Too Much Stress? How to Help Students You Know and Love

Life is stressful for today’s college students. Balancing academics, work, internships, family, social life, and finances, along with complex social, political, and economic pressures of the world we live in, all amid the transition into adulthood can be challenging.

In fact, college is when mental health issues begin to arise for many individuals. In a 2022 study by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, it was estimated that 44 percent of college students experienced depression and 37 percent had clinical levels of anxiety, with approximately 80 percent of students believing that mental health difficulties impacted their academic performance in the last month.

While a certain amount of stress is expected in college and can even propel students to take positive action, i.e., to study for an upcoming exam they may be concerned about, stress can also cause students to get stuck in a cycle of worry, causing them to avoid responsibilities and possibly make things worse.

At LIM College, the Office of Counseling Services often suggests students monitor their stress levels throughout the semester by conducting regular/weekly check-ins with themselves. Asking key questions such as, “How am I feeling? What is going well? What am I worried about? How is this affecting my mind and body?,” can help students identify norms and make them better equipped to recognize signs of stress and anxiety.

For families, friends, and others in students’ communities who recognize that a student is experiencing stress and anxiety, it is helpful to consider the following:

• Observe your student. Keep in mind how they normally respond to stress and get a sense of what is causing their stress levels to rise.
• Pay attention to your student’s eating habits, sleeping patterns, and levels of irritability over a two-week period. If you notice significant changes, it may be time to take action.
• Engage your student in a discussion around the issue causing stress. Be sure to listen first and ask questions later. Do not try to fix the issue without the student’s input. Allow them to explore their feelings and share concerns, then collaborate with them to identify the best course of action.
• Encourage your student to implement various coping skills such as breathing and relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, exercise, etc. If your student finds your suggestions to be futile, it may be time to suggest counseling with the LIM Office of Counseling services (families may consult with the Office of Counseling Services for guidance on how to support their student, but it is encouraged that students reach out directly for services).
• Of course, if your student appears extremely distraught and hopeless from their situation, immediate attention may be needed, and it may be best to contact a crisis hotline such as 988.

Families, friends and other members of a student’s community can play a vital role in helping students overcome the impact of stress and the resulting anxiety. They know the student better than anyone else and have their best interests at heart.

The LIM Office of Counseling Services is active in providing information, workshops, classes, and counseling services. LIM students can contact them at counseling@limcollege.edu.