If you need help immediately, visit your local emergency department or call 911
Common Warning Signs of Students Experiencing High Levels of Stress Stress is not always a bad thing; stress is only harmful when it is excessive. Here are some warning signs that yours or your friend’s stress levels may be excessive. Physical Symptoms
- muscular tension
- colds or other illnesses
- high blood pressure
- indigestion
- ulcers
- difficulty sleeping
- fatigue
- headaches
- backaches
Emotional Symptoms
- depression
- anger
- fear or anxiety
- feeling overwhelmed
- mood swings
Cognitive Symptoms
- forgetfulness
- unwanted or repetitive thoughts
- difficulty concentrating
Common Warning Signs When Someone Is Considering Suicide
- Talks about suicide, death, or having no reason to live
- Is preoccupied by death and dying
- Has trouble eating or sleeping
- Experiences drastic changes in behaviour
- Withdraws from friends or social activities
- Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Gives away prized possessions
- Loses interest in their prized possessions
How To Best Deal With Stress* Dr. Michael Van Ameringen, a professor in the department of psychiatry at McMaster University and former co-director of the anxiety disorders clinic on campus, suggested students build these five habits to stay mentally well.
- Manage expectations: “It’s important to learn to have reasonable expectations of yourself when you go to a new place. You’re not going to instantly figure out the way to learn and get 90s in all classes.”
- Take a break: “There’s no doubt that people are more efficient when they work for fixed periods of time, followed by planned breaks.”
- Build your social network: “Human contact helps to alleviate stress. It’s important not to allow yourself to become isolated. Get involved with campus activities because they provide vehicles for meeting new people.”
- Hit the gym: “It’s been proven repeatedly that physical activity helps people manage anxiety and elevate mood. Make sure you incorporate exercise as part of your week.”
- Ask for help: “Every campus has a student health service and they are quite good at dealing with students and helping those who are stressed out.”
Information originally published by Maclean’s Magazine.
