Students experience anxiety for many reasons, such as academic achievement, finances, relationships, family issues and physical stressors. There are many effects of anxiety that, if left untreated, can pose serious health risks. If you feel like you can't handle it alone, you should seek help from your college counseling center or a licensed mental health professional.
Substance Abuse
Many students turn to alcohol and other substances for temporary relief of stress and anxiety. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), those with an anxiety disorder are two to three times more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder. The peer pressure and party atmosphere traditionally associated with college mean that you're at a high level of risk. Make sure the occasional drink with friends isn't turning into a way to self-medicate. If you're worried you may have a substance-abuse disorder, speak to your physician about treatment options.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia are more likely to occur among college students, particularly females, according to Walden Behavioral Care. Eating disorders may stem from feelings of homesickness, low self-esteem or peer pressure. They usually develop in late childhood or adolescence and are commonly linked to anxiety disorders, according to the ADAA. If you're experiencing high levels of anxiety, you may feel like you cannot control anything in your life. The one thing many people with eating disorders do feel control over is what and when they eat. Eating disorders can be life threatening, so contact your doctor if you think you are suffering from an eating disorder.
Sleeping Problems
Sleep disorders are very common among students, since sleep is generally a low priority compared to other pressures such as academics and social life. Anxiety is a major cause of sleep disorders, especially if you are experiencing excessive worry. According to the State University of New York at Geneseo, it is normal to experience occasional sleeplessness, but it can be a serious problem if you develop insomnia. Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking in the middle of the night, waking too early in the morning and unsatisfying sleep. Insomnia can interfere with your ability to concentrate, make you feel irritable and put you at a high risk for developing other health problems.
