Impact of Pressure on Students' School Grades
College life is a whirlwind of deadlines, labs, group projects, presentations, and high expectations. But it's not just about academic pressure anymore. College stress is tied to deeper concerns around belonging and identity, as Dr. Alicia Henderson noted in 2021.
Stress can have a significant impact on a student's learning and grades. It can cause poor concentration, memory issues, missed work, falling behind, and lower motivation. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, upset stomach, sleep problems, muscle aches, chest tightness, and increased susceptibility to illness.
Fortunately, colleges can implement a variety of strategies to support student mental health and reduce stress. One key strategy is robust campus counseling services. Offering individual therapy, group sessions, medication services, and workshops on campus at low or no cost helps students access timely mental health care without significant barriers.
Another important strategy is raising awareness and normalising help-seeking. Encouraging students and parents to know what resources exist and to view seeking help as normal reduces stigma and increases utilisation of support.
Peer support and mental health groups can also provide social support and reduce feelings of isolation among students. Establishing peer-led support groups and mental health clubs can be a valuable addition to campus resources.
Flexible and accessible mental health care options are also crucial. Incorporating online therapy platforms that offer remote counseling sessions can help busy students receive continuous care without scheduling conflicts.
Promoting health and wellness is another essential strategy. Encouraging regular exercise, consistent sleep schedules, and practices like mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises help students manage stress naturally and maintain mental well-being.
Crisis support availability is also vital. Ensuring students are aware of crisis hotlines such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers immediate support when urgent help is needed.
A whole-college mental health approach is another key strategy. Developing comprehensive policies and training for staff on psychological first aid, attendance support, and emotional wellbeing can create a campus culture that proactively addresses mental health.
Together, these strategies create a supportive environment that addresses both prevention and intervention to reduce student stress and improve mental health outcomes. Tailoring these efforts based on campus size, resources, and student demographics will maximise their effectiveness.
It's worth noting that financial concerns are a common source of stress for students. Simple steps like emergency aid, financial coaching, or clear information about scholarships can ease students' financial stressors.
Over 60% of students reported feeling emotionally exhausted from stress in the past year, and 73% of students report moderate to severe stress weekly. But with the right support, students can manage stress through practical methods such as moving their bodies (exercise), setting boundaries, seeking support (counseling, support groups), practicing mindfulness, and prioritising self-care.
References:
[1] Journal of College Wellness (2022) [2] Healthy Minds Network (2023) [3] ACHA (2023) [4] Dr. Alicia Henderson (2021) [5] Various sources (2021-2023)
- College life is filled with memories of deadlines, exams, projects, and presentations, but it also includes deeper concerns about mental health and well-being.
- Stress can negatively impact a student's learning, grades, and mental health, causing issues like poor concentration, memory problems, and physical symptoms.
- Campus counseling services, peer support, and mental health clubs are strategies colleges can use to support students' mental health and reduce stress levels.
- Implementing flexible and accessible mental health care options, promoting health and wellness, and providing crisis support are additional ways to support students' mental health.
- Financial concerns can add to students' stress, but steps such as emergency aid, financial coaching, or clear information about scholarships can help ease these stressors.
- With the right support, students can manage their stress through practical methods such as exercise, setting boundaries, seeking counseling, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care.
