College Life Struggles: Managing Academic Pressure and Student Anxiety
In the bustling world of academia, stress is a common companion for students. Dr. Brenda Whitehead, psychologist and founder of Prof Chat Plus, sheds light on the feelings of stress that students often express, such as being "overwhelmed", "stretched too thin", "angry", "tense", "jittery", and "sleep-deprived".
But what exactly is stress, and how does it affect students? According to Dr. Whitehead, prolonged stress can lead to a myriad of mental and physical health issues. This is due to the effects of cortisol, a hormone that spikes during stressful periods. When cortisol levels remain high indefinitely, it can damage the immune function, disrupt digestive systems, and hamper mental health.
The level of stress can vary greatly among students. Some may express it more emotionally or verbally, while others may not realise they are stressed until they notice physiological dysregulation like a racing heart, irregular sleep, digestive issues, or skin rashes, as explained by Dr. Whitehead.
Dr. Jessica Kovler, a psychologist at Well By Messer and psychology professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, provides a list of signs of high stress. These include sleeping more or less than usual, appetite and diet changes, irritability with oneself and others, decreased motivation, increased emotional expression, and neglecting self-care routines.
In an effort to help students manage their stress levels, university psychologists have recommended the use of the Calm app for recording daily stress and mood levels. However, the specific psychologists involved have not been named in public sources.
It's important to remember that managing stress is crucial for maintaining good health. Tips for managing stress, not provided in this article, could include seeking outside help, practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Chronic stress can cause mental and physical wear and tear, as summarized. It's essential for students to be aware of the signs of stress and take steps to manage it effectively. After all, a healthy mind and body are key to academic success.
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