After a long day of classes and studying, I mustered every bit of energy left to crawl into bed, only to be overwhelmed by sadness. As I stared at the ceiling, waiting for sleep, I cried myself to sleep. This behavior incorporated itself into my routine, triggered by the many sources of stress for college students. I tried hiding my struggles behind fake smiles, but each tearful night reminded me to reach out for help.
The next day, fear of judgment and shame kept me from opening up. I felt isolated, convinced no one understood what I was going through. Living with depression felt like being lost on a canoe in the middle of the ocean, unsure if things would get better. Though my depression started before college, the pressure here only made it worse, with more demands and expectations piling on.
Over time, I realized these feelings were regular. Life has ups and downs, and navigating the lows is essential. Mental health challenges among college students are widespread. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that 60% of students faced a mental health challenge during the 2020-2021 school year.
Here are some sources of stress for college students and tips on how to cope:
1. Finances
College tuition is expensive, but once you factor in housing, books, and food, that financial burden becomes even more challenging. With so many financial responsibilities, it becomes harder to focus on academics. This strain can heavily impact a student’s well-being, as constant financial stress can feel overwhelming.
Addressing financial concerns requires a solid plan. If enrolled in a school beyond your financial means, it might be worth considering transferring to a more affordable option. Additionally, explore scholarships, grants, and job opportunities while learning to budget and create a savings plan. This applies especially to college students, as paying back interest and the cost of borrowing can be expensive.
2. Family
Many of us value family, but being away at college can create challenges due to the distance between us and them. Conflicts among family members may arise, or we might experience an unexpected loss, which can significantly impact our mental health.
Whatever these family challenges may be, they can quickly affect any student’s mental health and impact their academic performance. Balancing school while dealing with unresolved family problems can be overwhelming. To cope with family issues while in college, it may be best to open up to a trusted friend, connect with support services on campus, and prioritize self-care.
3. Purpose/Direction
College serves as a significant stepping stone for many, acting as a catalyst for future careers. It’s an excellent environment for self-discovery, allowing you to explore your interests and identify your likes and dislikes. However, it also brings significant sources of stress for college students, as many grapple with uncertainty about their future paths and struggle to find what they truly want to pursue.
Lacking a sense of purpose or direction in life can be particularly challenging for a typical college student. With so many expectations placed upon them, uncertainty about their path can significantly impact their well-being. Some steps to overcome this include reflecting on what brought us joy as children, defining our core values, and identifying the issues that matter most to us.
4. Academics
The rigor and intensity of college coursework far exceed that of secondary school. It’s often more challenging and complex, leaving many students struggling to keep up while questioning their ability to succeed in their classes. Additionally, the academic pressure to succeed placed upon them by professors, parents, and peers may cause them to experience burnout.
Due to the fast-paced nature of coursework, college can be an intense and stressful environment, especially during exams, midterms, and finals. However, there are practical strategies to manage this stress effectively. These include prioritizing self-care, utilizing academic resources like tutoring or discussion sections, and organizing tasks by creating a master to-do list from most to least important.
5. Relationships
While college is an opportunity to excel academically, it can also be a fantastic environment for social growth. Meeting new friends and networking can be easier here, as like-minded individuals surround you. However, when the people you encounter don’t align with your expectations, it can lead to stress rather than joy.
You might encounter a roommate or friend who takes advantage of your kindness instead of appreciating it or someone who betrays your trust. These situations can feel overwhelming and, if left unaddressed, can negatively affect your mental health. To navigate this, consider setting clear boundaries, gradually distancing yourself, or involving school authorities if the situation escalates.
6. Working too much or too little
Work is an essential part of life, allowing us to grow, achieve financial stability, and contribute meaningfully to society. However, finding the right balance is crucial, as it’s easy to fall into the trap of working too much or not enough.
In college, the quality of our work and assignments plays a significant role in our academic success. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance—putting in enough effort to stay productive without overworking to the point of burnout or working too little, which can lead to procrastination
We can achieve this balance by creating a schedule, prioritizing urgent tasks, and making time for hobbies during our free time. Adjusting study habits can also help—taking regular breaks, for example, can improve productivity. Research suggests that micro-breaks of just 10 minutes can enhance focus and effectiveness, making work more efficient and sustainable.
Conclusion
Throughout life, stress is inevitable, whether it stems from factors within or beyond our control. For college students, especially, the experience can be uniquely challenging due to various stressors, such as academic pressure, social dynamics, and financial concerns.
By understanding the primary sources of stress, students can better prepare to manage and overcome them effectively. While addressing mental health challenges is never easy, recognizing the root cause of stress is a significant step toward finding relief.
