Stress Check - Signs of a Problem
Excessive stress can sneak up on students over time, and they may not notice it until they begin to experience its physical or emotional effects. Too much stress can lead to unhealthy and potentially serious physical and emotional consequences. If any of these warning signs persist over a series of weeks or interfere with your child’s ability to function, it’s important to reach out for help.
Check Point
If you think your child is experiencing higher than typical stress levels, urge him to contact the school’s mental health or counseling center. Click here to use our CollegeWiki to find campus-specific contact information.
- Changes in sleep patterns (taking longer to fall asleep, waking up tired, not feeling well rested)
- Changes in eating patterns
- Increased frequency of headaches
- More short-tempered than usual
- Recurring colds and minor illness
- Frequent muscle ache and/or tightness
- More disorganized than usual
- Increased difficulty in task completion
- A greater sense of persistent time pressure
- Increased generalized frustration and anger
Articles
More Articles
- College & Stress
- Connecting Your Child with Mental Health Resources on Campus
- Contact Information Every Parent Should Know
- Finding the Right Off-Campus Mental Health Professional
- Four Things Every Parent Must Know About Emotional Health
- If Your Child is Worried About a Friend
- Managing Stress
- Stress Check - Signs of a Problem
- What to Do When Your Student is Struggling