Anxiety

Are overwhelming feelings of fear and
worry disrupting your daily life?
It may be anxiety.   

Help is available.

 

You are not alone.

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health issues affecting young adults. Many people experience their first symptoms during their college years. 

Anxiety can cause overwhelming feelings of fear and worry that interfere with your daily life. If anxiety is affecting your life, there are ways to address and overcome it. 

Signs of Anxiety

We all experience some anxiety…it can help us sometimes. However, when anxiety becomes too intense or lasts too long, it can interfere with life. 

Signs of anxiety may include: 

  • Feeling on edge or restlessness 
  • Rapid heartbeat 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Racing thoughts 
  • Avoiding places/activities 
  • Repetitive or intrusive thoughts 
  • Sleep difficulties 
  • Muscle tension 
  • Upset stomach/nausea 
  • Headache 
  • Worrying a lot about the future

What Contributes  to Anxiety?

  • Stress 
  • Change/transition/adjustment 
  • Trauma, grief, or loss 
  • Alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, nicotine, and other substance use 
  • Avoiding the things that make you uncomfortable 
  • Poor eating habits 
  • Not enough or too much sleep 
  • Other mental health concerns 
  • Poor physical health/certain medical conditions

Ways to Cope 

There are things you can do that may lessen your anxiety. Try a few of these ideas each day, even when you are feeling good. 

  • Meditation or mindfulness practice   
  • Take deep, slow breaths from your abdomen 
  • Regular exercise 
  • Limit alcohol, caffeine, cannabis and other drugs 
  • Talk to someone and ask for what you need 
  • Journal 
  • Awareness and education: learn what triggers your anxiety 
  • Let go: there are some things that are out of your control 
  • Spend time helping others 
  • Humor 
  • Spend time with uplifting friends 
  • Do something artistic such as coloring, painting or playing music 
  • Progressive muscle relaxation 
  • Do what matters (even if it makes you anxious): you can experience anxiety AND still do what is important to you

When to get Help

  • Anxiety is interfering with your life (e.g., grades, relationships, self- esteem, etc.) 
  • Self-help strategies aren’t working 
  • Life is feeling more and more controlled by fear 
  • It’s affecting your ability to sleep or eat 
  • You’d like to feel better

How to get Help

 The URI Counseling Center can help.  We offer: 

  • Workshops 
  • Groups 
  • Individual counseling 
  • Anonymous online screenings

For off-campus counseling: