By Ilhan Raage
Editor-in-Chief
A mountain of school work. A 12-hour work shift after class. Figuring out how to pay for an apartment. Trying to get enough sleep to accomplish all this and more.
This isnít anything close to all the stress that a student faces when theyíre in college. The truth is that when one has so much else to worry about, their mental health isnít always their top priority. This often leads to increased anxiety and stress.†
In the ìManaging Anxietyî workshop, RCTC counselor Gregg Wright said that ìitís not about avoiding anxiety, but learning to deal with that.î†
When a student has the resources to better evaluate their mental health and understand what they need to do to reduce their anxiety, they will be better equipped to succeed in their college and life careers.†
The first tip that the audience brainstormed together was that being mindful and focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future was good for managing anxiety. Second, breathing was also another good healthy habit.†
A participant mentioned that knowing oneís triggers was also crucial for having better control over oneís anxiety. Thus, one could be prepared during certain situations. Several other healthy habits that were mentioned were exercising, communicating with trusted persons in oneís life such as family members, friends, and counselors, and getting enough sleep.†
To end the presentation, Wright encouraged participants to, ìlook for the good things in life and make an effort to resolve issues.î