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