With the end of the semester approaching in less than six weeks, many students face familiar feelings of stress from academic and social pressures, but for some, the pressure is becoming too great.
In a recent survey conducted by The Associated Press and mtvU, a television network for colleges and universities, results showed how stress affects college students’ mental health.
The survey polled 2,253 undergraduate students, ages 18 to 24, at 40 randomly selected schools nationwide.
Students reported an overall positive outlook on life. Sixty-four percent said they are somewhat or very happy with their lives.
But for many students, their college years are very stressful. The survey concluded that school-related concerns are key factors in students’ stress levels.
Students said other primary sources of stress come from financial problems, relationship and family problems and extracurricular activities.
Two in five students said they felt stressed often, and one in five felt stressed all or most of the time.
Ashley Granger, Wellness Education coordinator, said students may experience stress at a healthy level, which keeps them focused and motivated.
She said the stress level may become unhealthy if students start experiencing physical, mental, behavioral or emotional problems.
Unhealthy stress may lead to muscle aches, negative attitudes, anxiety, mood swings and increased drinking or smoking.
The poll cited stress symptoms among students such as difficulty concentrating, sleeping and finding motivation. Many said they found it difficult to work or eat under pressure.
One in five students reported feeling so much stress in the past three months that they have considered dropping out of school.
Stress goes beyond pressure to make certain grades. Causes of stress among college students include peer pressure, competition for jobs and scholarships, separation from family and adjustments to becoming independent.
The survey said students are even concerned about drinking too much. More than 25 percent of the students surveyed said they sometimes thought they should cut down on drinking and going out with friends.
“Some students deal with stress in a negative way by using alcohol, drugs or tobacco,” Granger said.
The survey reported a third of students said they sometimes want to use drugs or alcohol to relax.
Granger said unhealthy levels of stress for a certain period of time can lead to depression or even thoughts of suicide.
One in six reported having friends who discussed committing suicide in the past year. Ten percent of students considered it themselves.
“This is why it is important to recognize the symptoms of stress and recognize the level of intensity of the stress and seek help when needed,” Granger said.
Many students suffer symptoms of depression from stress, but only a few reported to have considered campus counseling. About 26 percent said they considered getting professional help, but only 15 percent said they actually did.
Granger said when stress is at an unhealthy level, it is important for students to talk to counselors, family and friends.
Granger said the Wellness Education Department in the University’s Student Health Center has seen an increase in program requests on the topic of stress management.
Granger said one way to prevent unhealthy levels of stress is to manage time.
“Prepare for your day,” Granger said. “Plan realistically, prioritize, focus on your goals, break down your list into smaller goals.”
Granger said students must plan to make time for themselves.
Granger said an increase in caffeine use is seen as a solution to stress.
“Students think the more time awake, the more projects they can get done,” Granger said. “However, the caffeine use is a direct effect to the negative sleeping patterns.”
Granger said caffeine can increase the symptoms of stress, and the amount of caffeine intake is very important to a student’s stress management.
—-Contact Leslie Presnall at [email protected]