News You Can Use
Dealing with stress: another major collegiate learning experience
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Mike Pizzitola
Aug. 7, 2007
STARKVILLE, Miss.-The many demands of university and college life can take a toll, but the ways in which students deal with the stress can differ greatly.
Some take part in intramural sports to help them vent. Others play golf; still others, video games. Then, there are those who haven't yet found safe ways to handle stress.
According to Debbie Wells of Mississippi State, 85 to 90 percent of students in higher education typically face some level of stress or anxiety. The transition process from daily life in high school to the next learning level is among the frequent causes, observes the university's coordinator of student affairs and college counseling programs.
"Some freshmen cannot handle this transition because they feel like no one is there to watch over their every move, and, therefore, they get themselves into trouble both academically and socially," she says.
She cites lack of sleep and exercise, bad eating habits and procrastination as other leading causes. If not dealt with correctly, she adds, health problems also may develop.
To help deal with the pressure, Wells suggests several steps:
- First, make time for personal introspection-self searching-to consider what may be causing the stress;
- Find someone-a close friend or a professional, for example-with whom to discuss your situation. (Note to stressed student: This step is especially important.);
- Work hard to develop time-management skills; and
- Maintain a positive attitude, keeping in mind that resolution of the situation may take some time to achieve.
"There is help out there to deal with stress and anxiety," she stresses. "It takes work, but it is possible. We all deal with stress and we all react differently.
"We live in an instant world, but dealing with stress and anxiety is not an instant fix."