Common concerns
No issue is too big, or too small. Read on for some useful tips and tricks to help you navigate through some of the difficulties you might encounter.
School stress is one of the most common issues we see, and it is one of the most common issues students experience on campus in general. According to a study done in 2011 by the National College of Health Assessment (NCHA), 55% of students at the U of A had experienced a time where academics had been traumatizing or very difficult to deal with. In addition, 87% of respondents indicated feeling overwhelmed by everything that they had to do.
Signs
There are many common indicators that present themselves when someone is feeling stressed. While each person may experience the effects of stress differently, many times people report the following:
- Lack of sleep
- Irritability
- Frequent headaches
- Lack of interest in things you normally enjoy
- Anxiety
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frustration
- Disorganization
These are only a few of the ways stress can impact an individual, but they illustrate the pervasiveness school stress can have on a person’s overall wellness.
What can I do about it?
There are many different ways that an individual can cope with school stress. Setting boundaries with others can be helpful during times when school pressure increases. As well, setting personal limits for yourself can help prioritize what needs to be done and keep things focused, reducing the amount of distress you experience in the future.
In addition, developing time management skills and building a plan for yourself can help keep you organized during times of peak school stress, allowing you to get things done before you feel overwhelmed.
Lastly, remember to take time for yourself! Take time, even if it’s a short time, to do things that you like to do, whether it’s spending time with friends, watching Netflix etc. Do what makes you happy!
Resources
Decima Robinson Support Centre
Mental health is something that every individual has to maintain; it is as much a part of our overall wellness as physical health. Whether it be grief, difficulties with a relationship, or stress, our mental health can be greatly affected by many different things. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CHMA) states that 20% of all Canadians will experience a serious mental health issue in their lifetime. According to the 2011 NCHA study, 8% of respondents from the U of A reported experiencing clinical anxiety, and 8% reported experiencing clinical depression. These are only a couple of the issues that people can be facing at some point in their lives.
Signs
People suffering from a serious mental health issue may exhibit a variety of signs which can be noticed by that person, and by others. Some of these signs include:
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of interest in things that used to be enjoyed
- Lethargy
- Apathy
- Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thinking
- Dramatic changes in weight
- Mood swings
- Changes in sleep habit
There are many different mental health concerns, and many different ways they can present themselves; these are only a few of the ways!
What can I do?
Seek help! CMHA reports that only 49% of people who suffer from a serious mental health issue seek help from a doctor, and only 50% would discuss a mental health issue with someone else. The stigma around having a mental health issue prevents many people from seeking the help they need, even though that help could allow them to feel better.
Resources
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for people between the ages of 15-24. 23% of deaths within this age group are a result of suicide. Individuals with other serious mental health issues are at greater risk of suicide, but it can affect anyone, regardless of mental wellness. 51% of U of A respondents in the NCHA study felt that things were hopeless at some point in time; 7% seriously considered suicide. It is a common and very prevalent issue for our campus community.
Signs
People experiencing suicidal thoughts may show this in a variety of different ways. The following are a few of the different ways a person may be showings signs of suicidal thinking:
- Increased reckless behaviour
- Withdrawing themselves
- Discussing the idea of wanting to die
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling unbearable pain
- Loss of interest in things one cares about
- Setting one’s affairs in order
These are only a few of the ways suicidal thinking may present itself in a person.
What should I know/What can I do?
Many times, people experiencing suicidal thoughts may be feeling ambivalent about killing themselves. They may not want to die; instead, they may just want the pain they are feeling to end, and they see no other way. As well, people experiencing suicidal thoughts may feel as if there is no one around who cares about them, even if there are people who would be willing to help. Reach out to someone, seek help!
Resources
Counseling and Clinical Services
UHC Psychiatric Nurse
Sometimes, we may become worried about a friend who may be dealing with issues that are concerning. They may be exhibiting some of the signs seen for stress, suicide, or relationship issues. If this is the case, there a couple things to know about helping a friend.
It is important to take care of yourself first before helping a friend; similar to an oxygen mask on an airplane, we need to make sure that we are okay first before we can begin to help someone else! Learning to set limits for yourself and setting boundaries can help keep you from feeling distressed helping a friend
Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
There may be times when something unexpected occurs, and we’re not sure how to make ends meet. This could be from the inability to afford food, access housing, or financial resources. These are some resources that may help in times of crisis.
Resources
PSC Resources
Helpful Exercises
Exercises can help to further explore a situation by breaking it down into smaller sections. If you are interested in doing this on your own, please take a look at the exercises below and go through each section individually while focusing on a specific topic (e.g. Stress Exercise focusing on an upcoming exam).
- Ambivalence
- Awareness
- Cycle of Abuse
- Decision Making
- Relationship
- Resources and Action Planning
- Self Care
- Stress
Tip Sheets
The following documents are tip sheets created by students on a few issues that are commonly experienced on campus. Download/view them for some quick suggestions that may be helpful to you!
- Setting Boundaries - Tips for Students by Students
- Supporting a Friend - Tips for Students by Students
- Time Management - Tips for Students by Students
- De-Stress - Tips for Students by Students
The Weekly Planner/Study Log can be used to help add structure when trying to get specific goals done. This is especially useful during those busy times of the year!
