Article
What helps with anxiety in college?
College asks you to build a whole life while being graded on part of it. Many students are far more overwhelmed than they let on.
The short answer
Anxiety is extremely common among college students and often peaks around midterms, finals, major changes and social transitions. Support is available locally and online, and needing it does not mean you are not cut out for school.
What it often looks like
Avoiding an assignment until it is an emergency, then staying up all night and calling it your process. Skipping class because walking in late feels impossible. Texting home constantly, or not at all because you do not want to worry anyone.
Underneath is usually a fear of being found out as someone who cannot handle it.
Practical things that help
- Make the first step absurdly small. Open the document. That is the whole task.
- Protect sleep before you protect productivity.
- Go to office hours once, early, before you need anything.
- Tell one person the real version of how you are doing.
- Notice comparison for what it is. You are seeing everyone's outside.
When counseling is worth it
If anxiety is affecting attendance, sleep, eating or your ability to be around people, talking with a counselor is a practical move rather than a dramatic one. Sessions can be in person in Waterloo or online anywhere in Iowa, which works well around class schedules.
Common questions
Do you see college students?
Yes. Lori works with women and female students, roughly ages 13 to 65, in the Cedar Valley and online across Iowa.
Can I meet online from my dorm?
Yes, as long as you are physically located in Iowa at the time of the session and have a private space.
Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed?
It is very common, and common does not mean you have to white knuckle it alone.
Learn more about counseling for anxiety and depression with Lori, or browse all articles on anxiety and depression.
Written by Lori Rasmussen, LISW, a Licensed Independent Social Worker licensed in the State of Iowa and a Certified Spiritual Director. Lori counsels women and female students in Waterloo, Iowa and online across Iowa. Articles here are meant to help you understand what you may be experiencing; they are not a diagnosis and they do not take the place of care from a professional who knows your story.
Reaching out can be the first step.
You don't need to know exactly what to say, or have anything figured out, before you contact Lori.
Or email rasmussencounselingandsd@gmail.com