Living with anxiety: A counselor's perspective

First in a series

(Editor's note: This series will explore various perspectives of those who live with anxiety and the complexity of the disorder.)

A study by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America revealed that 40 million U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, and 75 percent of them experience their first episode of anxiety by age 22.

Dr. Carol Barnett, a mental health counselor at Morehead State University's Counseling and Health Services, says that MSU's counseling center sees 400 students per year.

"Every year those numbers have increased," says Barnett.

She added that anxiety disorders are the top reason that students visit the center.

There are three types of anxiety disorders in the anxiety spectrum: social, generalized, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

"The millennial generation is much more likely to identify their symptoms and be diagnosed," says Barnett.

Most of the students who are diagnosed with anxiety on campus are first semester freshmen.

Barnett says that people who have an anxiety disorder often have difficulties engaging in experiences that are new or different.

She added that college students with anxiety often struggle with living life without their support system.

"These students quickly learn that they are not functioning the same as their friends. Making friends with new people can be fearful," Barnett says.

Common symptoms of students with anxiety are fears of giving speeches, talking in the classroom, or group activities, according to Barnett.

She says two of the keys in recognizing an anxiety disorder is excessive worrying and an inability to focus because the person is thinking about other things.

Barnett says the Americans with Disabilities Act now allows for accommodations for students diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

One accommodation is allowing students to test in private.

Barnett says it's often difficult for students with anxiety to test in a classroom setting, because they are constantly wondering who is judging them or looking at them.

She added that people with anxiety are often excellent academic students, because they are so worry-prone and concerned about pleasing others.

However, Barnett said people with anxiety often struggle to find the support they need.

"Individuals often don't talk about their panic and anxiety. They are secretive, and don't let others know the severity of their symptoms," she says.

Barnett says that all MSU students are eligible for counseling services, regardless if they are traditional or non-traditional students.

"Therapy is the number one treatment plan for students," says Barnett.

She explained that other treatment options include medication, exercise, mindfulness, meditation, emotional support animals, and support groups.

"Coping skills are like a tool chest," says Barnett. "People with anxiety disorders should use the best coping tool based on the circumstances they are facing."

Barnett added that people with anxiety disorders should recognize the symptom they are facing and which skill is the best to use in that situation.

"Each person knowing their body and mind is the key to conquering anxiety," she says.

Barnett says that parents often don't understand the severity of their child's symptoms, and therefore don't seek help for their children.

"Families typically don't understand the depth of the symptoms," says Barnett.

She says that people with anxiety often feel alone, and that manifests itself in social isolation.

She added, "When students are out of their comfort zone, the symptoms become much more apparent."

According to Barnett, many students who are diagnosed with anxiety choose other treatments instead of medication.

She believes that those students seek other methods because of the drug culture in Appalachia.

Barnett says that students who are first-generation college students are hoping to create a better life than what they left behind.

"They are so excited about pursuing their dreams, that they do not want anxiety to hold them back," says Barnett.

She explains that there are many excellent community resources to help people cope with their anxiety.

Besides the programs offered at the counseling center at MSU, there is also an on-campus support group that meets weekly.

Community members with anxiety can find counseling services at Pathways and St. Claire Counseling.

Veterans can obtain similar services at the VA.

Information about Morehead State's counseling services can be found at www.moreheadstate.edu/counseling

Megan Smedley can be reached at msmedley@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.