College anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders among college students. In a 2018 survey, 63% of college students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety in the past year.
Avoidance is a common coping mechanism that many students use to deal with stress. It can involve skipping classes, staying in bed all day, or procrastinating assignments.
Fear of Failure
The fear of failure can be a big trigger for college anxiety. It can lead to a variety of negative behaviors, including procrastination and avoidance of certain activities.
It can also lead to increased stress and loss of control. These effects can affect a student's academic performance and their ability to maintain positive emotions throughout their academic career.
To overcome this fear, students need to recognize what is causing them to fear failure the most. Then, they can work to change these beliefs and behavior patterns.
Fear of Social Isolation
College students may feel socially isolated due to a variety of factors. For example, students can be lonely if they live in a remote area, are physically challenged, or are members of marginalized groups (LGBTQIA people, for example).
The fear of being alone and not having enough friends can also lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. This fear of social isolation may be worse for new and returning college students.
Fortunately, psychological resilience can help mitigate the negative repercussions of social isolation on mental health. In the case of COVID-19, a study in Pakistan suggests that psychological resilience can help alleviate the impact of social isolation on mental health among university students and academic staff.
Fear of Losing Friends
The college experience is one that requires an incredible amount of independence and new relationships. As a result, it’s no surprise that friendships aren’t always easy to maintain.
The first step is to take a deep breath and recognize that things may not be what they were before. That’s a good place to start, especially if you’ve been experiencing anxiety over your friendships.
The next step is to talk with your friend. Ask them how they’re feeling and offer to help them make an appointment at the counseling center if necessary.
Fear of Making Mistakes
Whether it is fear of making a mistake on an exam or trying new activities, the fear of making mistakes can hold students back. It can also cause them to miss out on experiences that are fun and educational.
The key is to identify the fear of making mistakes that you are having, and then tackle it head on. Talk to a counselor, or seek out some self-help strategies that will help you overcome it.
A fear of making a mistake is a common phobia that causes people to have excessively anxious feelings. It can disrupt daily routines, limit your ability to work, and damage your mental health.
Fear of Being Alone
Often, college students feel alone in their studies or on campus. This can lead to a lot of negative thoughts, including self-doubt.
When you are feeling lonely, it is important to recognize that this is not a permanent state and can be overcome. Loneliness is a normal part of the college experience and should not be seen as a bad thing.
Rather, it is a signal or indicator of important needs that are going unmet. If you can learn to be comfortable with yourself, your loneliness may become less severe and you will find that you have a better relationship with others.