Managing Academic Stress: Anxiety and Its Symptoms

Stress issues

Hello, Doctor: I am currently a junior in college, but ever since I advanced to the third year, I have been feeling an increasing amount of pressure, especially with so much research to do every day.
The thought of approaching employment makes me feel very frustrated, and I have been experiencing several issues that trouble me:
1.
I often feel bloated and uncomfortable in my gastrointestinal tract (I used to eat a lot, but recently I feel full after just a little food, even when my stomach is growling).
I also have mild gastroesophageal reflux.
I consulted a gastroenterologist and had two endoscopies, both of which indicated mild conditions.
The doctor mentioned that it might be related to stress.

2.
Sometimes I suddenly feel short of breath and unable to take in air, and the more I try to breathe, the harder it becomes.

3.
I am very afraid of hitting someone while riding a scooter or driving, often going in circles until I see that I haven’t hit anyone, which makes me feel relieved.
Otherwise, I keep worrying (a trip that should take 20 minutes has recently taken me an hour and a half).

4.
I often experience unexplained muscle soreness in both legs.

5.
When walking, if I feel a tingling sensation in my body, I become very anxious, fearing that someone might be stabbing me with something, so I walk very cautiously.

6.
Sometimes if I have scratches on my skin, I worry that I might have been scratched by an animal or a dog (especially if I encountered a dog that day), and I become very anxious about the possibility of rabies.

7.
I occasionally feel a foreign body sensation in my throat, but ENT examinations have shown normal results.

8.
If I feel any minor discomfort in my body, I become very anxious, fearing that I might have a serious illness, and I end up frantically searching for information online, which only increases my fear.

9.
Sometimes I feel very tired and want to sleep all the time, not wanting to do anything.

10.
I used to enjoy insects and plants, finding joy and happiness in them, but recently, even when I engage with them, I can’t feel happy anymore.
I have almost forgotten the excitement and joy I felt when I first entered the world of insects and plants.

11.
Even if I do well on exams, I don’t feel happy.
My attention span seems to be declining; I used to find studying enjoyable, but now I find it frustrating.

12.
I increasingly prefer to be alone.

13.
However, I do not have insomnia; I sleep well at night because I feel that sleeping is the only way to escape stress, so I sleep quite well at night.

Doctor, could this be related to academic pressure? As a junior, I need to prepare for graduate school, and the time to find a job is getting closer.
I have unfinished experiments and fear that if I don’t do well in college, I won’t find a job, so I set high expectations for myself, but I am also very tired.
I can’t remember the last time I laughed heartily.
Am I becoming mentally unstable? Do my symptoms only rely on medication? Can I first seek help from a school counselor? I’ve heard that anti-anxiety medications can be addictive if taken for a long time, so I’m hesitant to take them.
I would also like to ask how I can adjust to this situation.
I apologize for the many questions and the lengthy content, but I am truly troubled and hope to hear the opinions of a professional.
Thank you, Doctor, and I appreciate any guidance you can provide.
Thank you.

Wei Da, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/05

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry

Stress can lead to sympathetic nervous system activation, which affects most organs in the body.
Therefore, whenever there is anxiety, it can result in discomfort throughout your body.
You are not experiencing a neurological disorder; rather, your personality may be causing excessive anxiety.
It is advisable to consult a psychiatrist for an evaluation, and perhaps consider arranging for psychological counseling.
Medication may also be necessary, depending on the severity of your condition.

Reply Date: 2016/05/05

More Info

Managing academic stress, especially during the critical years of university, can be a daunting challenge. Your experiences reflect a common struggle among students, particularly as they approach graduation and the pressures of future employment. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a range of anxiety-related symptoms that are likely exacerbated by the academic demands you are facing.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that anxiety can manifest in various physical and psychological symptoms. Your gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating and gastroesophageal reflux, are often linked to stress and anxiety. The body’s stress response can affect digestion, leading to discomfort and changes in appetite. This is a physiological reaction where stress hormones can alter gut function, making it difficult to eat normally or causing sensations of fullness even after small meals.

The breathing difficulties you mentioned, where you feel like you can’t get enough air, are also common in anxiety disorders. This can lead to hyperventilation, where the more you focus on your breathing, the more anxious you become, creating a vicious cycle. It’s crucial to practice deep breathing techniques or mindfulness exercises to help manage these symptoms.
Your heightened fears while driving and the compulsive checking behaviors indicate a significant level of anxiety. This can be classified under obsessive-compulsive tendencies, where the need for reassurance and control manifests in repetitive behaviors. It’s understandable that these fears can become overwhelming, especially when they interfere with daily activities and responsibilities.

The emotional numbness you describe, where activities that once brought you joy no longer do, is a sign of potential burnout or depression, which can accompany chronic anxiety. It’s not uncommon for students to feel disconnected from their passions when under intense pressure. This emotional fatigue can also contribute to feelings of isolation, as you mentioned preferring to be alone.

While medication can be effective for managing anxiety symptoms, it’s not the only solution. Many individuals benefit from therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. Speaking with a school counselor or therapist can provide you with coping strategies and a safe space to express your feelings without judgment. They can help you explore your thoughts and feelings about your academic pressures and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

It’s also important to establish a support system. Sharing your experiences with friends or family members who can provide encouragement and understanding can alleviate some of the burdens you feel. Engaging in regular physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, and ensuring you maintain a balanced diet can also help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms are likely related to the academic pressures you are experiencing, but they can be managed effectively with the right strategies. While medication is an option, it’s essential to consider therapy and lifestyle changes as part of your treatment plan. Seeking help from a school counselor is a great first step, and they can guide you toward additional resources. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and there are effective ways to cope with the pressures of academic life.

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