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As Spring finals season is upon us, many students find themselves dealing with heightened levels of fatigue, stress and anxiety. Assignments are due, exams are looming ahead… you know the drill.
Those overwhelming emotions, especially stress, are very commonly experienced which is why it is becoming essential to learn to recognize and address them.
In today’s post, we’ll go through the ways in which this can manifest in your students, what the causes and different triggers can be and of course, what strategies you could use to support them efficiently through these struggles.
Here’s what you need to know about the subject, let's delve into it.
As a Career advisor working closely with students, educating yourself and your peers on the topic of mental health can only be beneficial. If this hasn’t happened yet, you’ll eventually encounter cases of students experiencing mental health challenges or seeking guidance on related matters.
Ensuring your students’ professional success begins with making sure that they aren’t struggling or dealing with any kind of major issues that could affect them, as anxiety and stress are a Higher Education epidemic.
With that being said, let's kick things off by getting clear on what these terms really mean.
The term 'anxiety' is frequently mistaken for 'stress' or 'nervousness' as these tend to be used on a daily basis without much distinction (not everyone is a licensed therapist after all!). They are, in fact, different phenomenons to be set apart from each other.
The feeling of anxiety is marked by a sense of unease and apprehension while stress is characterized by pressure or tension resulting from demanding circumstances. In contrast, anxiety can stem from interpersonal relationships, bullying, overscheduling or the pressure to succeed and can be triggered by a lack of sleep or prolonged stress.
Both can manifest through physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as psychological symptoms like irritability, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness. Among the common anxiety disorders you might come across are Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Selective Mutism, Separation Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. These anxiety disorders are the most widespread but it doesn’t necessarily mean it applies to all cases as most students usually experience the Generalized form.
Essentially, the first step to support your students is made by educating yourself on the topic of mental health and its causes in order to understand it better (e.g. by reading this article!), while staying compassionate throughout the process.
Sometimes, a safe-place and an attentive ear is all a student needs.
When it comes to helping students struggling with anxiety and stress, demonstrating empathy and creating a safe environment to talk openly about any anxiety-inducing issues is key.
Feeling anxious and stressed is part of the human experience, there’s no solution like sending those feelings straight into outer space but there are still ways to manage and prevent them from becoming bigger troubles.
First, get rid of the stigma. You can simply start by demystifying the subject and turning it into a casual conversation between you and your students. By communicating and letting them know that what they’re experiencing is more common than they’d think, you’d lift a major weight off their shoulders. This would also allow reassurance as well as making them feel that you truly take interest and care about their achievements.
Additionally, if this hasn’t become your main advising method yet, foster a mindset focused on growth, not one driven by fear of failure. As obvious as it may seem, providing a proactive and optimistic mindset makes all the difference.
Since most students are already under significant pressure, having them feel like their future career rests on a single assignment would be counterproductive. Instead, helping them overcome their anxiety and stress must start with ensuring they stay confident, motivated and supported at all stages.
Let’s do a quick recap!
We've seen how fundamental it is to have a basic knowledge on mental health, understanding and empathizing as well as developing a trust-based relationship.
Now, it’s time to cut to the chase and adopt the proper strategies to actively support your students through their deal of anxiety and stress struggles:
In order to actively help when your students feel overwhelmed, think about creating a realistic study schedule where time and stress management are taken into account. Whenever possible, try to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps so that each of them doesn’t become a greater source of stress.
Another advice you could take is to plan ahead, as it can avoid your students feeling like their head is underwater. Organizing study materials and resources can really smooth things out and make uni work less of a headache. Encourage them to use tools like calendars, planners, or apps to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and study sessions.
By implementing these strategies, students can feel more in charge and aware of their academic responsibilities and less like they're drowning in it all.
Let your students know that they can rely either on you or on another university support system for emotional support and encouragement, a little reminder that they've got options when it comes to getting help and advice is always welcomed.
Remember, if you're stepping up to be their support system, it's crucial to build a relationship based on understanding and trust. They need to know they can open up without feeling like they're being looked down on or judged. And make sure they know where to find help on campus when they need it. They can come to you, or they can tap into other support services available on campus, so be ready to inform and direct them accordingly.
Ever thought of changing old ways for the sake of new and more effective ones?
Here’s a lead : one tip you could use to adapt your methods to your students’ specific needs is through the use of cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to exams.
By incorporating strategies such as cognitive restructuring and reframing, you can empower students to recognize and replace irrational or unhelpful thoughts with more realistic and constructive ones. Helping them spot when they're stuck in a negative thought loop and giving them tricks to break out of it can really amp up their ability to manage exam-related stress and anxiety.
Additionally, guiding students in developing effective coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques, can support them in navigating the challenges of exam preparation and performance. With targeted interventions grounded in cognitive-behavioral principles, you can play a pivotal role in helping students build resilience and confidence through their academic journey.
An effective strategy is to foster open discussions about potential methods for managing anxiety and stress, both inside and outside the classroom.
By creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking guidance, you can play a crucial role in helping students navigate these challenges.
Lastly, seeking advice from other advisors or mental health professionals can provide valuable insights and resources to better support students, as different perspectives and expertise is always valued. Be prepared to alert colleagues if you have any doubts about a student’s mental health state or overall well-being.
If anxiety persists or if it significantly interferes with your daily functioning, consider seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a counselor or therapist. They can provide personalized strategies and support tailored to their specific needs and preferences which is the greatest form of support you’ll be able to provide your students with.
Finally, supporting university students through anxiety and stress is crucial to ensuring their academic and post-graduation success. By acknowledging the prevalence of mental health challenges among students and creating a supportive environment that encourages open communication and seeking help, universities can play a pivotal role in minimizing the impact of anxiety and stress. Implementing proactive strategies such as promoting mental health awareness, providing access to resources and support services, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding can empower students to effectively manage their mental health and feel confident to tackle university life.
Most importantly, remind your students that feeling anxious or stressed is far from being unusual and that with the right strategies and support systems, they can effectively manage those feelings and perform to their best potential.
If we haven't already listed them in this article, send us your best supporting tips to manage anxiety and stress during exam season.
Until next time, stay supportive… You’ve got this!
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