By
Justin Ecung
The late nights spent studying, the pressure to exceed academic expectations, to more sinister thoughts of depression and suicide and everything in between. There are too many reasons why the majority of college students are stressed out. With final exams quickly approaching at Utah State University and other college campuses, students face the most stressful time of the semester.
Jessica Hsu is a student–athlete at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. She has three finals this coming Friday and has struggled with time management these past few weeks.
“Its tough, most days it feels like there just isn’t enough time to get everything done,” Hsu said. “Between rugby practice, work and classes I just don’t find the time to study; so I stay up late to catch up on my assignments. The next day, not only am I stressed, but tired from not getting enough rest as well. “
A recent study conducted by the Associated Press and mtvU, a television station broadcasted on most college campuses, found that Hsu is not alone. Rather, she is one of the countless number of individuals who find themselves worrying about school or other aspects of life as they make they’re daily treks to class.
The study conducted at 300 universities across the nation produced surprising results: 40 percent of college students admit to feeling stressed often, 20 percent feel stressed most of the time, 20 percent experience daily stress, 10 percent felt they weren’t affected by stress and 10 percent had thoughts of suicide.
Stress is a considerably large problem for the majority of college students throughout the country. However, many instructors feel that it is important students are able to successfully complete assignments despite a strict deadline.
Mathew LaPlante, a first-year journalism teacher at USU, expects the most of the students in his class, and plans for them to meet his expectations.
“The business of communication doesn’t stop in stressful situations,” LaPlante said. “As a writer in the real world, you’re forced to write at the worst possible times; when things are all over the place and you’re under pressure. I place my students under a small amount of stress not simply for them to experience it, but to show them that they are capable of writing great articles in tough situations.”
Although some instructors may see it necessary to place their students in stressful situations, too much stress can lead to various problems associated with an individual’s emotional and physical health. These complications can then produce a more severe consequence of overwhelming stress -- depression.
In a 2007 survey conducted by the National College Health Assessment, 17,000 students were asked about their experiences with depression.
The survey found 25 percent of students felt so depressed they claimed it was difficult to function at least three to eight times in the past school year, while 21 percent reported that they seriously considered suicide: the second leading cause of death amongst college students.
Accordingly, universities encourage students to take breaks from studying for finals. USU will host a De-Stress Fest in the Taggart Student Center on Wednesday evening. Students will have the chance to enjoy some free food and dance the night away while taking a break from studying.
McKenna Wilson, a freshmen majoring in biology at USU, plans to attend the event and is looking forward to the needed break from studying.
“We could all use a break from spending day after day in the library. Wednesday night will be nice because I’ll be able to put down the books for a night and just enjoy some time with my friends,” Wilson said.
Nevertheless, despite study breaks, some college students still experience an overwhelming amount of stress. It is recommended that these individuals seek immediate help. All college campuses have counselors available for students to speak to about exploring ways to combat depression and stress.
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