In 2023, the Center of Collegiate Mental Health reported that anxiety is the most common presenting concern identified by campus counseling centers. Because of this high prevalence, it’s important to know three things about stress and anxiety among college students. These include the difference between anxiety and stress, how anxiety and stress are not the best motivators for school, and how anxiety and stress are altered physiological states.
The Difference Between Anxiety And Stress
In 2022, the American Psychological Association (APA) described the difference between stress and anxiety as a fine line. Both have similar symptoms, but stress usually results from demands placed on a person from the external environment. For college students, demands from academic courses and conflicts with peers are common stressors. The symptoms of stress will usually dissipate when the stressors are resolved. However, anxiety reflects an internal state, in which the symptoms are persistent and/or excessive.
A person can be highly anxious in the absence of stressors. For example, it’s not uncommon for anxious students to ruminate about final grades even though their GPA is a 4.0. Conversely, some stressed students simply have too many demands placed on them. These students are not anxious but need to take things off their plate.
Anxiety And Stress Are Not The Best Motivators
Some students might claim that they need stress and anxiety for motivation. It’s not uncommon to hear students report that they procrastinate on course assignments until the stress and anxiety of the deadline is felt. This is basically relying on negative extrinsic motivation to perform task completion. A 2021 report on VeryWellMind.com listed ways that anxiety can be helpful. However, anxiety motivates individuals to avoid unpleasant situations and threats, and this is not the best motivation for a classroom setting. Intrinsic motivators, such as mastery and accomplishment, are better suited for improved academic performance.
Anxiety And Stress Are Altered Physiological States
Stress and anxiety are a sign of the sympathetic nervous system escalating into the fight-or-flight response. A 2024 report by the Mayo Clinic indicates that relaxation techniques can reduce the fight-or-flight response and it’s impossible to be in a relaxed state and an anxious state at the same time.
Viewing anxiety as a physiological response highlights the importance of overall self-care. For example, a 2024 report on MedicalNewsToday.com suggested that heavy cannabis use is linked to anxiety disorders. A 2019 study in the journal of Alcohol Research describes the connection between alcohol use and strong anxiety. Furthermore, in 2023, APA published a report on the effects of sleep deprivation on anxiety. The awareness of an altered physiological state also highlights the importance of not personalizing the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Anxiety does not indicate a personal weakness and oftentimes needs to be treated by a professional.
Knowing about stress and anxiety among college students highlights the importance of coping with stressors, relying less on extrinsic motivators, and utilizing relaxation and self-care techniques. However, experiencing stress and anxiety is unavoidable, so it’s fortunate that most campus counseling centers are familiar with treating them.