Too Hard To Handle By Michelle Geel

The world around us is going through an extraordinary time and 2020 has brought a whole range of unique challenges to, especially, students.

It is said that between 20% – 30% of adolescents report symptoms of depression. While depression once was considered an “adult” affliction, the mean age of onset today is 15. Almost 9 percent of high school students have attempted suicide in the past year. This year that number is said to be higher with students facing the challenges placed on them due to school closures in lockdown.

The long nights of study and the endless pouring over books while worrying about homework and upcoming exams, can put immeasurable strain on ones mind. So what can you do to try and give yourself a break to breath? And what do you do if those feelings of worry or deep sadness just won’t go away? Feeling stressed out can feel perfectly normal, especially during exam time. You might find that occasionally feeling stressed-out motivates you to focus better on your work. At other times, you feel incredibly overwhelmed and can’t concentrate on anything. While stress affects everyone in different ways, there are two major types of stress: stress that’s beneficial and motivating — good stress — and stress that causes anxiety and even health problems — bad stress. It may be difficult to tell when you’re experiencing good or bad stress, but there are important ways that your body lets you know that you’re struggling with too much stress. Watch out for the following warning signs:

• An inability to concentrate or complete tasks • Get sick more often with colds • Body aches • Other illnesses like autoimmune diseases flare up • Headaches • Irritability • Trouble falling sleeping or staying awake • Changes in appetite • More angry or anxious than usual

So, what should you do if you think that you are experiencing extended anxiety or depression? Get help. It is totally normal to sometimes need help to get through a rough time. There is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. The sooner you get help, the quicker you will be able to manage the emotional toll that is being put on your mind and body.