A wise man once said, “Enjoy college – it will be the best four years of your life.”
My dad was right. College brings new everything – people, experiences and places. But what my dad failed to mention to me was how stressful it would be.
Research projects, all-nighters and few moments alone were beginning to get to me by sophomore year of college.
“Stressed out” would be an understatement. At times, I felt like I couldn’t breathe because I had so much to do.
My planner went with me everywhere – it was my lifeline. I was over-involved and over-worked.
But I’m not the only one. All around me my friends were immersed in all different organizations and classes – but they all had one thing in common, they were always stressed out.
According to the article, “Stress Takes a Toll on College Students” published on May 12, 2012 on BusinessWeek.com, “Besides the bad economy and uncertain future, students are overwhelmed by technology. All this technology distracts you from developing important emotional skills, which are a sign of emotional maturity.”
We are constantly connected. Anyone can get a hold of me at any hour. Most college students have three or four electronic communication devices.
Gone are the days of being able to remove oneself completely from the constant chatter that is online. All this combined with stress can lead to serious anxiety and depression issues for college students. But wait, we are young and invincible. How could a college student possibly have anxiety?
“By far, depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental health problems students confront,” said John MacPhee, executive director of the Jed Foundation, which oversees the website ULifeline.org, a resource center for students dealing with emotional issues. “Only back pain, sinuses and allergies are more prevalent among college students.”
Just because we are young doesn’t mean we are immune to the pressures of this world. And just because we are Christians and place our hope and future in Christ doesn’t mean we can’t feel overwhelmed.
In the book, “My Name is Hope” by Christian author and pastor John Mark Comer, the author states: “Staggering numbers of modern Americans fight anxiety and depression. In 2010, more than 253 million prescriptions were written for anti-depressants in the U.S. The nation only has 311 million people! Words like pandemic come to mind.”
After discussing this topic in class, I found out that almost half of the students had been on anxiety medicine at least once in their life. As a senior, I have to often think about my future – where I will move after graduation, where I will work, what kind of career path I want and more.
Those thoughts consume my mind, and I often feel crushed beneath those pressures. This was supposed to be fun, but why do I feel smothered by these thoughts?
Lately, I’ve learned that I just have to step back and remind myself that the Lord has a plan for me that is greater than anything I ever dreamed of. In the midst of papers, tests and job applications, I can feel hope and peace that I have someone who is in control.
So, don’t ever feel alone. Don’t feel as if you are the only one crushed by the weight of a to-do list or an unknown future. Nothing can stop God’s plan for your life.
“I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
