Stress in college students Theo Jesberger College students

What is stress? • • 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

Statistics § § § 80% of students experience stress daily 34% have felt depressed in the last 3 months 13% have been diagnosed with a mental health condition Click here for more info on stress in college students

Categories of Stress Eustress- stress that motivates you to keep working. Distress- stress that becomes to much to bear.

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 Ø Things we can not control Ø Outside factors Ø Occurs from the world around you

Internal Stimulus Ø Come from inside us Ø Self induced stress Ø Feelings and thoughts

External vs Internal examples � External Ø Job change Internal Ø Physical discomfort Ø Moving Ø Mental discomfort Ø Marriage Ø Need to be “perfect” Ø Personality traits Ø Death of a loved one. Etc. . Ø

Why is stress harmful? § Predisposition for disease § Increased chance of heart attack § Contributes to weight gain § Contributor to premature aging De at h

Chronic Stress’ affect on the body Ø Weakens immune system Ø Leaves you more susceptible to disease Ø Can cause men to develop erectile dysfunction Ø Can completely stop menstrual cycle in women

Symptoms Physical Ø Headache Ø Sweaty Palms Ø Sleeplessness Emotional Ø Nervousness Ø Irritability Ø Depression

Symptoms continued Social Ø Isolation from others Ø Lack of intimacy Ø Loneliness Intellectual Ø Forgetfulness Ø Poor time management Ø Confusion

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.

Coping Techniques � 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

Positive Coping � Listening � Going out with friends � Taking � Going to music a break for a walk Hmm. . Maybe it’s time for a break.

Positive Coping � Exercise � Stay regularly well rested � Yoga/Stretching � Manage time appropriately

Negative Coping Ø Criticizing yourself Ø Avoiding family and friends Ø Binge eating Ø Drinking large amounts of alcohol These are all things you should avoid doing

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