Feeling stressed or anxious/Anxiety/OCD/Panic
Exam relaxation
Flash Player is required for the embedded audio player. Download: Student Services - Exam relaxation (MP3, 5,149 KB) Download: Student Services - Exam relaxation (MP3, 5,149 KB) Download: Student Services - Exam relaxation(MP3, 5,149 KB) Download: Student Services - Exam relaxation(MP3, 5,149 KB) Download: Student Services - Exam relaxation(MP3, 5,149 KB)Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It is a useful reaction in that when we are faced with a dangerous situation, it helps us to take appropriate action. However, if anxiety is experienced often and for no apparent reason, it becomes a problem. Once you have been anxious for a time, whatever the reason, the anxiety tends to remain because it becomes a habit - you and your body learn that the way to cope with any stress is by feeling anxious, by worrying and experiencing various physical symptoms.
The experience of feeling anxious varies from person to person and from situation to situation. At one end of the scale, there is the feeling of uneasiness and restlessness, perhaps with some minor physical symptoms. At the other extreme, the anxiety reaches such a peak at times that the person experiences a panic attack.
Once you have experienced anxiety, you become more aware of its effects. In particular, you can become frightened of the anxiety symptoms. This leads to even more anxiety - a vicious circle.
Anxiety affects us in three ways:
- it affects the way we think
- the body reacts in many different ways
- it affects how we behave. In many cases, we tend to act in a way we believe will reduce or avoid anxiety and its effects.
These reactions can often lead to feelings of panic or trying to avoid situations. If you feel that you are suffering from anxiety, it is important to seek help.
There are self-help leaflets on anxiety: coping with anxiety, exam anxiety, and managing stress.
You can also see your GP, or get in touch with Student Services where our professional staff will listen non-judgementally and offer help and advice if needed. All enquiries to Student Services are treated confidentially.
You can drop by to Student Services at the ASC (Advice & Support Centre).
The following E-books may be useful:
50 ways to prevent and manage stress
Coping: the psychology of what works
Coping with life stress: the Indian experience
Copying with obsessive-compulsive : a step-by-step guide using latest CBT techniques
Coping with stress at university
End procrastination now: get it done with a proven psychological approach
Loneliness, stress and well-being : a helper's guide
Overcoming anxiety, stress, and panic: a five areas approach
The complete anxiety treatment and homework planner
The stress-free guide to studying at university: a student's guide towards a better life
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Download: Student Services - Exam relaxation (MP3, 5,149 KB)