October 9, 2009 BLOOMINGTON, ILL. (McClatchy-Tribune Information Services) -- Facing academic pressures, navigating new and changing relationships, and balancing responsibilities long have been worries at college.
But these days, the ability to pay for classes and an uncertain job outlook also figure in.
"Thinking about the future and careers -- particularly in this economy -- is an added stress for our students. It's much greater than this time last year," said Sandy Colbs, counseling services director at Illinois State University.
"It also might be concerns about a reduction in financial aid," added Annorah Moorman, counseling services director at Illinois Wesleyan University.
They said students are worried they won't be able to get grants or loans, and whether they'd be able to pay them off after graduation.
"I'm the first in my family to go to college -- there's a lot of pressure to do well. Plus, I want to be a good role model for my younger brothers," said Prem Joshi, an ISU sophomore from Addison.
For Steve Alvaraz, an ISU senior from Chicago, the switch from commuter to residential college was stressful.
Colbs said her counselors have seen an increase in student traffic over the past few years, partly attributable to a changing culture where counseling carries fewer stigmas. But, the 20 percent jump also correlates to a higher academic profile at ISU, she said. More competitive, high-achieving, students often are more stressed.
Some other common stress factors for students are changing family relationships, handling roommate conflicts, new or ended romantic relationships, test anxiety and other academic situations.
"Academics and personal life go hand-in-hand," for college students, said BriAnne Nichols, a graduate student who leads workshops on college stress through the ISU Julia Visor Academic Center.
Three simple things can help reduce stress, she said: "Students should eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise." At one workshop earlier this month, Nichols also urged students to not hesitate in contacting the ISU counseling office.
Moorman and Colbs said there is no single answer to help students deal with extra stress. Each situation must be addressed individually.
One bit of advice Colbs offers is to not look too far ahead.
"Just take a little bit at a time," she said.
Copyright (C) 2009, The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.
