Anxiety and depression is a major cause for students to fall behind

Every student responds to classroom activities and achievements outcomes with a variety of emotions that can impact student success. Among the various emotions, one emotion students experience is anxiety. According to a study, anxiety is a major cause of concern among college students (41.6%) followed by depression (36.4%).
Many students who have undiagnosed anxiety or depression can negatively impact their ability to learn and enjoy their time in schools and colleges. When students have anxiety and depression which goes unnoticed, it can lead their mental health at risk. They become unable to perform well in academics and lose self-esteem.
It can be difficult for parents and teachers to identify anxiety and depression among their children and students because the symptoms of these disorders vary with individuals. If it goes unnoticed for a long time then it can lead to serious health and mental illness.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates nearly 56 million Indians suffer from mental illness and another 38 million Indians suffer anxiety disorders.

Common Symptoms of anxiety and depression among students

Anxiety and depression are similar to other mental illnesses and can be cured. Though it becomes difficult for diagnosticians to identify and diagnose easily, even the sufferers often cannot acknowledge that they are suffering from any of the diseases.
Though the symptoms of anxiety may vary with individuals but the most common symptoms of anxiety among students are as follows:

● being very afraid when they are away from their near and dear ones.                      ● unable to interact with teachers and other students freely.
● unable to answer questions despite knowing the answer when asked by the teachers. 
● being very afraid when they meet new people.
● having phobias related to a certain situation or things such as the phobia of animals, insects, heights, etc.
● having panic disorders that come with symptoms like increased heart rate, having trouble breathing, feeling dizzy, shaky, or sweaty.

Anxiety may present as fear or worry but it can also make them angry and irritable at times. There are many other symptoms of anxiety as it can differ from individual to individual. Sometimes it may also include sleep disorder, tiredness, headaches, or stomachaches.

Common Symptoms of Depression

 ● Persistent feeling of sadness, anxiety, or feeling hopeless.
 ● Trouble focusing
 ● Lack of interest in the world around
 ● Insomnia
 ● Feeling disconnected from emotion
 ● Irresponsible behavior such as not concentrating on studies,                                   skipping schools, not meeting obligations.
 ● Memory loss
 ● Eating very little or overeating
 ● Drop-in performance in school or college activities
 ● Thoughts of death or suicide
 ● Feeling guilty or experiencing the feeling of worthlessness or                  helplessness.

Overcoming Anxiety and Depression

Though depression and anxiety are two different health conditions they can also occur at the same time. A study found that half of the people with either anxiety or depression have the other condition. Although each condition has its causes, they may share similar symptoms and treatments. Some symptoms of anxiety and depression overlap.
Anxiety and depression can be treated and cured with the help of medication, physiotherapy, exercise, and yoga. Practicing yoga, meditation, and mild exercises can help in remaining calm, happy, and focused. The parents and teachers need to identify the symptoms and detect them at the earliest. It is just like any other disease and can be cured with proper and timely interference. The parents need to maintain a healthy relationship with their children, and try to understand their mental state. They should not pressurize their children for performing exceptionally in academics or any other fields rather put on their children’s shoes and look around. Teachers should have kind gestures for their students. Parents should give proper attention to their kids and if required should go for counseling programs. Anxiety and depression are manageable if learned to live a happy and healthy life.