Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding Anxiety

Mind

Oct 7

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the LSU Sport Psychology & Counseling team wants to offer up some helpful tips and strategies that can be easily implemented to help alleviate anxiety. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, typically affecting around 40 million adults nationwide (that’s almost 20% of the population!). Anxiety disorders have become increasingly common on college campuses. Athletes are not immune from experiencing anxiety or depression. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), nearly 30% of college athletes feel overwhelmed and stressed often or very often.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal part of everyday life, but it can also be a little more serious. Anxiety is commonly understood as an experience of feeling overwhelmed, persistently worrying or having intense fear about everyday situations.

What does anxiety look like?

Anxiety manifests differently for different people. Some people feel an increase in their heartbeat or have racing thoughts while others struggle to get quality sleep. Anxiety often spurs people into over- or under-functioning. Over-functioners tend to take on more responsibility and immerse themselves in a to-do list awhile under-functioners tend to shut down and struggle to get motivated. Some people can prioritize others (a form of over functioning) and ignore what they might need (under functioning).

Is anxiety genetic?

Anxiety develops from a unique set of what mental health practitioners call “risk factors.” Risk factors can include genetics, brain chemistry, personality and stressful life events (work or school stress is very common). “Protective factors,” in comparison, are factors that can help prevent or help with anxiety management. Protective factors can include hobbies, a strong support system, and more.

How do I know if I have anxiety?

If you think you are struggling with anxiety, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to schedule an appointment for further evaluation. Someone who’s curious can also fill out what’s commonly known as a GAD-7. This brief self-administered standardized assessment is used by doctors, counselors, and other mental health practitioners to assess how often a person may experiencing symptoms of anxiety (the score will indicate the level of anxiety that may be present). The GAD-7 is a recommended screening tool used by most healthcare professionals and by NCAA member schools and athletic training staffs nationwide.