Advice > Wellbeing advice > Stress

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► Stress

Definition

Stress in itself is not necessarily a bad thing; problems occur when someone becomes over stressed or does not cope well with stress. Stress is part of day to day living; it is the way we respond to changes. Stress isn't a thing it is a reaction. It is the way in which we interpret and react to events that make them stressful. People differ dramatically in the type of events they interpret as stressful and the ways they react. Some people need stress to motivate them to work harder, whilst for others it prevents them focusing.

Student Stress

There are triggers that can affect student stress levels. Major life changes (such as going to, and then leaving, University) are the greatest contributors of stress for most people. They place the greatest demand on resources for coping.

In order to better understand your own reactions to events identify where your stresses come from. Be aware of how you react to these situations. Then you can decide which coping strategies are best for you and develop your own repertoire for coping.

Look at the different areas of your life so you can decide which elements are stressors for you.

External	Isolation when studying
Financial
Health	Addictions
Home	Housing problems
Internal	Self (and/ or parental) expectations
Relationships
Work	Exam/Assessment periods/Competitive environment

Stress enhancers - drugs

Your brain is one of the main users of blood, anything that affects your blood stream is going to affect your mental ability. Therefore pro-plus, speed, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, cannabis etc. are not a good idea if you want your brain to function at an optimum level. Alcohol is a depressant so if you drink too much when you feel bad, you'll end up feeling much worse. For confidential drugs advice visit the Talk to Frank website.

The chemicals in cigarettes stimulate and increase your heart rate, blood pressure and hormone levels. Quitting smoking can be stressful in itself but in the long run may reduce stress levels.

Symptoms of Stress

Stress symptoms will give you an indication you need to slow down and take some time to relax. People under stress may experience some of the following reactions. Look at these reactions to stress and note which ones you are prone to so you can recognise the danger signals and start implementing coping strategies.

Feelings

Feeling irritable, anxious, moody
A lack of joy, spontaneity or enthusiasm
Feeling unable to unwind

Thoughts

Low self-esteem
Fear of failure
Inability to concentrate
Worry about the future

Behaviour

Crying for no apparent reason
Increasing smoking, use of drugs or alcohol
Developing erratic eating habits
Being accident prone
Difficulty concentrating

Physiology

Perspiration, sweaty hands
Sleeping problems
Increased heart beat
Headaches
Pain in the neck or lower back
Susceptibility to illness
Tiring easily, feeling lethargic