The effects of stress on a college student

Shawn Roberts

The stresses a college student faces can lead to many mental and physical changes. It is a well known fact that college is stressful and that the build of the stress leads many students to drop out but there are also many other effects of the stress.

Everyone has heard of the infamous "freshman 15", referring to the 15 pounds that the average college student gains in only their freshman year of college. Most, however, do not know what actually causes this is the stress on students in college. The amount of stress that a student endures can lead them to snacking on foods constantly as a way to deal with the stress. That is not the only effect of stress on a student, nor the worst. On the opposite end of the spectrum some students also develop eating disorders which become a struggle and yet another stressor they must deal with. On top of these, one can also develop anxiety, become depressed, or turn to drugs as a way to temporarily relieve themselves.

What are the stressors that continue to torture the college students of today? The list is endless, but some of the more prominent ones include; homesickness, heavy workload, social stress, time management stress, and for some the stresses of extracurricular activities. All in all it very hard for on college student. Sure college is widely considered to be the best years of one's life, but that doesn't make them easy years. Along with the fun of making new friends, going out to parties, and really just exploring the world; come classes, finding a way to feed oneself, and missing old friends and family members.

http://stress.about.com/od/studentstress/a/stress_college.htm