Depression and anxiety have emerged as the two leading reasons why students seek mental care in the United States. According to the American Institute of Stress (2019), the prevalence of anxiety among students is on an upward trajectory, contrary to other mental conditions whose incidence has either plummeted or flattened over the years. To demonstrate the commonness of anxiety among students, Scheffler et al. (2018) state that 34% of the United States’ population aged 18 years and above is bound to experience an anxiety episode at least once in their lifetime. In the educational context, research has elucidated that anxiety is caused by separation from the traditional support system, managing overwhelming workloads, leaving with roommates, and the development of an independent identity.
According to LeBlanc and Marques (2019), college students are more anxious now than ever before. The increase in the prevalence of anxiety in the college setting stems from overwhelming workloads that often drive students to experience sleep disruption caused by increased caffeine intake. Other risk factors include loneliness, juggling studies with part-time or full-time jobs, and the stress of choosing a career path that corresponds with one’s academic goals. Nonetheless, students that suffer from anxiety receive less or no mental care services because the episodes tend to occur during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The symptoms are often mistaken for hormonal changes associated with development. In a bid to manage the spiraling condition, it is integral that mental health awareness programs in colleges are broadened and students are encouraged to seek counseling.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
In conclusion, anxiety among college students has risen at an alarming rate in the recent past. The trend is associated with overwhelming workloads, the economic pressure than compels most students to get part-time or full-time jobs, sleep depravity, making fundamental career decisions, and loneliness. Ultimately, managing the condition is integral in ensuring learners thrive in school and lead healthy lives.
References
LeBlanc, J. N., & Marques, L. (2019). Anxiety in college: what we know and how to cope. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-in-college-what-we-know-and-how-to-cope-2019052816729 .
Scheffler, et al., (2018). The anxious generation: causes and cinsequences of anciety disorder among young Americans: Preliminary findings. Retrieved from https://gspp.berkeley.edu/assets/uploads/page/Policy_Brief_Final_071618.pdf .
The American Institute of Stress. (2019). Anxiety in college students: Causes, statistics & how universities can help. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/anxiety-in-college-students-causes-statistics-how-universities-can-help .
