Feeling the Stress of Getting Through College

By MATTHEW WONG/Contributor 

Many UT Tyler students say they are stressed out, which confirms findings of researchers that stress is common among college students.

“Stress has made it hard to concentrate on homework assignments and to remember what has happened some days,” Andrew Nash, a Level 3 nursing student, said. “I even sometimes feel disassociated when I am stressed.”

Nash’s stress stays with him throughout the week, and he constantly looks to do something to feel productive.

“I always feel like I should be putting my time into something else,” he said.

Four out of five college students experience frequent stress, according to the website Best Colleges. Left untreated, stress can lead to anxiety, depression and sleeping disorders.

Stress can produce fatigue, sweating, memory loss, binge eating, irritability and mood changes, according to Best Colleges.

Top Causes of Stress in College Students: Best Colleges

His roommates, exams, schoolwork and romantic relationship also cause Nash stress.

He isn’t alone when it comes to being stressed about the balancing the demands of college life.

“I find myself stressing over my family back at home, impending feeling of failure in school, and interacting with certain women in my life,” Dylan Thrasher, a Level 3 nursing student, said.

“When I am stressed, I get easily fatigued, irritable, lonely and it is hard for me to concentrate on what I am trying to do,” Thrasher said.

Saul Martinez, a Level 3 nursing student, shared what causes him stress.

“I find myself worrying and stressing over my romantic relationship, family, especially my mother, and schoolwork,” Martinez, said.

When Martinez is stressed, he said he gets irritable and hostile.

Mental Health Resources at UT Tyler

• The Student Counseling Center offers a variety of services to support the mental health and well-being of all UT Tyler Students. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 
• 24/7 Crisis Line: 903-566-7254

Taylor Carlile, another Level 3 nursing student, said not having enough money is stressful.   

“I stress over my schoolwork and finances,” Carlile said. “I’m worried about the future aspect, like failure and being prepared to pay tuition.”

Stress sometimes disrupts Carlile’s day.

“When I feel stressed, my chest begins to hurt, I become exhausted, and my heart rate goes up,” she said. “I also experience mood changes and I start feeling negative about the world around me.”

Experts say strategies to manage stress include getting enough sleep, eating properly, exercising and not procrastinating.

Nash has his own way to destress.

“I destress by hanging out with friends, cooking, spending time with my partner and exercising,” he said.