'Students come in who are stressed before school even starts'
EUGENE, Ore. - Cramming for the SAT is just one activity Sheldon High School senior Bridget Jamieson has on her busy schedule this coming school year.
“I’m a little stressed out,” said Jamieson. “I have quite a few things on my plate this year.”
Like thousands of local students, Jamieson will start another school year with a jam-packed schedule.
“I'm head coordinator for Mr. Irish this year,” said Jamieson. “So, [SAT studying] and I.B., and Mr. Irish, it's all kind of piling up.”
Bridget isn’t alone. As students across Lane County head into a new school year they're juggling a lot of demands. | Signs of stress | What parents can do
Students are increasingly taking on heavy loads that include athletics, college prep and exams. High school counselors say it’s done under the pressure to succeed.
“You have students come in who are stressed before school even starts,” said South Eugene High School counselor Travis Johnson. “(There’s) a lot of anxiety and depression as far as being worried about what their future holds.”
According to a 2009 American Psychological Association (APA) study, 44 percent of surveyed students reported having “overwhelming school related anxiety.”
Child psychologists say mild school related stress is normal but that extreme anxiety is not. Dr. Craig Thorsen says school related stress begins as early as elementary school.
“It probably begins as early as we start going to school,” said Dr. Thorsen. “Obviously that first day in kindergarten is a big stressful event and for some that’s when the stress over school can before so intense the student becomes fearful of the school setting.”
How can this stress manifest itself?
Counselors say they see students internalize anxiety because they feel the pressure to handle all their responsibilities without decreasing their workload.
“It’s really hard for students to think about doing less because a lot of the students that are super achievers and involved with everything under the sun feel like they should [do it all] because they want to get into that certain college,” said counselor Travis Johnson.
What can parents do to help their student cope with stress?
Counselors and psychologists say talking should be the first step to dealing with school related anxiety.
They also suggest focusing on the exciting elements of school can help keep students in a positive mindset.
Lastly, parents should listen to their student and ask about their student’s well being even if they are not exhibiting signs of anxiety.
