Is The Stress Of Study Overwhelming You?

Tomorrow marks the beginning of OCD & Anxiety Disorders Week (August 1 to 7), organised by the Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria. It hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues, whilst providing services to those with anxiety disorders.

In the 21st century, the occurrence of mental illness cases is a harsh reality for a large portion of the population. Yet, stigma surrounding mental illness still lingers, such as the idea of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder being limited to constant handwashing and repetition. People may be more accepting today than in previous years, but the general populace still doesn’t understand mental health issues fully. What better way to help people understand, than by dedicating a whole week to the recognition of such disorders?

For instance, did you know signs of anxiety disorders first emerge in children as young as seven, increasing in prevalence during their adolescent years?

Anxiety disorders take many forms: from OCD to social, separation, and general anxiety; panic disorders; phobias; substance induced; and Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Although most can be labelled, every person’s situation is different.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders differ, however, for general anxiety, it can begin with worry, which snowballs until it starts to interfere with everyday life. This often leads to restlessness, irritability, and trouble sleeping.

With a new semester beginning at schools and universities, it is important to take note of your stress levels, to prevent the development of anything more. The expectations placed on students are high. Recognising this gives us the ability to ensure students understand academic achievement should not take priority over mental health.

Something is wrong when students begin skipping school to avoid presentations, or big tests, because of their anxiety. We can all get a medical certificate when we are physically sick — why isn’t one accepted when we are mentally ill?

For those who are struggling with anxiety or an anxiety disorder, treatment is the best course of action. Jessica, a Perth student currently on break from university to focus on the treatment of her anxiety and mental illness, told Student Edge, “Anxiety stops you from doing what you want in life.”

Jessica has undergone treatment through counselling and medication, and although it has been a lengthy process, due to her combating depression as well (often an accompanying disorder), she is on her way to getting better. One of the ways anxiety has affected her life is through panic attacks.

“Many people who experience panic attacks tend to think that they are dying; however, I was able to recognise that panic attacks pass. I was able to recognise it was about something manageable.”

Learning about these disorders and having a treatment plan in place can help minimise its effects on you and your life.

Talking your stresses through with someone also helps. For information on counselling and treatment plans you can contact your school’s health services, organisations, and helplines:

Beyond Blue

Headspace

Kids Helpline

For information on events happening during OCD & Anxiety Disorders Week, visit the ARC Victoria website.

Sarah Bellis is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.