Unfamiliarity could breed anxiety
You just went through a frenzied and stressful year of visiting campuses, working on college applications, and waiting nervously for acceptances! Phew! Thank God, you can relax a bit now…
Not so fast!
As the young person steps outside their home – and, for the first time – in many cases, the unfamiliarity and demands of college life create their own anxiety. Research shows that nearly 3 out of 4 college students experience some sort of mental health crisis during their stay!
The American College Health Association’s (ACHA) Spring 2023 national survey of over 55,000 undergraduate students revealed that approximately 76% were experiencing moderate to serious psychological distress. 79% of surveyed students reported they had experienced moderate or high-stress levels within the last 30 days.
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Student mental health challenges at all-time high
Student mental health challenges were already at disturbingly high levels before the pandemic – Covid-driven changes like physical isolation and remote learning, simultaneously increased the risk factors while cutting off support networks. Building on the already high baseline levels of anxiety and depression, new concerns about academic achievement and the impact on future career options created a perfect storm for alarming levels of distress.
Ongoing surveys and research continue to paint a bleak picture of mental health on our campuses. Rand Corporation found that about half (One in two) of the student body either worries ‘constantly’ or ‘often’. Female students worried ‘constantly’ 28% more often than the student population as a whole and at-risk student populations showed even higher rates – nonbinary students worried ‘constantly’ 94% more often than the student population as a whole!
On-campus mental health services are on the front line of addressing the students’ mental health needs. Campus counseling centers strive to meet the demand, but there are challenges as the need is significant and the usage of on-campus services can be inconsistent.
Common stressors experienced by college students
Search for purpose: Students may question their goals, explore their purpose and interest in their lives, and wonder if their subjects align with those. The young person’s discovery that not all questions have instant answers can cause worry and stress.
Settling into a new identity: Students should explore personal growth beyond academics when adjusting to life post-high school. For, e.g., what other parts of myself do I want to nurture and nourish? What does that look like? However, this ‘search’ in an ocean of peer pressure can be unnerving.
Feelings of isolation: Moving away from home and friends can lead to loneliness, homesickness, and isolation. The move from the ‘familiar’ to the ‘new’, in some cases, can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addiction.
Reluctance to seek support: Many students avoid seeking mental health help due to societal stigma or the misconception that staying busy resolves problems. Unresolved coping challenges and fears can snowball into more serious problems.
Need to network: Freshmen often invest significant time and effort into joining student-run organizations including professional or social fraternities. At times, the intense desire to be accepted or brutal peer pressure can be the source of significant anxiety.
Making the ‘Major’ decision: Selecting a major can become stressful if influenced by peer or parental pressures. Students are encouraged to explore various majors before deciding on one that aligns with their interests.
Tips for college students
- You are stepping out of your comfort zone for the first time. Give yourself time to adjust to the new environment; know that this is a temporary phase. In this time of transition, do pay attention to your needs and do not skimp on taking care of yourself.
- Develop a daily routine. Though class times may differ, you build a routine that works for you.
Continue to develop your hobby or passion, such as drawing, painting, photography etc., which will help draw your attention outside your curricular work from time to time. This can be a great stress buster.
- Exercising and joining mindfulness meditation on campus or online is a great way to take care of both your physical and mental health.
- Open communication with your parents can help so that both sides do not feel lonely and isolated.
- Explore if you, as a freshman, can have an advisor or any peer support from seniors to help you navigate and adjust to the new environment. Finding mental health services provided in and around campus is also helpful.
Tips for Parents
- Listen more as they figure out their life – in terms of academics, roommate situation, and other life stressors.
- Allow them to grow into adulthood – meaning not doing their chores during weekends. Resist the urge to constantly drop off food or do their laundry unless there is a medical need or if your teen has made a request due to special circumstances.
- Build a deliberate communication channel with your child. Initially, there can be a daily check-in and you can gradually reduce the frequency as she/he gets busier. Apart from monitoring your child’s wellbeing, you will also get a front-row seat to see your baby blossom into an adult.
A recent case study
Kushal* graduated as valedictorian from one of the top high schools in the area. He was referred to me for insomnia and anxiety. He was president of a few clubs in his high school and developed a few friendships.
When his mother called me, she mentioned that he had been sad and not excited about his college admission acceptances, though he had been accepted to all his dream schools.
While working with Kushal, he shared that he is lost now and does not know where he belongs. He is worried about not having the safe, secure community he had while growing up. He was admitted to his dream school, but it did not excite him.
When he visited his campus after his admissions, he felt deeply overwhelmed and thought that he might not be ready for this. He moved to his campus and started his Freshman year in the Fall.
During the first few weeks, Kushal did not feel motivated to go to his classes; he was worried that he would not pass his classes and might disappoint himself and his parents. He wanted to find solutions quickly and feel connected with his new classmates faster, similar to what he had in high school.
During our online therapy sessions together, we identified that his perfectionism was getting in the way. His unrealistic expectations of needing to create this same high school-like ‘perfect atmosphere’ combined with him putting a lot of pressure on himself to be a ‘perfect student’ was hindering his settling down in the new setting.
We worked on how developing meaningful relationships takes time, and he acknowledged the same—coming to therapy provided a space where his feelings were acknowledged and validated. We also collaborated and worked on developing coping skills such as a routine, mindfulness, etc.
*Name changed to protect identity.