Navigating University with Anxiety

Beginning university is an exciting transition in the lives of many students, but it can also be a source of worry as you adapt to a new environment and a greater sense of independence, both within and outside your studies. Alison, a recent graduate, shares her journey through university with The Mix...

Alison is a graduate who managed an anxiety disorder throughout her studies. She now hopes to share some of the important things that helped her persevere and succeed.

Personally, I have struggled with anxiety for many years. I knew that university – especially in the beginning – could potentially be a challenging time for me. After making it through and graduating earlier this summer, I want to share some of the things that helped me through the challenging times as an anxious student, to help you have the positive and productive experience that every student deserves.

Remember how far you’ve come

Getting to university is no small feat. You’ve managed your mental health alongside your studies, and did well in those stressful A Level exams to be offered a place on your course. It’s completely understandable to be worried about the ‘step up’ to university. However, it’s also always worth remembering that you have succeeded in adapting in the past (GCSE to A Level, for example), and you are absolutely capable of adapting again. Your resilience will continue to grow as you grow – which you should always take pride and confidence in!

Make sure support is in place

Universities want to support students who are experiencing difficulties during their studies, and mental health is no exception. Whether you need to continue support you had while you were at school or feel you may need to get support in place now you’re at university, help is available to you. This could include things such as Disabled Student’s Allowance eligibility, counselling and mentoring sessions available through the university, additional exam requirements (such as extra time), or making sure you are registered with your local GP. Having this support in place for when it’s needed can make all the difference to both your studies and your wellbeing. For me, staff knowing about my anxiety and its impact on my ability to ‘get things done’ allowed me to get the help and support I needed to cope with the added pressure of deadlines and exams – they will always want to support you to succeed.

Try to establish good habits

Hearing advice to go for a run or eat your vegetables might seem a bit frustrating when you know what it’s like to go through a rough patch with your mental health, but paying attention to things like your diet, exercise levels, sleep, or even screentime can make a difference to your overall wellbeing. It’s important not to be hard on yourself if these are things you struggle with in the difficult times. What matters is making whatever effort you feel you can. Small goals, such as going for short walks or putting your phone down a little earlier at night, often feel more manageable and sustainable. The more of a habit it becomes, the more it can benefit you.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Comparison really is the thief of joy. Everyone is on their own path, with their own strengths, weaknesses, background, interests, and so on. Some people may need more time or help to deal with certain situations than others. It is not a negative reflection on you if that’s the case. If anything, there is courage in being able to admit and accept that, especially if you are struggling. What’s more, someone may seem to have it all figured out, but may have their own worries and struggles under the surface! Being motivated by the success of others isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but using it as a means to tear yourself down is unfair and unhelpful to yourself.

Don’t keep a lid on things

Depending on how you’ve dealt with things in the past, bottling your troubles up and going it alone while at university can be tempting for a number of reasons. I know all too well how easy it can be to tell yourself some variation of…

“It’s not that big of a deal”

“I don’t want to make a fuss”

“I shouldn’t need help with this”

But the reality is that if something is causing you difficulty then it is a problem worth sharing and addressing. You deserve to be able to take your problems seriously. There is no such thing as a problem too small, and it’ll always be easier to deal with a problem before it gets bigger. You never have to suffer in silence.

Useful links and further info:

• What is anxiety?
• Navigating imposter syndrome at university
• Breaking the ice with your new university housemates