Anxiety is a very common issue, affecting many students. It is common to try to deal with anxiety by avoiding the situations that feel like they are causing these feelings.
Avoidance may feel like it gives temporary relief, but in fact it makes the problem worse.
It's always advisable to let your personal tutor or course leader know if you're having difficulties affecting your studies – they are there to help, and can offer useful advice and support. It's also worth talking to friends or other students to see if they can offer support e.g. by going to classes together.
You can also learn skills to help you deal better with anxiety, and there is a lot of other support available.
Useful resources for anxiety
Get Self Help advice on anxiety >
How to use effective Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies for understanding your anxiety and making positive changes to manage it.
Get Self Help advice on health anxiety >
Health anxiety can make us worry about and be preoccupied with being seriously ill. Here's advice on how to break the cycle.
Get Self Help advice on social anxiety >
It's easy to worry about what others think of us, and make assumptions about how we come across. Here are some strategies for managing unhelpful thoughts.
More wellbeing help
Take a look at our other resources and sources of support for help with everything - from issues with alcohol, to healing from trauma.
Contact the Student Wellbeing Service
Access mental health support and guidance from our friendly team of wellbeing advisers, counsellors and advisers:
Or you can contact us via:
- +44 (0)23 9284 3466
- The Bateson Centre, The Mary Rose St, Portsmouth, PO1 2BL
- wellbeing-admin@port.ac.uk
You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Worried about a student? Whether you're a friend, member of University staff, family member or medical professional you can raise a concern so our service can help.