The Stress Factory

The Stress Factory

Why do school create so much stress? When looking into the life of student, we discover that school life is a stressed life.

Each day millions of high school students get up and head off to a building that produces toxins in their lives. Yes, you guessed it--school can become an overwhelming source of toxic stress for students.

“Yeah, I feel stressed pretty much every day,” says Mari Thomas, 8th grader at Chippewa Middle School in North Oaks, a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. “The homework can be overwhelming each night. And so can trying to keep up with my friends, and my soccer team, too.” Mari is one of many students who struggle to stay on top of the everyday demands of school life.

This is the school I attend and there's a lot of students stressed
because of the homework and other activities. 

In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report on their findings. “Colleges are seeing a generation of students who appear to be manifesting increased signs of depression, anxiety, perfectionism and stress.” the report says. Bouts of crying, loss of sleep, and dark mood swings can be the unwanted result of school stress.

The stress students face comes from a variety of places. Homework, tests and the pressure to do well in school causes many students to struggle. With the desire to do well and get into a good college, many students are fearful of their future. "Students are being really pushed to make great academic gains, with No Child Left Behind," says Jim Bierma, a middle-school counselor in St. Paul, Minnesota. "A lot of students are stressed out about college already - in junior high."

Some of this stress can come from parents, as well. When parents want their kids to do well, they can create a sense of expectation that many students struggle to reach. “I want my kids to get the best possible education,” says Kevin, a parent of four teenagers. “But sometimes I think my desires might be in direct opposition to my kid’s well being.”

Managing Stress

What can be done about all the stress? Many students have developed strategies to cope with the anxiety and fear of school.

“I know I can talk with other students, teachers, my dean and even my parents,” says Jada Sookhai, 9th grader. Jada, like others, has learned that talking about stress can be one of the best ways to deal with the struggles. Acknowledging that school is difficult can help many students come to terms with their struggles.  

Getting a plan for organization can be a big help, too. “I know I have to get and stay organized,” says Mari. “It really helps me focus on exactly what I need to do.” Experts would agree. “Teach your kids to use a planner to keep track of assignments, says middle-school counselor Bierma. When they finish each assignment, kids can check them off for a feeling of accomplishment.”

Walking and playing with your dog reduces stress. 

Teenage years were meant to be fun. “Yeah, I remember the stress of school. But I also thought High School was pretty fun, too”, says Kevin, the parent of teenagers. “I hope my kids can enjoy this time in life.” Pets, sports, weekend activities, and even TV shows can be a stress-relievers. “I like Netflix when I’m feeling stressed with homework”, says Jada. “It gives me 30 minutes to completely forget about school. That’s important to me.”

Stress can be tough. But as students learn how to take care of it, they will all have the ability to take on other big challenges in life and they will be in a happier mood.