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Worried student
In 2023, the Center for Peer Mental Health reported that anxiety is the most common problem identified by campus counseling centers. Because of this high prevalence, it is 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 like a fine line. Both have similar symptoms, but stress is usually the result of demands placed on a person from the external environment. For students, demands of academic courses and conflict with peers are common stressors. The symptoms of stress usually disappear once the stressors are resolved. However, anxiety reflects an internal state in which symptoms are persistent and/or excessive.
A person can be very anxious in the absence of stressors. For example, it is not uncommon for anxious students to worry about their final grades, even if their GPA is a 4.0. Conversely, some stressed students simply have too many demands. These students are not anxious, but need to take things off their plate.
Anxiety and stress are not the best motivators
Some students may claim that they need stress and anxiety for motivation. It’s not uncommon to hear students say they put off their assignments until the stress and anxiety of the deadline kicks in. This actually relies on a negative extrinsic motivation to complete the task. A 2021 report on VeryWellMind.com called ways fear can be helpful. However, fear motivates individuals to avoid unpleasant situations and threats, and this is not the best motivation for a classroom. Intrinsic motivators, such as mastery and achievement, are better suited for improved academic performance.
Anxiety and stress are altered physiological states
Stress and anxiety are a sign that the sympathetic nervous system is escalating in the fight-or-flight response. A 2024 report from the Mayo Clinic indicates as much relaxation techniques can reduce the fight-or-flight response and it is impossible to be in a relaxed state and an anxious state at the same time.
Viewing anxiety as a physiological response emphasizes the importance of overall self-care. For example, a report from 2024 about MedicalNewsToday.com suggested that heavy cannabis use has been linked to anxiety disorders. A 2019 study in the journal of Alcohol research describes the connection between alcohol consumption and strong anxiety. In addition, APA published a report in 2023 on the effects of sleep deprivation in 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 often needs to be treated by a professional.
Knowledge about stress and anxiety among college students emphasizes the importance of managing stressors, relying less on extrinsic motivators, and using relaxation and self-care techniques. However, experiencing stress and anxiety is inevitable, so it is fortunate that most campus counseling centers are familiar with treating them.