Understanding Anxiety
This is the body's natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of dread, fear, or apprehension about future events.
What is anxiety?
This common college stressor often peaks during midterms and finals week.
What are exams?
This practice of purposeful writing down of thoughts, feelings, experiences, and reflections to improve mental clarity , emotional health, and self awareness.
What is journaling?
This on campus service offers free counseling to VCU students.
What is the University Counseling Services?
This is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that triggers severe physical reactions such as racing heart, dizziness, sweating even when there is no real danger.
What is a panic attack?
Balancing classes, work, and social life requires this essential skill.
What us time management?
This physical activity done to improve health, fitness, improves mood and reduces stress if done consistently.
What is exercise?
VCU's UCS offers a welcoming space for students to connect with others who may be going through similar experiences. They create a sense of community, reduce isolation, and encourage personal growth.
What are support groups?
This type of anxiety characterized by an intense, persistent fear of being watched, judged, or embarrassed by others in social situations.
What is social anxiety?
This transition related stress can happen during the first year being away from home.
What is homesickness?
This practice involves focusing attention on the present moment without judgment.
What is mindfulness?
VCU's UCS offers a form of psychological treatment where a group of patients work through their issues under the supervision of a therapists.
What is group therapy?
This is a compulsive, repetitive pattern of the brain replaying negative thoughts, worries or "what if" scenarios over and over. This can lead to increased anxiety, stress, depression, and mental health fatigue.
What is rumination (overthinking)?
This involves putting of assignments and tasks until the last minute, increasing stress and anxiety.
What is procrastination?
This sleep related habit includes going to bed and waking up at consistent times everyday.
What is good sleep hygiene?
Students can call this number any time to speak with a crisis counselor.
What is the USC crisis line (804-828-6200)?
This type of anxiety involves excessive worry about multiple areas of life for at least 6 months.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
What is social isolation?
This is a confidential treatment process where a trained professional helps individuals manage health issues, emotions, challenges, or behavioral problems.
What is therapy?
This free virtual resource gives VCU students 24/7 access to mental health and self-care tools.
What is TimelyCare?