Stress: An Ongoing Battle
By: Marie Mewes
Students today are plagued by stress. Stress is often viewed as a normal part of life or just part of growing up, but in reality stress can have detrimental effects on teenagers. The New York Times discussed Dr. Slavin’s study at Irvington High School in Fremont, California. He found that a shocking 54% of students showed moderate to severe signs of depression and 80% of students showed moderate to severe signs of anxiety. Another study found that around 1 in 3 teenagers say stress has led them to sadness or depression. A survey found that 94% of college counselors noted an increase in severe psychological conditions in students. Based on recent studies, it is shockingly obvious how stress negatively affects high schoolers around the country. Where is this stress coming from?
Many researches agree that an increase in schoolwork as well as the increase of pressure put on extracurricular activities, such as teams, clubs, and lessons, are the main cause of stress in teenagers. Researchers note that the amount of homework given directly correlates with the amount of sleep students get. The more homework students receive, the less sleep they get. Outside of schoolwork and homework, students are often kept busy with various clubs and after school activities. This leaves little time for any leisure activites. Another cause of stress is increased pressure to perform well in school. Students are taught that good grades and high test scores are a requirement for getting into college or finding a good job. The combined stress of busy schedules and pressure to succeed leaves many students feeling drained, anxious, and even depressed.
What can we as students do to combat this recent increase in stress due to school? The situation may seem hopeless since there is so much we can’t change. It is true that we cannot change the school system, grading systems, how standardized test scores may affect our future, how tests are given and scored, how colleges sort through applicants, or how job applications are considered. We can, however, do small things to decrease stress in ourselves and in others. We can encourage fellow classmates when they are having a stressful day because of a forgotten homework assignment, a failed test, an unfinished essay, or an upcoming project. We can form study groups to conquer the complex system of standardized tests together. We can encourage others to consider the additional pressure they may be putting on themselves and others. We can make more time to spend time with friends or simply relax. We can reevaluate our priorities and realize that we cannot allow stress to consume our lives and the lives of our peers. Together we can face stress and, one day, conquer it.
By: Marie Mewes
Students today are plagued by stress. Stress is often viewed as a normal part of life or just part of growing up, but in reality stress can have detrimental effects on teenagers. The New York Times discussed Dr. Slavin’s study at Irvington High School in Fremont, California. He found that a shocking 54% of students showed moderate to severe signs of depression and 80% of students showed moderate to severe signs of anxiety. Another study found that around 1 in 3 teenagers say stress has led them to sadness or depression. A survey found that 94% of college counselors noted an increase in severe psychological conditions in students. Based on recent studies, it is shockingly obvious how stress negatively affects high schoolers around the country. Where is this stress coming from?
Many researches agree that an increase in schoolwork as well as the increase of pressure put on extracurricular activities, such as teams, clubs, and lessons, are the main cause of stress in teenagers. Researchers note that the amount of homework given directly correlates with the amount of sleep students get. The more homework students receive, the less sleep they get. Outside of schoolwork and homework, students are often kept busy with various clubs and after school activities. This leaves little time for any leisure activites. Another cause of stress is increased pressure to perform well in school. Students are taught that good grades and high test scores are a requirement for getting into college or finding a good job. The combined stress of busy schedules and pressure to succeed leaves many students feeling drained, anxious, and even depressed.
What can we as students do to combat this recent increase in stress due to school? The situation may seem hopeless since there is so much we can’t change. It is true that we cannot change the school system, grading systems, how standardized test scores may affect our future, how tests are given and scored, how colleges sort through applicants, or how job applications are considered. We can, however, do small things to decrease stress in ourselves and in others. We can encourage fellow classmates when they are having a stressful day because of a forgotten homework assignment, a failed test, an unfinished essay, or an upcoming project. We can form study groups to conquer the complex system of standardized tests together. We can encourage others to consider the additional pressure they may be putting on themselves and others. We can make more time to spend time with friends or simply relax. We can reevaluate our priorities and realize that we cannot allow stress to consume our lives and the lives of our peers. Together we can face stress and, one day, conquer it.