Anticipatory Anxiety
One type of anxiety that is common for all people but can be more pronounced and uncomfortable for people with anxiety issues like generalized anxiety disorder, is “anticipatory anxiety.” This is a type of anxiety that occurs leading up to some sort of predicted event or occurrence. We can get anticipatory anxiety anytime we are waiting for things ranging from a phone call to our wedding day. College holds a range of these situations, which combined can seem overwhelming. One suggestion for anticipatory anxiety is to simply try and enjoy it. Many people say they feel “alive” when waiting for something, and if you can shift your mindset from one that is trying to escape or get a situation over with, you may enjoy this sensation rather than try to end it. For other strategies see our “5 Ways to Cope with Anxiety” article.
Separation Anxiety
Another major form of anxiety that can be associated with college is separation anxiety. Teens who are leaving home for the first time can struggle with the anxiety of being on their own for the first time. This often occurs within the first few weeks to months of going off to college. Many people will cope with this by calling or visiting home frequently, and others may try to escape the anxiety and fear association with this by desiring to return home. This is a natural developmental process that can be worked through in warm conversation and reminders of support. Most students will overcome this once they can connect with their campus and other students, but there are some students who may not be socially or emotionally ready to make the leap that can benefit from going to school locally. It is important for parents to remember to manage their own separation anxiety about their children leaving, and making sure that their way of coping does not prohibit their son or daughter from fully realizing their college experience.
Counseling Center
Almost all colleges and universities have some form of a counseling center on campus that can help with all of these issues. If there is any significant anxiety around college at all, making an appointment (even before landing on campus) can be very helpful. For people with GAD, this can be especially important, since that continued support can make the difference between a pleasant and turbulent college experience. Read this article for more on university counseling centers and anxiety.
