There are different kinds of stress; acute, episodic acute, and chronic stress. Most students suffer from acute stress: where most of the symptoms are noticeable. Some of these symptoms are: emotional distress-anger, irritability, anxiety and depression, muscular problems, tension headaches, back and jaw pain, stomach, gut and bowel problems such as heart burn, acid stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart beat, and sweaty palms. The good news about this kind of stress is that it is highly treatable and manageable.
The Concept-Therapy Institute states that we can experience stress or inner turmoil from three basic sources: the environment – weather, noise, overcrowding, time, the body aging, illness, accidents, poor diet, poor sleep habits, and our consciousness and our interpretation of life’s events, and our emotions and thoughts. In all three causes of stress, the body changes in response to our perceptions. This change or reaction to the body is called the ‘fight or flight’ response. Inherited from our ancestors, these social habits cause us to react to life in certain ways without knowing why.
Some of the ways to handle and cope with stress could be through talking to someone who can listen about what is ailing you. This person does not have to be a counselor, it can be a friend, and they do not necessarily have to give you advice. Talking out ones problems is a form of stress release. You can also sit quietly everyday for about 15-20 minutes, breath deeply and think of a peaceful picture to let your body relax. Taking part in physical exercises in order to relax is also a way to relieve stress; things like swimming, walking and jogging can help. Another way of managing stress is learning to accept things you can’t change and looking for good instead of bad. Avoid overeating and try not to smoke at a time of stress and give yourself time to get things done.
Stress when accumulated can lead to suicide, heart-attacks and strokes even at a young age. It should therefore be taken seriously. If the above recommendations do not work, talk to a professional about your problems and see how they can help. On campus, a resource is the Owens-Franklin Health Center.The staff may be reached at (936) 857-2511.
Information in this article has been compiled from: The American Heart Association, Concept-therapy Institute, American Psychological Association help center, and MayoClinic.com.