Written by: Lynn Tian
Edited by: Benjamin Hewitt
The transition into college life marks a significant shift in responsibilities and expectations. For many students, it is the first time they juggle personal independence, academic pressures, and social challenges without support of family and familiar environments (Baiter et al., 2015). While stress in moderate amounts can serve as motivation, chronic stress can lead to more strain on mental and physical health. College students, facing these excessively stressed environments, are particularly vulnerable to stress-induced disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and depression.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is one of the most common stress-induced disorders seen in college students, manifesting across an individual’s daily life, spanning from academic performance to social relationships. For students with GAD, the demands of college life can feel overwhelming, with every assignment and stress factor adding onto the anxiety. Unlike everyday stress, GAD does not subside after a deadline passes or an exam is over; instead, the worry persists, leading to physical symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, or even difficulty in concentrating (Generalized anxiety disorder: When worry gets out of control, n.d.). College environments, with their emphasis on success and high achievement, can exacerbate these feelings, especially when students start to equate academic success as a measure of personal worth.
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, often accompanied by intense fear or discomfort. Panic attacks often include physical symptoms of shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, trembling, dizziness and more (Panic disorder: When fear overwhelms, n.d.). These symptoms will sometimes deter an individual from facing social situations or academic obligations for fear of experiencing an attack in public. For many individuals, the unpredictability of the panic disorder can cause additional layers of stress as well as changes in behavior to avoid situations that may trigger an attack (Panic attacks & panic disorder, n.d.). This avoidance behavior can magnify and lead to social isolation, academic struggles, and further detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
Depression, often induced by prolonged stress, is another significant concern among college students. While feelings of sadness and exhaustion are normal under stress, major depressive disorder is far more debilitating, affecting every aspect of one’s life. Individuals with depressive disorder can feel lack of motivation, persistent sadness, and a deep sense of hopelessness. They may find difficulty experiencing joy in activities that once excited them, like socializing with friends, dedicating time for hobbies, and achieving academic goals.
The struggle of college life can make recognizing stress-induced disorders challenging. A student may attribute their excessive sleep, or lack thereof, their difficulty concentrating, or their withdrawal from social activities to the typical stress of the college life/environment. However, when these behaviors persist and intensify, eventually interfering with daily activities, it can signify a deeper, more chronic issue.
College students often feel immense pressure to succeed in a new environment of independence and shift in lifestyle. Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges amongst college students, individuals may be reluctant to admit to themselves or disclose to others due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues. According to a 2019 study conducted by Ebert et al., only 24.6% of nearly 14,000 students reported that they would seek treatment if faced with an emotional problem. This reluctance to seek help, driven by stigma or desire to handle issues alone, can prevent students from accessing the necessary support. However, recognizing and addressing stress-induced disorders is critical for an individual’s mental and physical health, and overall personal well-being.
Fortunately, many colleges and universities are beginning to prioritize mental health by offering resources such as counseling services, wellness programs, and peer support groups. For students experiencing symptoms attributed to various stress-related disorders, reaching out to campus health services is a crucial first step. Mental health professionals can provide many strategies for managing stress, whether they be through therapy, mindfulness exercises, or sometimes medication. Additionally, students should prioritize self-care, whether that means taking breaks to engage in hobbies, spending time socializing with friends, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Developing a strong support system, both within and outside one’s college community, can also provide a stable outlet for stress as well as a support network of individuals during difficult times.
College is a time of growth, discovery, and change, but it is also a period filled with challenges and stress. Recognizing the signs of stress-induced disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, panic disorder, and depressive disorder is critical for an individual's mental and physical health. By overcoming the stigma of mental health through increased awareness and spread of information, students can seek help when needed and go through college life in a healthier and more sustainable way. Stress is inevitable but it does not have to be the controlling factor in a student’s college experience — seeking help and practicing coping strategies can improve college students’ quality of life, and ensure they make the most of their college experience.
References:
Beiter, R., Nash, R., McCrady, M., Rhoades, D., Linscomb, M., Clarahan, M., & Sammut, S. (2015). The prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of college students. Journal of Affective Disorders, 173, 90–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2014.10.054
Ebert, D. D., Mortier, P., Kaehlke, F., Bruffaerts, R., Baumeister, H., Auerbach, R. P., Alonso, J., Vilagut, G., Martínez, K. I., Lochner, C., Cuijpers, P., Kuechler, A.-M., Green, J., Hasking, P., Lapsley, C., Sampson, N. A., Kessler, R. C., & WHO World Mental Health-International College Student Initiative collaborators. (2019). Barriers of mental health treatment utilization among first-year college students: First cross-national results from the WHO World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 28(2), e1782. https://doi.org/10.1002/mpr.1782
Generalized anxiety disorder: When worry gets out of control. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad
Panic attacks & panic disorder. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved October 18, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorder
Panic disorder: When fear overwhelms. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved October 16, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms
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