It’s the end of the first semester and exams are upon us. With all the last minute work professors assign and the hours of studying we are about to endure, it’s hard to be excited about anything right now. But when does that end-of-semester stress turn into a real problem? Here is a list of signs that could mean there is a bigger issue.
- Fatigue – If you have a significant decrease in energy, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Fatigue is not what happens when you party until 3 am and don’t want to get out of bed the next morning. Fatigue is extreme mental and physical exhaustion. It is associated with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, anemia, and thyroid problems.
- Persistent Pessimism – Similar to fatigue, pessimism relates to mental exhaustion. It isn’t just thinking you failed a test that you know you didn’t study for. Pessimism becomes a problem when you are constantly thinking negatively about yourself, those around you, and situations you are in. You should visit the counseling center if you are having feelings of hopelessness or have been experiencing these “moods” for more than a week.
- Loss of Interest – It may not seem like a big deal, but if you find yourself not wanting to do things that you once enjoyed, you may need to seek counseling. Losing excitement and interest in things you love can be related to serious mood disorders.
- Trouble Sleeping or Sleeping Too Much – If you sleep until three in the afternoon because you were up cramming for an exam all night, you probably don’t have anything to worry about. But if you are constantly unable to sleep or you sleep more than nine hours a night and are still sleepy all day, you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or a sleep disorder.
- Constant Worry – You should speak with a counselor if you find yourself constantly worrying about everyday things that shouldn’t cause stress. It’s normal to worry about tests and homework. But if you are always stressing out over getting to class on time or what to wear in the morning, when there really isn’t anything to worry about, it may be time to get help. Constant worry is related to anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
If you are someone that typically sleeps more than nine hours a night or makes a big deal over what to wear in the morning, then don’t worry. These are only problems if they are out of the ordinary for you. Appalachian’s campus provides us with great resources to handle the stressful, busy lives of college students. Use them! Even if you are just having a rough week, the counseling center is more than willing to help you talk it out. And, as always, if you are having any of the following serious mental health problems, please seek immediate help.
- Recurring panic attacks
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Attempts of suicide or self-harm
- Drug or alcohol use to solve problems or “escape”
- Refusing to eat or purging food after eating
Appalachian State Counseling Center
(828) 262-3180
Walk-in Hours: Monday-Thursday 1:00 – 4:00 pm and Friday 1:00 – 3:00 pm