Stress and mental health in academia
By Christopher Goodson, Emergency Management Coordinator, Guest Writer
Governors State University (GovState) is proud to offer mental health resources to students and the community to help them manage their emotional, psychological, and social well-being while navigating the academic, personal, and social challenges of higher education.
Mental Health in Academia:
College life often brings new experiences, pressures, and responsibilities, which can affect students' mental health in both positive and negative ways.
Common Mental Health Challenges in Academia:
- Academic Pressure: Students may feel overwhelmed by the demands of coursework, exams, and maintaining good grades.
- Social Stress: Adjusting to new social environments, making friends, and balancing social life with academics can lead to stress and anxiety.
- Financial Stress: Concerns about tuition, student loans, and living expenses can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
- Loneliness and Isolation: Being away from home, especially for the first time, can cause feelings of homesickness or isolation.
- Transitions and Life Changes: Moving away, adapting to new responsibilities, and transitioning into adulthood can be challenging and trigger stress or anxiety.
- Substance Abuse: Some students may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or social pressure, which can negatively impact mental health.
What is Stress in Academia:
Stress is a physical, emotional, or psychological response to situations that are perceived as challenging, threatening, or demanding. It can arise from various external or internal pressures, known as “stressors”, which may include work, academics, relationships, or personal expectations. Stress can manifest in both positive forms (eustress), which can motivate and enhance performance, and negative forms (distress), which can lead to anxiety, tension, and health problems.
Common Stress Symptoms include:
- Behavioral: Changes in appetite, procrastination, withdrawal, and substance abuse.
- Physical: Headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, sleep problems, and digestive issues.
- Emotional: Irritability, anxiety, sadness, and mood swings.
- Stress Management Techniques:
- Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and breaking them into manageable steps may reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
- Exercise: Physical activity helps reduce stress hormones and boosts endorphins.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can lower stress levels.
- Social Support: Talking to friends, family, or a counselor can provide emotional relief and perspective.
Resources at Governors State University:
· Counseling and Wellness Center
The Counseling and Wellness (CWC) here at Governors State University provides comprehensive medical, mental health support and case management services.
The CWC is located in A1120 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like to set an appointment, you can visit the office, or visit https://www.govst.edu/cwc-appointments/
Please Note: You must be an active GovState student to receive these services.
· Livingwell@GSU (708-235-7334)
Counseling and support services are provided 27/7/365 anytime, anywhere including off campus. This includes a mental health support line, mental health anonymous peer to peer support and an online behavioral health screening tool.