On Nov. 11, the Alpha Beta Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa presented their Honors in Action project. The students focused on the effects of stress and anxiety on college students. Officers Cory Morris, Ashley Allison, Jared Homishak, Laura Alonso-Lopez, and Sarah Durant each presented their researched evidence regarding stress. Guest speakers from National Park College (NPC) Susan Millerd, Social Science Division, and Lisa Walker of the Academic Success Center (ASC) were also present.
According to a national survey of American undergraduate students, 49.60 percent of students feel hopelessness while 85.70 percent feel overwhelmed, reported Ashley Allison. She goes on to present a survey from 10 community colleges across seven states that report 36 percent of the 4,000 students surveyed to suffer from depression while 29 percent struggle with anxiety.
Sarah Duran spoke from a student’s perspective who personally deals with anxiety.
Next Jared Homishak shared how the internet heightens levels of anxiety, especially Facebook. Homishak presented research from 2014 that states the issue with Facebook is envy. This emotion is produced thus leaving one to question their quality of life creating more anxiety and stress. Homishak also conveyed the roles mental disabilities can play with anxiety in college. “Transitioning to college can be scary but you can do some things to help such as be prepared, utilize support services on campus, pick the right college to attend, and family support,” stated Jared.
Laura Alonso-Lopez spoke on the anxiety created by finances. She suggested making a budget by listing all income and debt. She presented several apps such as PocketGuard, YNAB, and Cash Course to help in taking control of finances.
Test anxiety is something that many students on campus around the world face. At NPC, the ASC offers support to all students. They will tutor, help you prepare for a test, and help make a plan for success. Walker says the part of her job that she enjoys the most is making a plan for success. She will sit down with students and map out a time management sheet, down to what time each chore will be completed.
Mindfulness, or being present in the moment, was developed in response to anxiety in cancer patients. Millerd suggests being mindful of where our minds take us, “we tend to jump to the future where there isn’t control. Recognize what we do have control over.”
Though anxiety in life is normal, how you tackle that stress makes the difference. Find a healthy solution or an outlet for your stress and never be afraid to seek help.
