Anxiety

Feeling anxious is a natural human emotion that often presents itself during times of stress such as right before an exam or interview. Certain types of stress can be positive and motivational. However, anxiety disorders differ in that "they may cause people to feel excessively frightened, distressed, or uneasy during situations in which most other people would not experience these same feelings" (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2012). 

While anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States, it can still feel uncomfortable and daunting to seek help for anxiety. The following information will provide more information on anxiety including signs and symptoms and where you can find support both on and off-campus.

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Physical symptoms can include:

  • Heart Pounding
  • Flushing
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Dry Mouth
  • Stomach Pains
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle Aches and Pains
  • Restlessness
  • Inability to Relax 

 

Psychological symptoms can include:

  • Excessive Worry
  • Irritability
  • Impatience
  • Feeling "On Edge"
  • Fatigue
  • Vivid Dreams
  • Mind Racing
  • Mind Going Blank
  • Indecisiveness
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Decreased Memory

 

(Source: Mental Health First Aid, 2018)

 

 

 

ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES

91³Ô¹ÏÍø's Health and Counseling Services: has five fulltime fully licensed therapists with years of experience working with college age students. These providers offer walk-in crisis counseling, individual counseling appointments, group counseling, and consultations for off-campus referrals. All of these services are included in your wellness fee and free of charge! Health and Counseling Services can also provide referrals to community providers as needed.

Call 509-313-4052  or email studenthealth@gonzaga.edu to make a counseling appointment. Walk-in crisis appointments are also available during normal business hours.

BetterMynd offers free, confidential mental health support for students—anytime, anywhere. Students can schedule free 50-minute counseling sessions, access a 24/7 support line, and join unlimited live wellness workshops designed specifically for college life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, BetterMynd is here to help.

  • Online: , Support using your single-source 91³Ô¹ÏÍø University Network login.
  • 24/7 Support Line: 1-844-287-6963

The Office of Health Promotion:

  

 

OFF-CAMPUS AND ONLINE RESOURCES

: Anxiety can manifest in many ways. When anxiety feels hard to manage or out of control, try these coping strategies by the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. You can also check out their common anxiety myths and misconceptions at the bottom of the page.

 Focusing on what you can see, feel, touch and hear can help you feel more present in the moment. The Cleveland Clinic has put together a list of grounding techniques that can sometimes be helpful when anxiety feels particularly overwhelming.

 The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

 Each person's culture, race, ethnicity, and lived experiences plays a significant role in mental health and can also impact treatment and the ability to seek out care. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has cultivated a list of mental health resources for a variety of marginalized communities including those who are Jewish, Black, Muslim, Hispanic/Lantinx, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Native and Indigenous Peoples. 

The JED Foundation is the nation’s leading non-profit organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for young adults. The Mental Health Resource Center offers many resources for learning more about mental health and how to have a conversation with a friend.

: Through the lens of Mental Health First Aid, check out these tips about how to recognize anxiety and help someone who may be experiencing it.

 A guided meditation app with a variety of free meditations on anxiety, stress, and sleep. With thousands of available teachers, choose the meditation and style that is right for you. Available for both Apple and Android.

 

MEDITATIONS

A Short Meditation for When Feelings of Panic Arise:

Sunday Scaries? A Mini-Meditation to Help Identify Anxious Thoughts