Anxiety at university or at work
Anxiety is common within a university or workplace environment. It is the state of feeling of nervous, worried, panicked, intimidated, and/or afraid, and is a natural response by the body to threatening, scary, or challenging situations. Anxious feelings are usually short-lived, but for some people they can become a regular feature of daily life, disrupting their ability to study, work, and socialise.
Dealing with anxiety at university
Going to university can be stressful and challenging. It’s an environment that throws up situations and events which cause feelings of worry, fear, and dread. You might feel anxious about sitting an exam, submitting an essay, giving a presentation, or receiving grades. You might also feel anxious because you are away from friends and family, you're worried about money, or you struggle with socialising.
Feeling anxious at university can lead to a cycle of symptoms, meaning your anxiety can get worse over time. For example, initial feelings of worry might cause you to lose sleep, which might then mean that you miss classes and deadlines. Once this cycle starts, it can be difficult to break out without help.
The good news is that modern universities are very good at providing pastoral care to students struggling with their mental health. Letting someone at your institution know what’s going on means they can offer counselling and guidance, and make sure that the appropriate allowances are made with your academic work.
Dealing with anxiety at work
It’s very common to feel anxious about work. Sometimes, a change in job can cause anxiety, whether it’s a new role or a promotion. You might feel anxious about your performance, overwhelmed by your workload, or worried that your job is at risk. Alternatively, you might feel that your working environment is the problem – perhaps you don’t get on with your co-workers or work very unsociable hours.
Whatever the cause, it’s a good idea to seek help if your work is making you anxious. In addition to talking to a doctor you can discuss your anxiety with your manager or your employer’s HR department. If you are diagnosed with anxiety, it is classed as a disability, and your employer is legally required to offer reasonable adjustments that will make your workload more manageable.
If you would like to speak with a GP or an Advance Nurse Practitioner about your anxiety make an appointment with Doctor Care Anywhere. You can also use our wellbeing tool, MyHealth with tips and resources for improving your mental health.