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Students and stress seem to go hand in hand. It goes without saying that students today are under a great deal of pressure to achieve, which creates stress; especially with the college application process becoming more and more competitive. Once students graduate from college, the stress of job hunting is added to the pressure to succeed. According to the American College Health Association’s health assessment survey in 2012, 86.8% of students felt they were overwhelmed with what they had to do. The survey sited some alarming statistics:

• 46.5% of students felt hopeless.
• 86.1% felt like they were exhausted.
• 57.3% felt very lonely.
• 61.0% felt very sad.
• 31.3% felt so depressed that they found it difficult to function.
• 7.1% seriously thought about committing suicide.
• 1.2% attempted suicide.
• 5.5% intentionally bruised, burned, cut or physically hurt themselves.

With school starting in the fall, seniors especially will begin to feel the pressure and the looming deadlines ahead of them. Standardized tests and college applications weigh heavy on them, along with striving to keep their grades up and their social life consistent. Becoming overly stressed will weigh on them emotionally and physically.

What can you do as a parent to alleviate some of the stress?

Don’t put added pressure on them and expect them to do things they are simply unable to do. For instance, don’t encourage them to go to a college just because it’s your choice. Or ask them to apply to colleges that aren’t good fits. Ease their stress by helping them to stay organized and take some the tedious tasks, like keeping track of deadlines, away from them. Remind them but don’t harass, nag or badger them in any way. You can also make sure that they make time for family and friends, which will help them decompress and relax.

What should you do if you notice signs of stress in your student’s life?

First and foremost, talk to them about their stress level. Decide together if there are some things that can be shifted around or cut out altogether. Give them the freedom to confide in you and don’t judge. By all means don’t create added pressure. Odds are they are hardest on themselves. They need your support and acceptance during stressful times.

What are the warning signs that your student needs outside help or counseling?

If your student becomes depressed for any length of time and you notice a disturbing change in their behavior, study habits and friends, it might be time to get some outside help. Don’t be afraid to talk with their teachers, counselors, and pastor about what changes they are noticing and ask for their help. You might also suggest that they seek the support of other teens and adults through teen treatment centers. Professional help might be the difference they need to rise above the stress and depression.

What else can you do?

Talk to your student about the importance of finding a way to relieve stress in their lives. Whether through a hobby, sports, exercise, religious affiliation or spending time with family and friends, stress relievers help them cope. Once they have learned to relieve the stress in high school, they can take those lessons on to college and in their future lives.