Students face school and personal stress
Among the many challenges that students face while completing their studies are the stress of academic pressure and personal issues which can affect their ability to remain focused in school.The term stress is defined as “the reaction people may have when presented with demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope,” says the World Health Organization (WHO). It is not a disease, but it can result in health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Some university students may feel overwhelmed by demanding assignments with close deadlines but will admit they lack proper time management skills. Second year student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, Raheim Clarke (not his real name) notes that he feels pressured when there are assignments for him to complete within a short space of time. “All the assignments come crashing at once, with hardly any time to do anything and I know it’s because my time is not managed well.” Clarke says.
Some students at other levels face a struggle in completing their studies.
According to fourth form student, Marissa Gayle (not her real name) who attends a high school in Clarendon, School Based Assessments (SBAs) are very challenging. “They are really stressing me out, my teachers are helping, but I can’t wait for them to end so that I can finally get them out of my way,” Gayle explained.
However, there are some university students who not only undergo academic pressure but there are high demands from extracurricular activities. Second year UWI student, Shannelle Reid (not her real name), says, “I am very involved in various clubs, because I do enjoy them, but it can be very stressful to prepare for and attend meetings, because all clubs are on a Thursday at UWI.”
While academics and club activities require attention by students, some are stressed and unable to concentrate on their studies because of the impact of family issues on their wellbeing.
Natanya Saunders (not her real name), is a final year UWI student who experienced emotional trauma in early December 2021, as she was worried about her father who was admitted to the hospital for Covid-19 related complications. “I could not even concentrate on my finals well, I was encouraged not to fret, but it was hard not to,” Saunders says. “I am now happy he is home, I can now refocus in this semester,” she added.
But there are methods to relieve stress that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends. One recommendation is to “talk to others you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counsellor, doctor, or pastor,” notes the CDC.
Other stress relivers include adequate sleep, regular exercise, and healthy eating.
