Theo JesbergerCollege students
Stress in college students
• Body's reaction to a variety of stimuli
• Means of responding to a threat or demand
• Can produce positive or negative reactions
• Include external and internal stimuli
What is stress?
80% of students experience stress daily
34% have felt depressed in the last 3 months
13% have been diagnosed with a mental health condition
Statistics
Click here for more info on stress in college students
Eustress- stress that motivates you to keep working.
Distress- stress that becomes to much to bear.
Categories of Stress
Eustress
“Good stress”
Not all stress is bad
Stress can sometimes lead to positive consequences
Stress can lead to actions that’re beneficial
Distress
“Bad stress”
Builds tension
Feelings of “no end in sight”
No enjoyment in the challenge/task
Process of becoming stressed
Stressor occurs
Your perception of stressor
Your reaction
Body responds
accordingly
External Stimulus
Things we can not control
Outside factors
Occurs from the world around you
Internal Stimulus
Come from inside us
Self induced stress
Feelings and thoughts
External Job change
Moving
Marriage
Death of a loved one. Etc..
Internal Physical discomfort
Mental discomfort
Need to be “perfect”
Personality traits
External vs Internal examples
Why is stress harmful? Predisposition for
disease
Increased chance of heart attack
Contributes to weight gain
Contributor to premature aging
Death
Chronic Stress’ affect on the body
Weakens immune system
Leaves you more susceptible to disease
Can cause men to develop erectile dysfunction
Can completely stop menstrual cycle in women
Symptoms
Headache
Sweaty Palms
Sleeplessness
Nervousness
Irritability
Depression
Physical Emotional
Symptoms continued
Isolation from others
Lack of intimacy
Loneliness
Forgetfulness
Poor time management
Confusion
Social Intellectual
Coping with stress as a college student
Due to the high standards and expectations of college, students tend to experience greater levels of stress.
Most students will need to develop new skills in order to balance these demands.
Everyone has different coping techniques.
It is important to find something that works best for you.
Two types of coping, positive and negative.
Positive- helps reduce stress levels
Negative- will increase stress levels
Coping Techniques
Listening to music
Going out with friends
Taking a break
Going for a walk
Positive Coping
Hmm.. Maybe it’s time for a break.
Exercise regularly
Stay well rested
Yoga/Stretching
Manage time appropriately
Positive Coping
Negative Coping
These are all things you should avoid doing
Criticizing yourself
Avoiding family and friends
Binge eating
Drinking large amounts of alcohol
Resources for Help
www.Ulifeline.org is a website dedicated to college students in need.
They have a number to call or text for help.
The website allows you to help a friend in need.
Click here to visit the websites help page