Do most college students agree that stress is often overlooked in today’s society? How many college students do you know that feel consistent stress on a daily basis? It may be safe to agree many students around the country have personally felt or know someone who has felt a great deal of stress sometime in their college career. The college age group is often known as the “tender age”, because it is an important time where young adults take responsibility over their lives, make important career goals, develop long term relationships, and may experience independent financial responsibility for the first time (Benac and Tompson, 2009). Some students even have to more difficult getting married or having children during this time.
Statistics show us that a little stress is actually healthy for the body; it keeps us alert and focused in our environment. On the other hand, too much stress can have negative side effects to the body and can make one feel isolated and alone. The harmful effects makes stress awareness important because many students are dealing with a significant amount of stress and it is often not talked about.
A survey conducted by MTVU for college students around the country showed, “four out of ten college students report they feel stressed often. One out of five say they feel stressed most of the time. One out of four students report experiencing daily stress and one in ten report thoughts of suicide”, (Shuder, 2012). These statistics dramatically show a general idea of students around the country dealing with consistent stress. You wonder how some students are still able to balance life with everyday tasks, pass exams, and get good grades in school while are feeling such a burden on their shoulders.
Statistics show any college students are feeling consist stress on a daily basis, then why is it not talked about more among peers? A poll shared by AP-MTV showed that many students do not get the help needed why feeling consistent stress (Benac and Tompson, 2009). One student interviewed believes many students do not get the help they need because “they seem less cool or something like that if they do go. It’s like a sign of vulnerability” (Benac and Tompson, 2009). This interview shows one way bringing awareness to stress among college students is important to talk about because too much stress can lead to serious health problems, or even suicide.
Stress has been linked to multiple problems in the body. Studies show how stress overtime can lead to, “headaches, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression and anxiety” (Goldberg, 2012). Stress related conditions do not happen on an instant, all these conditions happen overtime in the body. An average student spends at least two to four years in college (if not more). If a student does not seek help during their college career, they have a chance of having one or many of the symptoms for consistent stress.
College is a long process, therefore it is important to find ways to cope with stress or seek help by a friend or a professional. If our society brings more awareness and openly talks about consistent stress among college students, there would be more light directed on this issue. In the end, maybe we can create a society where students feel less burden, more hopeful, and start speaking up about stress.