91ÁÔÆæ

Nigel Cares: Let's define anxiety

March 21, 2022
We must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of our anxiety before we can take steps to reduce it.

By Lauren Howard, associate director of Student Counseling Services

Anxiety is one of the most common concerns seen in college counseling centers. Almost everyone will experience some form of anxiety in their lives, likely without even knowing it. Within the 91ÁÔÆæ Student Counseling Center between January 2021 and January 2022, an estimated 25% of diagnoses given were anxiety-related.

It's also important to note that not all anxiety symptoms are linked to an official diagnosis. However, it is still helpful to identify the signs and symptoms to manage them from becoming more impactful in our lives. Before we learn how to help reduce any anxiety concerns, we must first know how to identify the signs and symptoms that something could be off within ourselves.

The most commonly discussed signs and symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Feeling anxious
  • Feeling nervous
  • Heart racing
  • Worrying
  • Racing thoughts
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Difficulty sleeping

However, there are many other signs and symptoms most people do not realize that could be linked to anxiety:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Shame or guilt spirals
  • Overthinking or replaying conversations over and over in your head
  • Needing to stay busy
  • Being over-controlling
  • Procrastination
  • Perfectionism
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Difficulty setting boundaries or difficulty saying "no" to others
  • People pleasing
  • Somatic symptoms like stomach pains and nausea

If you have any of these symptoms, it could be helpful to begin keeping track of them in a journal to better understand when they are happening, how often, and the intensity. This information can be taken to a mental health professional for further help and guidance. The next Nigel Cares article will continue to address ways to manage any anxiety signs and symptoms on your own or with the help of professionals.

If you have concerns or would like to meet with a mental health clinician within 91ÁÔÆæ Student Counseling, please contact us at any of the campus locations. We provide free, confidential services to all 91ÁÔÆæ students enrolled in one of our five campuses. Also, check out our mental health self-help resources.


Nigel Cares: Finish line is just ahead

Nigel Cares: Finish line is just ahead

As the spring semester winds down, students should practice self-care and use the available 91ÁÔÆæ resources and services to provide a solid platform for their academic and personal success.
Nigel Cares: Grief helps celebrate life

Nigel Cares: Grief helps celebrate life

Grief can give people the opportunity to process their feelings in order to celebrate life. This allows individuals to heal. It permits time to focus on the positive influences a loved one had on a person's life.
Nigel Cares: All play a role in campus safety

Nigel Cares: All play a role in campus safety

All 91ÁÔÆæ students, faculty and staff can play an active role in connecting themselves and others to support and keeping 91ÁÔÆæ's campus community safe.
Nigel Cares: Offer help in unhealthy situations

Nigel Cares: Offer help in unhealthy situations

It is important to watch for the signs of unhealthy relationships so we can offer assistance. Offering support without judgment and connecting people with resources are helpful steps.