SCHOOL STRESS

What Does This Stress Look Like?

• Academic stress

  • Homework, exams, finals

  • Pressure to achieve high grades

  • Competition with peers

  • Fear of underperforming

  • Too much homework

• Social stress

  • Conflict with peer relations 

  • Bullying 

  • Peer pressure

• Time-management stress

  • Balancing extracurriculars, school work, jobs, and family responsibilities

(https://www.embarkbh.com/blog/stress/school-stress/ )

(https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/student-stressed-and-having-difficulty-learning-flat-vector-illustration-isolated-gm1709813879-539602499) 

(https://www.shutterstock.com/search/angry-between-conflict-friends?image_type=illustration) 

What Does This Stress Affect Mental Health?

1. Academic Pressure, High Expectations, and Performance Anxiety

• High academic expectations lead to stress and performance anxiety

• Constant pressure to succeed can lower self-esteem and trigger mental health issues (i.e., anxiety, depression)

• Statistics:

  • Journal of Adolescent Health: Academic pressure is a common student stressor.

  • APA: 61% of college counseling seekers report anxiety as their top concern.

2. Social Dynamics and Peer Relationships

• Social interactions in school significantly affect mental health

• Positive peer relationships enhance well-being, negative ones (i.e. bullying, exclusion, loneliness) cause emotional distress

• Statistics:

  • NIH: Bullying victims show higher levels of psychological distress.

3. School Stressors

• Exams, heavy workloads, and academic competition increase stress and anxiety

• Managing multiple responsibilities can contribute to burnout

• Statistics:

  • Journal of Experimental Child Psychology: Academic stress raises cortisol levels in students.

  • Stanford GSE: Academic stress is a major risk factor for mental health issues in high-achieving students.

(https://www.allkindsoftherapy.com/the-impact-of-school-on-mental-health-understanding-its-importance-for-students-and-the-effects-of-bullying)

(https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/young-girl-being-bullied-illustrated_8803076.htm) 

(https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/student-stress-concept-illustration_24488375.htm#fromView=keyword&page=1&position=0&uuid=d1a88886-1efe-450a-88af-a4e41a295f56&query=Stressed+Student+Illustration) 

(https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/time-management-concept-flat-illustration_12297144.htm#fromView=keyword&page=1&position=0&uuid=8fa3b9ea-3272-4daf-8d3b-84a4962c85d4&query=Time+Management+Cartoon)