Student Anxiety & Its Negative Impact On Retention: Strategies To Support, Respond & Refer

Description  Challenge - How best to support students with anxiety disorders The Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors’ annual survey demonstrates that the number of students coming to campus with anxiety disorders is growing rapidly.  In fact, it is the number one most reported health concern nationally at the college level. Even students who don’t carry an official anxiety diagnosis often find themselves struggling with heightened anxiety upon matriculation that threatens their ability to succeed as students.  Anxiety creates challenges for the individual student, for the peer community with whom the student is engaged, and for the institution’s desire to retain students.  With appropriate support and empathy from staff and faculty, some students may be able to manage their anxiety sufficiently to persist in college. Key Takeaway Anxiety has become the top reported health concern among college students and is one of the most pervasive challenges campus mental health professionals are encountering. It also presents challenges elsewhere on campus. This session will share information about anxiety disorders, their prevalence on campuses, related challenges, and best practices for responding to anxiety when working with a student in a non-counseling role. Overview In recent years, anxiety disorders have become more prevalent among our students.  Many students with significant anxiety seek treatment from campus mental health practitioners, but it is becoming a more frequent occurrence that students disclose and seek support from non-clinical professionals on campus, including faculty, residential life staff and advisors.  How should one respond when a student shares that s/he/they “have anxiety”?  A referral to the counseling center may be unnecessary, as the student may already be using that service.  The student is seeking understanding, empathy, and perhaps accommodation.  But should non-clinical staff engage with students around mental health concerns?  If so, what do those staff and faculty members need to understand about anxiety disorders and their treatment? Objectives Learn about common anxiety disorders, their increased prevalence and related challenges Learn several techniques and strategies for responding to students whose anxiety is hindering their academic work and social interactions, including ways to effectively set limits and offer support Who Should Attend Student Services/Affairs Academic advising Student healthcare professionals Any educator interested in learning more about anxiety disorders