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An article published by the American Psychological Association examined a survey conducted by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD). The survey highlighted a growing concern across college campuses: 95 percent of college counseling center directors believe that students with significant psychological problems are a growing concern on their campus. The survey also concluded that nearly 42 percent of students consider anxiety a top concern.

The information collected in the survey makes sense. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 75 percent of mental health conditions develop by age 24, the age when most adults attend college.

Anxiety affects Grand View students:
Grand View students are no exception. Isabell Akers is a senior this year. She is on track to graduate in the spring with a major in biochemistry and a minor in chemistry. In addition to schoolwork, Akers struggles with anxiety every day.

She said anxiety has always been a part of her life, but she noticed it was beginning to become a more serious problem early on in her sophomore year. Akers made an appointment with her doctor to discuss how she was feeling and they decided to start a medication to help her cope.

Akers said her days go up and down; anxiety is a constant battle. To describe what it feels like, Akers said her thoughts snowball. She said she has one thought and then it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

“If you fail this, you’re going to fail the rest of your life… you’re not to be able to be a teacher… you’re not going to be able to go to the education program… you’re not going to be able to pass school… you’re going to have to take it again… that’s more money… I’m going to die alone, it’s going to be great,” Akers said.

In the past, she did not realize people would be accommodating. This year she is talking more about her anxiety and has been more open about it with professors and her employer. Akers said it has made a difference and people have been empathetic.

She is learning to live with anxiety. Besides being more open about it, Akers is focusing on self-care. She said sleep is a big thing for her, so she takes naps when she needs them. She goes to church and prays to God for the strength to cope. She also finds relief writing and doodling in her journal.

Feeling anxious?
Dr. Guy Cunningham is a Psychology Professor here at Grand View. He said everybody experiences anxiety.

Cunningham said that the most useful thing a person can do to relieve anxiety is to distract themselves by thinking about something else, but it takes practice. He said some other ways to relieve anxiety are:

• get enough sleep
• exercise
• stay hydrated
• maintain friendships
• prepare for events ahead of time
• meditate
• spend less money
• lower expectations

“We’re not going to get rid of normal anxiety, that’s not going to happen: chronic, debilitating, pathological anxiety, is different,” Cunningham said.

He said the difference between a person who might need to be medicated for anxiety versus someone who does not is based on that individual’s coping skills, how well they are handling their anxiety and how well they understand their anxiety.

Grand View students who feel like anxiety is crippling them or interfering with their life significantly can contact the Student Counseling Center to schedule an appointment with a counselor on campus. The website also provides emergency contact numbers and additional resources.