We all have struggles with anxiety that just about anyone can relate to.

It is just moments during which the anxiety becomes unmanageable that we should truly be concerned for our mental health.

There are a variety of challenging atmospheres and environments with which we will be faced, which could in turn result in an escalation of anxious thoughts or feelings.

One especially challenging environment that most people face is anxiety at school.

According to data provided by the ACHA, among college students, approximately 66% of individuals report having "harmful levels" of anxiety in 2022.

This is why we have outlined a variety of tips that can potentially help you overcome anxiety at school.

The following are some of the most common.

Keep a Regular Routine

Given the unpredictable nature of life, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, students' mental health has significantly been impacted.

This is why it is crucial for students to keep a consistent schedule that aligns with their personal preferences and habits. 

Some examples of establishing consistent patterns of routine in school life include waking up at the same time daily, eating three meals per day, keeping solid hygiene habits, relaxing through meditation, exercising, or recording daily intended goals. 

Engaging in such activities can help you to feel more grounded in reality with a much clearer mindset.

According to Indumathi Bendi, primary care physician at Piedmont Healthcare in Georgia, "Carrying out routine activities reduces stress by making the situation appear more controllable and predictable." 

Data from the National Sleep Foundation has demonstrated that maintaining a solid sleeping and waking schedule establishes stability with your body's internal clock and also enhances the quality of sleep.

Think Positively

Seek Strong Friendships

Given that we as people are not intended to be alone, it could greatly benefit you to seek strong friendships if you are experiencing anxiety at school. 

It could help you to feel much less lonely or isolated if you are especially having high levels of anxiety.

Although you might be afraid to make new friends, particularly if you are a freshman or new to a school, chances are that others are feeling just as anxious as you.

Some ways in which you can make new friends are by joining a club, volunteering, or joining a sorority or fraternity. 

It is important, however, for you to seek friends who share common interests, values, or goals so that you do not add potential distress to your life.

Strong friendships do not only work to protect us from feelings of pain or isolation. 

They have been scientifically proven to do the following: 

• enhance your sense of purpose or belonging
• elevate your sense of contentment
• diminish stress
• assist you with facing trauma
• enhance confidence and self-worth
• encourage you when it comes to dealing with unhealthy lifestyle choices
• assist you with your problems in terms of giving them a sense of meaning or purpose
• enhance your sense of personal security
• help manage your stress
• protect your emotions from suffering from harm.

Seek a Mental Health Therapist or Psychiatrist

Since it can be quite difficult to manage the distress of anxiety on your own, it might be beneficial for you to seek the guidance of a mental health therapist if you are experiencing anxiety at school.

The majority of college campuses have mental health services or counseling centers, or you can always seek out the assistance of a private therapist on your own.

Since mental health therapists are trained to deal with psychological problems, chances are that you will come across one who specializes in treating anxiety. 

It may also be an option for you to receive the services of a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse if your anxiety becomes especially unmanageable. 

Employ Effective Coping Mechanisms in Daily Life

Conclusion

Though you may experience a strong sense of anxiety at school, especially during your college years, there are a variety of ways in which to cope with this especially stressful situation. 

College will also likely present many challenging situations that do not deal directly with your academic studies, which is why it is important to strike a balance between having a strong support system and personal time to cope for yourself. 

Developing a sense of identity and purpose when learning to deal with anxiety at school will give you the confidence you need to branch out to necessary support throughout your time of anxiety, distress, or pain. 

You may initially feel hesitant to reach out for support, but in time, you will come to realize that dealing with anxiety at school is a common enough problem that unites us all. 

Therefore, it is important to be compassionate toward yourself and others when coping with the stressors of anxiety at school.

Resources 

https://admissionsly.com/college-student-mental-health-statistics/

https://timely.md/blog/stress-and-anxiety-in-college-students/

https://buckeyerecoverynetwork.com/college-anxiety-guide/

https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/college-anxiety#branch-out

https://www.sondermind.com/resources/5-tips-for-dealing-with-anxiety-in-college

https://www.psycom.net/college-anxiety-student/

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/05/the-importance-of-maintaining-a-routine-while-at-home/

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/positive-thinking-overview

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/psychological-benefits-of-friendship