A message to all students from the ASU Counseling Services
At ASU we care about the success and well-being of our students, and we know that some students may need our assistance or support when stress or anxieties interfere with their personal and academic goals. The local, national, and international economic crisis also may be adding stress in your life at this time. Although stress can sometimes be helpful as it motivates adaptive responses to threatening situations, persistent and intense stress can reduce our ability to function effectively and can spiral into a great deal of distress.
Fortunately, there are healthy strategies for students to manage stress during tough times-economic or otherwise. First, identify areas of personal control. Improving your self-efficacy, meaning your sense of being capable of achieving your goals, is a great survival tactic.. Instead of overreacting or becoming passive, choose to stay focused.
Second, directly confront stressors and create a plan. Write down your particular situation as well as specific solutions within your control for targeting the stressors. Confronting stressors can cause a temporary bump in stress, but getting a plan down on paper will reduce stress for most people. A plan can include gathering more information about options and reaching out for help. Once a reasonable plan has been developed, commit to it and review it regularly.
Third, identify and correct unhealthy coping mechanisms. Stress can cause an increase in unhealthy behaviors used to cope with difficult experiences. Stressors can strain relationships as well, making it particularly important to take a moment to gain perspective on the situation before pushing away or avoiding the very people who can be helpful to you. Choose healthier responses to stress, such as seeking the company of those who care about you, engaging in regular moderate exercise and other wellness activities.
Last, but not least, look for the silver linings. Although difficult, challenges can offer opportunities. For example, the tough economic times can motivate you to find healthier ways to cope with stress, developing skills that last a lifetime. Hard times can bring loved ones closer together to support each other. This can be a good time to be a student developing skills that will be valued when the economy looks up again-perhaps a challenging job market will motivate pursuit of one's full educational potential. Mainly, see the opportunities behind the challenges.
Below are links to resources that can assist you in responding to personal stress during tough economic times.
Click here for tips on how to deal with your stress about money and the economy
Please remember that the counseling services at Arizona State University want to be a resource for those in need. For information about how to schedule an appointment, follow the link to ASU Counseling Services: http://students.asu.edu/counseling.
For after hours mental health crises contact EMPACT (480.921.1006).
We hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
--The staff of the ASU Counseling Services