This week is International Stress Awareness Week…feeling stressed? Unfortunately, you are not the only one.
As students, “stress” is part of our daily vocabulary. But even the best science students sometimes forget what stress is… a physiological response to danger. It is beneficial for us to push through difficult situations (such as meeting deadlines), but it can sometimes be impairing. Stress is not a mental health problem, however we often underestimate the severe consequences that intense and frequent stress can have on our physical and mental health.
University is inevitably stressful and 9 in 10 students report feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope on a weekly basis. Academic, social and economic pressures at university can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems and affect academic performance. Students struggling financially, international students and students with pre-existing mental health problems and disability are particularly affected. The Liberation and Community officers are here for you! Especially now with the current cost of living crisis, as a Union we are working together with the college to support students in greater need.
- You might feel that there is no way to get away from the piling workload, deadlines and future careers plans. Easier to be said than done, try to keep a balanced lifestyle and reach out for help! Learn more how imperial can support you here.
- If you are struggling with mental health and it is affecting your assessments, the Advice Service can advise you on your options.
- You might also consider applying for mitigating circumstances.
Finally, let's change our language around stress. At university there is a fine line between stigmatising and dismissing stress and making it glamorous…Being “super stressed” is not cool.
Be kind to ourselves and each other!