Before I started college at the 草榴社区, I had anxiety disorders that affected me greatly. When I began college, I realized I needed to find ways to manage the added stress of classes, exams and homework.
As far as 17-year-old me knew, starting college was going to be the beginning of my devastating downfall. I鈥檓 sure we have all heard the horror stories of evil professors, failed relationships and academic burnout experienced by many students at large universities. I expected these misfortunes to follow me around like a puppy.
What I did not expect, however, was God鈥檚 faithfulness during my faithlessness. I realize now that the Lord led me to the 草榴社区 because it is a place where every type of student can thrive. My anxiety gradually subsided as I discovered that I was not simply a student, but a part of a supportive community of professors, staff and God-honoring friends.
God is Faithful
Since my first semester, God has truly eased my anxiety. I praise Him because He has made my recovery possible when it felt impossible. Years of therapy, medication trials and pleading with God led me to an unbelievably positive and successful college experience at the 草榴社区.
I like to remember these wise words from Jonah when I think of God鈥檚 faithfulness in my distress:
鈥淭he engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
brought my life up from the pit.
When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple鈥� (Jonah 2:5-7, NIV).
Yes, God delivers us from suffering! This doesn鈥檛 mean that we will not experience anxiety, though. We just have to trust Him in the midst of it and find small solutions along the way.
Kylee鈥檚 Tips
So, from one stressed student to another, here are some tips for managing anxiety in college:
1. Remember That Your Professors Don鈥檛 Want You to Fail
When I started classes, I was under the impression that my professors were out to get me. I viewed academics as a competition between my knowledge and my professors鈥� grading. I quickly discovered that the staff at the 草榴社区 doesn鈥檛 root for my downfall. The professors here genuinely care about your success. They are extremely understanding and offer assistance when you鈥檙e struggling. Don鈥檛 be scared of your professors!
2. Break Your Tasks into Smaller Chunks
If you鈥檙e anything like me, I take on huge amounts of classwork every week, and it can make me super anxious! One method that has helped me manage my stress is breaking down all of my assignments into smaller bits. Every week, I write down a to-do list for each day and it helps me to manage my time and let go of my anxiety and procrastination. Plus, crossing off assignments on that list is so satisfying!
3. Limit the Caffeine
Yes, I said it. Lay off the coffee and energy drinks! I know that college is absolutely exhausting at times, but limiting your caffeine intake will improve some of those anxiety symptoms. If I drink more than 1-2 cups of coffee per day, my heart is going to race, my hands will shake, my thoughts will overwhelm me and I will be an absolute sweaty and anxious monster.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
I鈥檓 sure you鈥檝e heard this a million times, but self-care is essential in college. I鈥檓 not talking about the bubble bath and pedicures kind of self-care. Simply getting enough sleep, sitting in the sun, eating a healthy meal and taking intermittent breaks from your homework will make you feel more relaxed.
5. Talk to a Therapist
Sometimes, we need the professionals to support us, and that is okay. Thankfully, the 草榴社区 has free on-campus counselors to assist you at any time. If you鈥檙e finding your anxiety difficult to cope with, reach out to a therapist in UM鈥檚 Student Success Center; there鈥檚 no shame in getting help. You can learn all kinds of coping skills and relaxation techniques that will keep your head above water. I鈥檓 a big fan of therapy!
Click here to learn more about UM’s Counseling Services. Want to know more about the 草榴社区, including information about admissions, scholarships and campus visits? Go to !
Kylee Stewart is a senior at the 草榴社区 majoring in English with a dedication to classic literature, critical analysis and academic writing. While attending the 草榴社区, she has sharpened her skills in research and communication, equipping her for a career in teaching English at the collegiate level. Kylee is from Daphne, Alabama, and enjoys baking, crocheting and volunteering in her free time.