Finding the Right Path: How Anxiety Affects Post-Secondary Choices- and How to Help.

Choosing a college, a major, or a career path is exciting — but for many teens, it’s also overwhelming. Anxiety, the most common type of mental health disorder among adolescents (Gregory, Vidourek, King, & Merianos, 2024), often intensifies this pressure, making big life decisions feel even more daunting. For those managing anxiety, the fear of making "the wrong" choice can become paralyzing. I know this firsthand, not just as a counselor who works with students every day, but from my own journey with anxiety as a teenager.

I grew up managing both generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — though at the time, I didn’t fully understand what those experiences meant. I worked hard, set high expectations for myself, and on the outside, everything looked like it was going smoothly. But inside, I was often weighed down by relentless self-doubt, overthinking, and fear of failure. When it came time to choose a college, I didn’t receive much guidance on how to research or find a school that would truly fit my needs. Unsure of what steps to take, I simply followed in my older sister’s footsteps and enrolled at the same university she attended.

It didn’t take long to realize that the college I had chosen wasn’t a good fit for me. The campus culture, academic environment, and overall atmosphere only served to heighten my anxiety. Instead of feeling excited about my future, I felt isolated, overwhelmed, and out of place. After a difficult first year, I made the decision to transfer — a move that ultimately set me on a healthier, more authentic path, but one I wish I had been better prepared for in the beginning.

Today, I see many students grappling with the same invisible pressures. Anxiety can cloud the college and career decision-making process in ways that aren't always obvious at first. Some teens avoid making decisions altogether, fearful of choosing the "wrong" major or college. Others default to paths that seem safe or familiar, even if those choices don't align with their strengths or interests. Still others push themselves toward highly competitive programs out of a belief that anything less would be a failure.

Signs Anxiety May Be Impacting Choices:

• Indecisiveness or avoidance when asked about future plans

• Procrastinating on applications, essays, or deadlines

• Overcommitting to rigorous academic programs without clear personal interest

• Expressing fear about leaving home or managing independence

• Frequently second-guessing decisions or needing constant reassurance

  
  

Recognizing these patterns early can make a big difference. Families can help by approaching college and career planning as a conversation — not a one-time decision. Instead of focusing on finding the “perfect” choice, emphasize that post-secondary planning is a journey. It’s okay to pivot, explore, and change paths as a student learns more about themselves.

Here are a few ways to support teens through anxiety and big decisions:

• Normalize emotions: Let them know it’s okay — and common — to feel anxious about the future.

• Break it down: Help them take one small step at a time, whether that's researching majors, visiting campuses, or making a first draft of an essay.

• Prioritize fit, not prestige: Encourage them to think about where they’ll feel supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Focus on strengths: Help them build a plan around what they are good at and what lights them up, rather than what they think they "should" do.

  
  

I truly believe — and have experienced firsthand — that anxiety doesn't have to limit a teen’s potential. With understanding, tools, and support, students can build futures that are both successful and healthy.

At Targeted Paths, I help students not only find a college or career that fits their interests but also support them in navigating the emotional journey that comes with these big milestones. If your teen is feeling overwhelmed by the future, you’re not alone — and there’s a path forward.

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References

Gregory, K. A., Vidourek, R. A., King, K. A., & Merianos, A. L. (2024). Examination of current anxiety problems with school engagement and volunteer and paid work among U.S. adolescents. The Journal of School Nursing, 40(5), 547–557. https://doi.org/10.1177/10598405221121655