Worrying, insomnia and headaches may seem like ordinary side effects of a hard week, but experts say that in reality, those are signals of stress that require some kind of release.
Otherwise, your grades can slip or your overall health could decline.
“There might be some academic difficulties,” said Dr. Erika Gray, the outreach and consultation coordinator for the Counseling and Psychological Services at Hudson Health Center. “People have their sleep affected … (they) can’t make it to class. They could be academically impacted, or even interpersonally impacted.”
For Ohio University students, Counseling and Psychological Services is a great starting point to getting some help for stress, Gray said, adding that Counselors-in-Residence at Jefferson Hall is also a good option.
“It’s good to talk to your RA,” she said.
There’s also the Self-Care and Stress Management Workshop on Wednesday sponsored by F--kRapeCulture, a student advocacy group on campus, meant to combat stress related to finals week.
When overwhelmed with stress, Micah Winter, a freshman studying electrical engineering, resorts to running for miles on end.
“I just find myself running until I can’t run anymore,” Winter said. “The more stress I’m under, the more it starts to actually physically show. … I get a little bit of a nervous tick. I wake up in the middle of a panic attack. I just can’t relax.”
The signs of stress can be physical, cognitive, relational, emotional, spiritual or mental, Gray said.
They can last for months at a time. Signs of ongoing stress include, but are not limited to, martyrdom, lack of intimacy, illnesses and lethargy.
Maddy Stees, a freshman studying nursing, said that she makes lists in her head to relieve the stress that usually stems from academics.
“If the stress becomes too much to handle, I have to face it head on,” Stees said. “I prioritize a lot of things.”
When asked if she would recommend seeking help for stress, she said “Definitely.”
Outside help for stress can be found both on and off campus. Nearby services include the Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services, 90 Hospital Dr., O’Bleness Memorial Hospital, 55 Hospital Dr., and psychiatrists in private practice.
js350112@ohiou.edu
@Jordan_Stickle
This article appeared in print under the headline "Docs say stressful lives might affect students’ studies, health"
