ANXIETY: THE INVISIBLE BURDEN OF MODERN LIFE
While chasing the success and stability they wanted, many students find themselves struggling with anxiety, but what exactly fuels this overwhelming sense of unease? How can it be managed?
Anxiety is a silent yet bothersome condition that disrupts students' daily lives and often stems from the pressures of modern life—high academic demands, various career challenges, financial instability, and social expectations. It induces them to constantly worry, be restless, and fear the unknown, making it difficult for them to focus and find peace with their daily lives.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues students experience in this modern world—it is commonly caused by the excessive amount of schoolwork and lack of support systems that significantly affect their overall well-being.
Anxiety has been challenging different aspects of students' lives—it creates an uncomfortable environment for them, taking effect on their mental, physical, and academic standing. With that, several tendencies like depression, panic attacks, fatigue, digestive issues, and self-doubt might be experienced by students.
However, like other mental health disorders—anxiety is not the same for everyone; some individuals may experience mild, situational anxiety, whereas others struggle with chronic, weakening forms. An example of this is high-achieving students who often face a lot of pressure to excel in academics, making them want to be perfect and fear making mistakes—but in some cases, it made students overthink until they feel overwhelmed by deadlines and expectations, which then results in burnout and emotional exhaustion.
Addressing anxiety requires a dynamic approach—fostering self-compassion and building a strong support network are essential for managing anxiety effectively. Cleveland Clinic (2024) suggests that students should prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed to be able to face different challenges with greater resilience.