Have you been struggling to keep up with your college or university’s coursework? Have you been needing extra time on exams or classroom accommodations?
Attending high school, college, or university can be a thrilling journey. You have the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, form new connections and relationships, and work towards your desired career path through academic training.
However, it’s becoming increasingly recognized that school, at any level, can be a major source of stress and anxiety for students. The demands of final exams, projects, essays, and assignments often create intense pressure.
If you or your loved ones have been anxious about things relating to your educational experience, rest assured you’re not alone. Let’s examine why students in Grade 12, 1st year college/university, and adults continuing education may experience certain risk factors to their mental health, and when to seek therapy for school-related anxiety and stress.
Is School Stress Normal? Plus, the Most Stressful Year of School
Stress is a typical aspect of daily life, occurring both within and beyond the educational environment. Certain levels of stress can be beneficial—they inspire us to perform at our highest level and tackle upcoming challenges.
Conversely, negative stress—referred to as distress—is often experienced when we perceive a lack of resources or capabilities to confront a problem. This sensation can be quite intense and challenging to navigate.
Obtaining an education is a significant milestone in the lives of many individuals — it can prove to be both beneficial and fulfilling. Nonetheless, for a significant percentage of students, school will often convert into a source of stress and anxiety.
Although school can induce stress at every level of education and life, Grade 12 in high school is regarded by many as an exceptionally stressful time. This is due to the significant transition between young adulthood into full adulthood, as well as constant developmental and social changes occurring during this period.
In addition to the usual academic pressures, plus the pressure of deciding where to continue post-secondary education and choosing a degree, these developments are especially challenging to manage.
What are the Common Signs of Anxiety in Students?
Students at a Grade 12 or post-secondary education level may experience feelings of nervousness or tension, find it challenging to concentrate during their classes, or even exhibit physical symptoms due to anxiety.
Some of these symptoms may consist of the following:
- 烦躁不安
- Sleep disturbances
- Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- Upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues
- Elevated heart rate
- Trembling or shaking
- Experiencing panic or a sense of approaching danger
- Being unable to manage worries
- Desiring to avoid anxiety triggers or stressors
What Can Cause School-related Stress and Anxiety in Students?
1. Academic pressure
The stress that students encounter can be challenging to manage. It is instinctive to strive for success in education, particularly when pursuing a degree—and securing employment—in a chosen profession.
Concerns may arise from the fear of failing courses or from test-related anxiety. Some students may feel compelled to uphold a specific GPA, either to qualify for scholarships or to meet their own personal expectations.
In certain instances, this pressure may originate from the anxiety of disappointing family members. For example, some students believe they must achieve top grades to make their parents proud, or they feel they want to pursue a career that their parents don’t perceive as successful.
No matter what the origin, the expectation of academic achievement and meeting high standards easily lead to anxiety and stress.
2. Adjustment and transition challenges
Attending college or university represents a significant change. The classroom setting, teaching styles, and learning modalities change a great deal from high school to college/university. Some students may not be able to handle even small changes such as this, as they don’t realize they need certain types of learning accommodations at first.
Students relocating for their education may experience feelings of homesickness and loneliness, particularly if their circle of friends are not attending the same school. Being separated from family and friends while adapting to living with other new students introduces a completely new routine. It’s entirely normal to feel anxious during this period of adjustment.
As a college or university student, one gains a heightened sense of independence. There is generous flexibility in selecting classes and activities without the need for input from others!
This newly acquired independence can be freeing—however, it may also provoke a degree of anxiety. Certain students might be concerned about making poor decisions, or they may find it challenging to manage their time independently without substantial guidance.
3. Financial costs
Attending high school may not directly incur costs for the student (unless parents expect contributions from allowances or part-time employment), yet finances can still impose pressure and raise barriers higher, in particular for low-income families.
Expenses for school supplies, professional photographs, trips, prom, and graduation can accumulate significantly. The persistent expectation to save for the impending costs of college or university can also lead to stress and anxiety, especially when intensified by the pressure of applying for scholarships and bursaries.
College expenses are substantial. Tuition fees can be particularly high, especially at private colleges and universities.
Students who opt for loans may experience anxiety regarding potential debt and the obligation to repay these loans post-graduation. Additionally, the costs associated with purchasing textbooks and other necessary supplies for classes can be considerable.
Living costs can further contribute to financial strain during college. Expenses for fuel to commute to and from school or the costs of public transportation can accumulate.
For those residing on campus, the costs of board and meals can significantly increase overall tuition expenses.
Living off-campus introduces its own financial challenges, including rent and utility bills that must be managed.
4. Lifestyle factors
Modifications in daily routines or lifestyle choices can lead to increased anxiety. Staying up late to complete assignments and frequently opting for fast food can signify a significant lifestyle change, and students may not consistently obtain sufficient sleep during a period when their minds require adequate rest and rejuvenation.
Consuming nutritious meals and snacks is crucial for cognitive function. However, this can be challenging to maintain amidst a hectic schedule. Students may opt for a bag of chips or a burger and fries instead of taking the time to prepare something healthier.
Physical exercise is another important aspect to consider. Engaging in physical activity can alleviate anxiety, yet it can be difficult to incorporate into a busy timetable or adhere to a workout regimen with numerous other commitments demanding attention.
Seeking Help for School-Related Anxiety and Stress
After considering all these signs and potential likelihoods, when is it appropriate to pursue therapy for anxiety and stress related to school?
If feelings of anxiety persist or hinder daily functioning, then it’s recommended to seek professional assistance. Numerous high schools, colleges, and universities offer resources aimed at assisting students with stress and anxiety in academic settings.
Investigate the mental health support and resources available on your campus. These may encompass counselling services, academic advising, peer counselling, support groups, and workshops or seminars.
A counsellor or therapist can assist you in understanding your symptoms, addressing underlying issues that may be intensifying your anxiety, and creating coping strategies to progress effectively.
If you’re wanting to seek help off campus, Hopewoods is dedicated to supporting you on your journey towards mental well-being. Our team consists of specialized clinical counsellors, therapists, and life coaches who are well equipped to assist students dealing with school-related anxiety and stress. We also offer 免费咨询 and several more free resources for students who need counselling and yet are held back by financial costs.
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