Office for Student Affairs > Faculty/Staff Resources > The Stressed Student

Faculty/Staff Resources

The Stressed Student

According to the 2004 College Student Health Survey of university students, when asked about stress, 73 percent indicated they have this issue. A certain level of stress is normal for college students.  However, of those who say that they experience stress, 43 percent indicated their performance was affected by it. Students today are facing a level of complexity in their lives that was unknown to their counterparts of past years; often their behavior shows it. Troubling student behaviors such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks binge drinking, eating disorders, violent outbursts, thoughts of suicide, indifference, and uncertainty -- as well as increased physiological symptoms and illness -- seem to be more intense and frequent.

The sources of stress for college students are varied. Finances, academics, and relationships can all be sources of stress for students. Significant numbers of students have nontraditional backgrounds that include living with single parents or merged families. Feelings of loneliness and disconnection are common and often overriding student concerns, yet students lack a blueprint for making social connections.  Their recognition that the world is changing in ways that cannot be easily predicted can lead to stress and anxiety. Finally, students can feel isolated and disconnected from sources of support, which could enhance their sense of being overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.

To cope in these circumstances, some students adopt a live-for-the-moment approach, focusing on surviving the next test, enrolling in the next semester, making it to the next paycheck, and finding the next party. Some students have cultivated effective stress management skills before being faced with the growing complexities of their lives.

Signs of chronic stress

• Physiological Headaches
• Insomnia
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Weakened immune systems
• Fluctuations in eating patterns and weight
• Fatigue
• Psychological Irritability
• "Low" moods
• Impulsivity
• Inability to concentrate
• Low motivation
• Emotional tension
• Behavioral and attitudinal Perfectionism
• Procrastination
• Avoidance
• Dissatisfaction, disenchantment, or cynicism
• Isolation or disconnection
• Over commitment or feeling pressured

How to help

Many students, including those in need of support, desire a community that is personal, responsive, caring, and respectful. Thus, creating an opportunity and taking the time to check in with a student who concerns you will help provide that sense of support and reduce their isolation.

Students are often dealing with multiple stressors and listening to their concerns and helping them connect to campus resources can be an important first step