First year student stress

The transition from high school to college can be a thrilling yet stressful time for many first-year
students. The pressure to perform well academically, coupled with the challenges of adapting to a new
environment, can lead to severe stress. To effectively address this issue, experts have suggested several
treatments that have shown promising results in alleviating college stress among freshmen.

One of the most effective ways to treat severe college stress is through counseling and therapy sessions
tailored specifically for students. Research conducted by Dr. Maria Chong Abdullah, a leading
psychologist specializing in college student mental health, emphasizes the importance of providing
accessible counseling services on campus. According to Dr. Abdullah's study, published in the European
Journal of Social Sciences, regular therapy sessions can significantly reduce stress levels and equip
students with coping mechanisms to manage academic and personal pressures effectively.

Another impactful treatment highlighted by experts is the implementation of stress management

workshops and programs. These workshops, often conducted by mental health professionals or
experienced educators, aim to educate students about stress triggers and equip them with practical
techniques to combat stress. Results from a survey conducted by the Association for University and
College Counseling Center showed that universities implementing stress management workshops
witnessed a noticeable decrease in reported stress levels among first-year students.

Additionally, adopting a holistic approach that integrates physical health practices has proven beneficial
in combating severe college stress. Dr. Andrew Denovan, a renowned psychiatrist specializing in
adolescent mental health, emphasizes the correlation between physical well-being and stress reduction.
In his research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, Dr. Denovan emphasizes the significance
of regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet in mitigating stress levels among college
students. Integrating wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles has shown promising results in
reducing severe stress among freshmen.

In conclusion, addressing severe college stress among first-year students requires a multifaceted
approach. Counseling and therapy sessions tailored to student needs, stress management workshops,
and holistic wellness programs have emerged as effective treatments in mitigating stress levels. By
implementing these strategies, colleges can provide crucial support to help students navigate the
challenges of their first year, fostering a healthier and more resilient student community.

Reference:

1. Abdullah, M.C., Elias, H., Mahyuddin, R., & Uli, J. (2009). Adjustment Amongst First Year
Students in a Malaysian University. Retrieved December 15,2023 from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042813009518#bbib0005
2. Andrew, D., Ann, M. (2016). Stress and Subjective Well-Being Among First Year UK
Undergraduate Students. Retrieved December 15,2023 from
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/S10902-016-9736-Y
3. The Association for University and College Counseling Center. (2013) The AUCCCD Annual
Survey and Report Overview. Retrieved December 15,2023 from
https://files.cmcglobal.com/AUCCCD_2013_Monograph_Public.pdf