School Stress

Ms. Effi Cient
(a.k.a Natalie Devitsakis - whose resistance to stress was eaten by the Yr 12 monster)

What is stress?

No matter whether you're at school, university or in the workforce, there are always pressures and obligations. Being the resilient mammals that we are, human beings have become used to the increasing demands of our fast-paced lifestyles. But what happens when our inner-strength is overcome and threatens to move to the Caribbean if we don't take it a bit easier? The phenomenon of feeling unable to handle everything you've committed to is known as 'stress', and everyone to some degree gets stressed. Some of the main issues that teenagers stress about, include:

School/University (Argh! Exams! *Hides in corner and trembles*),

Their appearance (Why doesn't using Neutrogena cleanser make me look like Mischa Barton? *Glares angrily at television*)

Relationships/boys (Why doesn't he like me back? *Sobs and munches on a block of chocolate*)

Work (No problem boss, when do you need this by? Oh, yesterday? Sure thing! *Internally explodes*)

Stress is mental, emotional, or physical strain caused by your body and mind feeling overworked and unable to deal with everything. During secondary school, academic stress can become more frequent. As you get higher up in schooling it seems like assignments, exams and commitments keep multiplying. Some people deal by just giving up altogether; others procrastinate; and some just overwork themselves to the point that they collapse in a tired, emotional heap at the end.

Don't get me wrong, stress is a necessary part of life, because without deadlines and work requirements things would rarely be completed properly, if they ever actually got completed at all! Small amounts of anxiety or worry are necessary and natural parts of being a functioning, normal, involved human-being (Think about it, potatoes don't stress).

What are the causes?

The causes of stress are named stressors. Stressors include a large range of events or circumstances which can cause a negative or unpleasant emotional or physical reaction through anxiety, anger, fatigue or insomnia. The main categories of stressors are as follows - some are obviously more relevant than others, when discussing school stress:

Catastrophes - a severe disaster (often life-threatening) which means people are unable to effectively emotionally cope. Such situations aren't always relevant when talking about school, but are something to consider if you're ever in the middle of a hurricane and are still worried about your Math assignment...

Major Life Changes - deaths, serious illnesses, moving school and even seemingly positive events such as a job promotion, marriage or birth, which change habitual routines can lead to feeling out of control. Remember this when you make the transition from primary to secondary school and even within secondary school - for example when you are in a year which has mid-year exams for the first time, or when you begin having constant in-class assessments.

Daily Hassles - school, family, relationships, work, friends; basically, any of the small pressures that we are required to deal with on a daily basis are usually the most common stressor within our lives. On their own one pressure or hassle is easy to handle. The problem, however, is when these stressors begin to build-up and accumulate.

What are the symptoms?

Panic attacks

Nausea or stomach upsets

Tiredness or insomnia (the inability to sleep)

Mood swings

Anxiety

Headaches

The symptoms listed above are by no means the only symptoms of stress - in fact, when you are put under too much pressure and begin to become tired, grumpy and anxious, most of the negative reactions your body has, become heightened. Other times, your immune system (which fights illness) may become less responsive and thus less able to fight illnesses. After every set of exams for as long as I can remember, the week after exams have finished, I will get a cold. It is my body's reaction to the intense mental and emotional pressure from studying, worrying and a weakened immune system.

Ways to deal with stress

Everyone reacts to stress differently, and the key is to begin to recognise the warning signs that your body gives you before you become sick, or stressed to the point that you are sick, unable to sleep or moody. Dealing with such a complex phenomenon is easier said than done largely because the 'hassles' that effect us rarely ever go away. There are very few times in our lives that we are completely stress-free (Unless of course you are, again, a potato). There are two broad strategies which have been considered by psychologists to be effective means of dealing with stress. As each individual is unique, you may need just one or both of the styles discussed below:

Task-Oriented Strategies

An effective long-term strategy, this looks at how to deal with your stressors on the whole, but then slowly breaking them down. If you have exams coming up and panic begins to set in, make a list of the topics you are required to know for each subject, draw up a reasonable study timetable (setting aside time each day for relaxation). Ask teachers or older students for any revision sheets or ideas they may have. This way you are able to visualise how your preparation should go in the lead-up to exams, and change your perception of the 'problem' because it becomes more manageable.

NOTE: Don't become even more stressed out if you don't get everything done. Stick to your plan as much as possible but remember a lack of sleep and anxiety won't help. It is better to be rested and have done as much as you can, than try and cram it all when your brain and body want to rest.

Emotion-Oriented Strategies

This strategy covers a large range of emotions - from denying the problem exists to complete relaxation. Whilst I don't suggest that you deny the problem exists, perhaps try expressing your feelings to a close friend, family member, school counsellor or teacher. By talking about how you feel, you may begin to feel better.

Furthermore, remember to just take some time out every day to relax and do something that you enjoy - watch TV, walk the dog, dance, or listen to music; anything that will get your mind off your stressors for a short period of time. Remember not to relax too much in the short-term, or else your stress will simply be worse later on.

Stress is something that we'll have to deal with throughout the duration of our lives. The key is to use pressures and obligations to empower you to work through everything slowly, with the support of your family, friends and teachers. That way, at the conclusion of your exams or the school-year, the feeling of accomplishment will be the greatest reward. Some planning, some relaxation and lots of water and healthy foods, and your mind and body will be better equipped to deal with your stressors.