion that everyone experiences at times. You can use the three parts of anxiety as a framework: thoughts (self-talk), physical feelings (body responses), and behaviours (actions). Help students identify physical symptoms, anxious thoughts, and avoidance behaviours. Encourage them to seek professional help if their anxiety is prolonged, excessive, or interfering with their daily functioning. Inform them about the resources available on campus, such as academic advising, peer counselling, and student mental health services.

Finally, work with the student to develop coping strategies and a support plan. Ask them about their current coping strategies and how you can be of help. Develop specific statements or actions to support them during triggering moments. For example, you could say, "I notice that you seem anxious during class discussions. Would it be helpful if I called on you less frequently?" Remember that each student is unique, so tailor your approach to their individual needs.

By following these steps, instructors can effectively communicate and support university students experiencing anxiety, helping them navigate their challenges and succeed in their academic pursuits.

Know what resources are available to students

It is important to know what resources are available to students to help them cope with anxiety. Students can be hesitant to reach out for help due to perceived stigma or other barriers, so it is crucial that they are aware of the support systems in place.

Many universities offer courses or workshops on academic skills, study strategies, and time management, which have been shown to promote student performance and retention while lowering stress. Some universities also offer peer tutors who can assist with course content or academic skills, providing additional support for students.

Instructors play a vital role in directing students to the proper resources. They can familiarize themselves with common mental health challenges and campus resources to better guide students to the help they need. Some universities offer seminars or short trainings led by campus health resources to equip instructors with the knowledge and skills to support students effectively.

Students can also take proactive steps to manage their anxiety by developing a crisis plan, such as saving emergency contact numbers, knowing nearby hospitals, and identifying their treatment preferences. They can also prioritize self-care by engaging in activities they enjoy, such as exercising, reading, or listening to music. Additionally, mental health apps are becoming more common and can be a useful tool for managing anxiety.

It is important to note that each college campus may vary in the specific services they offer, so students should research the resources available at their particular institution. This can include visiting the school's website, connecting with the student life center, or speaking with counsellors or academic advisors who can provide referrals to off-campus mental health providers and support groups.

Learn how to manage your own anxiety as an instructor

As an instructor, it is important to be aware of your own anxiety triggers and practice self-care. Here are some strategies to manage your anxiety:

Firstly, familiarize yourself with common mental health challenges relating to stress and anxiety. This will enable you to better direct students to the proper resources and have more insight into how to approach conversations about mental health. Many universities offer seminars or short trainings led by campus health resources that are designed for instructors. While these workshops are not a replacement for seeking professional help, they can provide basic training on how to support students and identify those in need.

Additionally, it is important to recognize the impact of your own anxiety on your teaching practices and the classroom environment. Students often pick up on their instructor's mood and energy, so be mindful of how you are presenting yourself to the class. Practice self-care and stress management techniques, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a support system of your own.

Furthermore, actively work to establish connections with your students and create a positive classroom climate. This can be achieved through humor, sharing your own experiences, and promoting a sense of relational closeness. A strong instructor-student relationship can help reduce student anxiety and make them feel more comfortable in the classroom.

Finally, stay informed about the resources available on campus and in the community for students struggling with anxiety. This includes academic advising, peer tutoring, counseling services, and mental health providers. By knowing what resources are available, you can effectively refer students to the appropriate support systems when needed.

Remember, managing your own anxiety as an instructor is crucial not only for your well-being but also for creating a supportive and positive learning environment for your students.

Frequently asked questions