Feeling Uneasy After Returning to Campus? Experts Share Strategies For Overcoming Anxiety
College campuses have officially reopened, and if the pressure surrounding this new phase of adulthood wasn’t enough, students are now having to navigate the challenges of attending school in the midst of a pandemic — often after months and months of remote learning. Needless to say, if you’re dealing with overwhelming anxiety and persistent worry about returning to campus, you’re not alone. What was once a huge milestone of leaving the nest and pursuing an exciting new career has been muddled with uncertainty. The good news is there are ways to alleviate some of those daunting worries and keep your spirits high. POPSUGAR spoke with mental health experts to help ensure your transition back into the classroom is as smooth as possible.
What Are Symptoms of Back-to-School Anxiety?
Symptoms of back-to-school anxiety may or may not be as obvious or clear on the surface. According to Adria Hagg, LCSW, this specific anxiety can manifest in different ways. “Symptoms of anxiety are often somatic and may unfold in both the mind and body. Some students have reported symptoms such as the inability to concentrate, shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat, racing thoughts, restlessness, and insomnia,” Hagg told POPSUGAR. “Other students exhibit avoidance behaviors, heightened fears, or a reluctance to leave home.”