Teaching Students About Stress

We've all experienced stress at some point in our lives, and it's a universal phenomenon that knows no  boundaries. Students who are just embarking on their educational journey are not exempt from this reality. Research shows that stress affects individuals of all ages, with alarmingly high rates among students. But here's the paradox - while school is meant to be a place of learning and growth, it often significantly increases stress levels among students. Some specific stress statistics among current students include: 

• Nearly half, 45%, of high school students experience daily stress while attending school. 

• 61% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 express stress related to achieving satisfactory grades.

• 50% of middle school students consistently experience academic stress, and this figure rises to 75% among high school students.

• The United States stands out as the country with the highest levels of student stress.

In light of the increasing challenges students face in today's school environment, it's imperative that we prioritize stress management as an essential component of their well-being. Stress management equips students with the tools and techniques needed to navigate the pressures of academia and personal growth. By integrating this technique into the school curriculum, schools will empower students to not only succeed academically, but also thrive emotionally and mentally, promoting a brighter future for the next generation.

Defining Stress 

Stress is a natural response to challenging or demanding situations, and it can manifest both physically and mentally. It is the body's way of preparing to face a threat or handle pressure. School, in particular, significantly contributes to heightened stress levels among students, which hinders student mental health. But the question is: did you ever learn about stress in school, or were you left to navigate this overwhelming experience on your own? The sad truth is that most students receive little to no formal education about stress and stress management during their academic journey. This knowledge gap leaves many students ill-equipped to handle the challenges that life throws their way.

How Stress Affects Students of All Ages: 

Stress can affect students of all ages in numerous ways through impacting their physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Some of the ways these factors are affected include:

1. Physical Health: 

   1. Physical symptoms  can include increased heart rate, muscle tension, and shallow breathing. Prolonged stress can also lead to health issues such as headaches, stomach problems, and high blood pressure. Another important consequence is a  weakened immune function, making students more susceptible to illness. 

2. Mental and Emotional Well-being: 

   1. Well-being can be greatly affected by stress, such as an increase in  Anxiety, depression, worry, and feelings of being overwhelmed. It may also result in irritability, mood swings, or difficulty concentrating. 

3. Academic Performance: 

   1. High levels of stress can not only be caused by academics, but also can impair cognitive function, making it challenging to focus, remember information, and think critically. 

4. Social and Interpersonal Relationships: 

   1. Stress can affect students’ ability to engage in social interactions and maintain healthy relationships . Communication difficulties and withdrawal from social activities can strain relationships with classmates, peers, teachers, and family members. 

5. Sleep Disturbances: 

   1. It is normal for students to experience sleep problems due to stress, leading to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Poor-quality sleep can exacerbate the physical and emotional effects of stress. 

Addressing stress in schools and implementing stress management programs is critical. By doing so, schools contribute to the well-being of students, improve their academic performance, foster a sense of community, and empower youth with valuable life skills. Schools are uniquely positioned to have a significant impact on their students because:

1. Time Spent in Schools: Students spend a substantial portion of their waking hours in school. With the majority of their day devoted to educational institutions, schools serve as an ideal setting to introduce stress management programs. This not only ensures that students receive the necessary education in this critical life skill but also allows for regular reinforcement and practice.

1. Academic Breaks: Implementing stress management programs in schools provides students with a valuable break from the rigorous academic demands that often contribute to their stress. These programs offer students a chance to relax, de-stress, and recharge, ultimately improving their overall performance in the classroom. By equipping students with coping skills to take breaks, schools help create a healthier and more conducive learning environment.

1. Building a Supportive Community: Stress management programs foster a sense of community within the school. They create a shared language and understanding among students, teachers, and staff, making it easier to identify and address stress-related issues. A supportive and connected school community can significantly improve students' mental well-being and academic experiences.

1. Early Intervention: Identifying and managing stress at an early age can prevent long-term physical and mental health issues. Schools are uniquely positioned to catch stress-related problems in their nascent stages, offering timely support and resources to students who may be struggling.

Schools can play a pivotal role in helping students manage stress by utilizing their available resources, including teachers, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and administrators. By tapping into their existing resources and utilizing pre-made programs, schools can create a supportive environment that equips students with the necessary skills to manage stress effectively and thrive in their academic and personal lives. Leveraging pre-made stress management programs, such as Neolth, can be a pragmatic and effective approach for schools to support students' mental well-being. Recognizing that most school staff may not be trained mental health professionals, these programs offer a structured and evidence-based way to address stress in the school environment.

If you are a student, educator, or parent concerned about the growing issue of stress in schools and its impact on student well-being, it's time to take action. Neolth is a digital stress and mental health support program for students and educators. We’re on a mission to help you stress less, build resilience, and become a part of our compassionate community. Our app helps you when you’re feeling overwhelmed with self-guided content, personalized for your mental health journey. Neolth has a growing community of Student Ambassadors from 170 schools and works with schools to improve access to mental health support for their students and teachers alike. You can learn more at neolth.com or sign up today at cloud.neolth.com.

About the Author:

Alex Pekarthy (she/her) is a recent graduate from the University of Arizona and received a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and has been part of every internship Neolth offers. Originally from California, she spent the last four years living away at college. Throughout her time at school, Alex endured many hardships brought on by the state of her mental health. After being diagnosed with severe anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, and agoraphobia, Alex had to relearn how to navigate through life and completing everyday tasks. Alex strives to utilize what she used during her journey with mental health to help others who are struggling. In her free time Alex enjoys going to the beach, watching scary movies, and going out to sushi.