Stress is a particularly tricky issue because its source can't always be precisely defined and quickly eliminated. As of today, there is no drug that eradicates the symptoms caused by stress, no vaccine that prevents them. Stress manifests in a variety of ways—some uglier than others—and affects each person differently. "Stress can't be eliminated, only mitigated," says Dr. Mark Stevens, a psychologist at the counseling center at USC. Dr. Stevens believes that one of the best ways to prevent a student from spiraling into stress-related symptoms or disorders is to ensure that she has a strong connection with her university. Most colleges offer several levels of student support from informal peer groups to one-on-one counseling with a psychologist. Students should seek out help as soon as they feel that stress is interfering with their lives.

Warning Signs
Obviously, the first step in handling stress is learning to recognize it. Melissa Kenzig, MSPH, CHES, Director of Health Promotions and Communication at health services at Columbia University, suggests looking for changes in behavior—specifically changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns. But she warns that stress is not always manifested physically. "Some people will be affected mentally," she says. "They will be distracted and have a hard time concentrating." Once the stress is acknowledged, the student can then work on understanding where it's coming from and then how to disarm it. Both Dr. Stevens and Kenzig work with students on an individual basis to isolate the source of stress.

In an academic environment, pressure to succeed is an obvious stressor, but students need to take a critical look at all of the factors that can contribute to their frazzled state. Kenzig recommends taking the time to step back and examine each area of life—academics, family life, and social life. She also notes that "eustress" (good stress) is often lumped in with "distress" (bad stress). Good stress is the feeling we get when we're minutes away from a first date or about to run a marathon after months of training. It's important to recognize that while eustress is an essential motivator—"it's the fire in the belly that gets us excited for our next accomplishment," says Kenzig—it can add to the overall pressure that a student experiences.

The bumpy ride from kid to grown-up is another college stressor that is often overlooked. The first years away from home come with an unwritten expectation that teenage students will transition gracefully into instant adulthood. Faced with decision-making power for the first time, many students are overwhelmed by the sudden autonomy. From choosing classes, to choosing where to party, students have their lives in their own hands and the pressure can be extremely stressful. Dr. Stevens adds that as parents become more and more involved in their children's lives the kids become less confident that they can be successful on their own. "These kids feel less assured that they have succeeded from their own motivation and skills," he says. "This brings on self-doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future."

Stress can't be cured and even when it's at a low roar, it's never quiet for long. For day-to-day stress management, students should eat right, sleep consistently, and have fun. Kenzig emphasizes the need for fun. "Students need to do something fun every day," she says. "Whether it's laughing with friends, taking a walk, or a long hot shower, they need to say, 'This is my time for me.'"