Is Online School Better for Anxiety?
Managing all aspects of life is challenging when you have anxiety, and trying to pursue a college degree can feel overwhelming. But is online school more manageable for anxiety? Check out our article on online school and anxiety.
For those who struggle with anxiety, navigating daily life is a continuous challenge.
For many, going to college or university is one of the biggest life changes they have experienced up to that point.
Many factors make it extremely challenging both for those with social anxiety and those with generalized anxiety.
However, with the ever-evolving digital era, online college programs and courses are becoming more and more common and the quality of these programs is higher than ever.
Is online school better for anxiety? Is it better for mental health in general? The answer is, yes.
An important note is that individuals should always consult their treatment team and support network to make the best decision for them and their health needs!
Reasons Online School is Good for Anxiety
Here are some of the reasons that online school can be better and more manageable for those with anxiety.
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University of Maryland Global Campus
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University of North Carolina
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Arizona State University
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Limited Social Interaction
The format of online schooling can vary by institution, program of study, course, professor, etc.
Sometimes it could involve no social interaction at all, purely being individual tasks completed at the student's own pace.
Online classes typically involve some form of interaction with the course's professor and other students.
This could be something like regular discussion posts, Zoom class meeting discussions, etc.
Ultimately, online classes will involve a fraction of the social component required in traditional on-campus programs.
Students will not have to be in a classroom surrounded by others.
More Control
A cause for anxiety with traditional college programs is the uncertainty of a situation in which one does not have control.
Seemingly endless factors, and an anxious brain imagining different scenarios of what could go wrong.
Simply, online schooling lessens the factors that need to be considered.
Things become simpler, and the student has the home court advantage, putting them more in control of the day-to-day of their education.
Familiar Environments
One of the most important aspects of classes that online students will have more control over is the environment.
Online classes can be completed nearly anywhere, from the kitchen table to the couch and beyond.
Being in a familiar environment is more comfortable for everyone but can be game-changing for students with anxiety.
If you are having a bad anxiety day, rather than struggling through the day or missing class, you can complete your work from bed on a laptop.
Flexibility
Ultimately, online schooling provides the flexibility needed to manage symptoms of anxiety.
If you are having a tough day and can't handle social interaction, you don't have to.
If you don't think you can leave the house because you're overwhelmed by anxiety, you don't have to.
If you need to work from bed in your pajamas, you can, and that's okay.
Drawbacks of Online School for Anxiety
Despite the benefits of online school for those with anxiety, there can be some challenges as well.
Routine Difficulties
Establishing routines can be very difficult for people who struggle with anxiety. Unfortunately, online classes will most likely not have set class times, etc.
It will be up to the student to build a routine around completing class work, reviewing material, studying, and anything else required for class.
Time Management Challenges
Time management ties into establishing a routine, and it is also difficult for people with anxiety. However, it is pivotal for online schooling.
Just as students are in control of the environment and other aspects of online classes, they are also in control of the time frame in which work is completed, and they will need to be able to manage their time well to succeed in online classes.
Mental Health Tips for Online Classes
Here are some tips for navigating online classes while managing mental health.
Have a Support Network
Managing anything on your own is tough, and college is especially tough to handle alone. So is anxiety.
A solid support network would go a long way in helping students get through their courses.
This can look like friends, family, therapists, etc., and most colleges offer student counseling services as well as other resources for students who struggle with their mental health.
Establish Routine
Trying to get through online courses without a routine will wreak havoc on your mental health. Missing deadlines and falling behind will exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Establish a routine, maybe work with your support network to iron it out, and try to maintain the routine.
Communicate with Professors
Anxiety happens. You might get overwhelmed, and you might fall behind, and that will make everything seem even more insurmountable.
Don't plan for it, but if it happens, it's okay.
Your professors want you to succeed. If you're worried you're falling behind, reach out to them.
If you need an extension, get in touch with them and politely ask. They are there to help you, but you need to ask for it if you need it.
Is Online School Better for Mental Health?
This is something that can only be determined by an individual and their treatment team.
However, many benefits of online schooling are particularly helpful for students with mental health struggles such as anxiety.
Is Online School More Stressful?
Again, this will depend upon the individual and what triggers stress.
If social interaction, rigid schedules, and new environments are stressful for you, online school will be less stressful.
However, if being responsible for time management, establishing a routine, or lack of social engagement with others is stressful for you, online school will most likely be more stressful.
American Counseling Association Anxiety Resources
Here is a link to some resources for anxiety from the American Counseling Association.
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