Mental Health PSA

College can be one of the most exciting but stressful times of your life. You're dealing with classes, assignments, jobs, and social life. Thus, stress can quickly become overwhelming. 

What is Stress? Stress is your body’s natural reaction to a challenge or demand. In small doses, stress can be motivating. But chronic or intense stress can harm your health, mood, and academic performance. Here are some facts about stress that you might've not know about. The first fact is that over 80% of college students report feeling stressed often or sometimes in their daily lives (1). The second fact is that stress impacts academic performance; nearly 1 in 3 students say stress negatively affects their grades and ability to finish assignments on time (2). The third fact is that chronic stress can lead to headaches, sleep problems, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system (3). The fourth fact is that having high stress levels can increase the risk of anxiety and depression among college students (4). The fifth and final fact is that studies have shown that mindfulness and exercise can significantly reduce stress and improve mood (5).  

Stress impacts your wellness and every part of the wellness wheel. Stress can impact you emotionally, causing mood swings, irritability, anxiety. Physically, causing fatigue, illness, and headaches. Socially, causing withdrawal from friends and activities. Financially, can lead you to make bad financial decisions. Spiritually, can lead you to question yourself and have trouble finding a sense of meaning. And finally Intellectually, leading to trouble focusing and procrastination.

Now, in order to combat this, here are two strategies that college students can try to help manage their stress levels. They can practice meditation, like deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Even 5 minutes a day can make a difference. The second strategy would be to exercise regularly like walking, jogging, or dancing thus that helping combat stress.

The agency that I found that could assist with this issue is the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Their official office is located in Washington DC. You can contact them by calling their mobile phone (240)-485-1030. They began their mission of helping Americans deal with anxiety and depression in 1980/1990. They also just recently launched their 5 year plan that will further focus on helping people in need. 

Now, if you are ever in need, don't be afraid to reach out. No one's going to make fun of you for needing help. 

Sources

- (1) American College Health Association. (2023). [National College Health Assessment](https://www.acha.org/NCHA)

- (2) American Psychological Association. (2022). [Stress in America Survey](https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress)

- (3) Mayo Clinic. (2023). [Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987)

- (4) National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). [Stress](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/stress)

- (5) Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). [Mindfulness meditation may ease anxiety, mental stress](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/mindfulness-meditation-may-ease-anxiety-mental-stress)