Stress

Excessive stress can be a trigger for emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.

If you need immediate help, please call 1 800 273-TALK (8255)

CHECK YOURSELF
Use the Self e-Valuator, a confidential online mental health assessment.
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to get started.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Changes in sleep patterns

Changes in eating patterns

Increased frequency of headaches

Increased levels of frustration and anger

Being more irritable than normal

Recurring colds and minor illnesses

Frequent muscle aches and/or tightness

Being more disorganized than usual

Greater sense of persistent time pressure

Increased difficulty in getting things done

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
Talk to someone today.
Call 1-800-273 TALK or
Find help at your school

About Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, especially during periods of transition and uncertainty. A certain level of stress is healthy and can be motivating. It’s when stress seems to exceed this level that it can become a problem.

College can be stressful for a variety of reasons:

Greater academic demands
Being on your own in a new environment
Changes in family relations
Financial responsibilities
Changes in your social life
Exposure to new people, ideas, and temptations
Discomfort with your sexual identity
Preparing for life after graduation

Each of us responds to stress differently. What is stressful for one person may or may not be stressful for another. Stress causes physiological and hormonal changes in the body. Excessive stress can sneak up on you over time, and you may not notice it until you begin to experience its physical or emotional effects.

Dealing with Stress

Fortunately, it’s possible to manage and maintain stress at relatively healthy levels by learning how your body reacts when it’s stressed out and monitoring yourself for these signs. Properly channeled, stress can result in increased productivity and creative solutions to problems. The key is how we identify, manage and reduce the stress in our lives.

Adequate sleep, diet, and exercise can help to minimize the negative effects of stress. Figure out what stress-reduction techniques work best for you and use them whenever you start to notice the negative effects of too much stress. You can also check out the resources provided by your college for improving stress management skills.

Resources

Help is often available on or around campuses through the following resources:

Student counseling center

Student health service

Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty

Campus religious or spiritual leader

Community mental health center

Local crisis center or hotlines

Find help on your campus now

For immediate assistance, contact these services:
United States:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.
Helpline: (800) 273 8255 (TALK)

International:
Samaritans
Provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide – in the United Kingdom and in many other regions around the world

For further information:

Active Minds
Among other programs aimed at college students, Active Minds sponsors National Stress Out Day, to relieve pre-finals stress and to educate and provide students with information about stress management, anxiety and related disorders.

American Institute of Stress
Dedicated to advancing our understanding of the role of stress in health and illness.

National Institute of Mental Health
News, overview, clinical trials, research, treatment, organizations on stress provided by National Institute of Mental Health.