[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/02\/IMG_8564-scaled.jpg” content_max_width=”100%” admin_label=”Intro Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%”]<\/p>\n
As\u00a0<\/span><\/span>the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>new year gets going and classes near midterm<\/span><\/span>\u00a0season<\/span><\/span>, you may find yourself feeling stressed or more stressed than usual.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>It\u2019s<\/span><\/span>\u00a0important to remember that stress is completely normal and is experienced by everyone. When you are feeling stressed<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>try to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>identify<\/span><\/span>\u00a0what is contributing to your stress. It could be your classes, your friends, your family, your job, finances, or\u00a0<\/span><\/span>perhaps the<\/span><\/span>\u00a0COVID-19<\/span><\/span> pandemic.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”What is Stress? ” admin_label=”What is Stress? Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Stress can be both good and bad and can stem from a range of factors in your life. Inside your body, stress stimulates the production of adrenaline which increases your energy and alertness. Stress can help with things like your performance in a sport or give you motivation for an exam or presentation. If you can direct this energy and use it to your advantage, stress can be helpful.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Stress becomes a problem when it starts to overwhelm you and prevents you from developing healthy coping skills. When this happens, stress can be bad for you. When I feel stressed, I like to take a break from whatever I\u2019m working on or studying for and do something that helps take my mind off what\u2019s stressing me out.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For example, some of the things I like to do are listen to music, go for a run or walk, watch a movie or tv show episode<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>or talk with a friend or family member. The best way to deal with your stress is to find a strategy or coping mechanism that works for you and best suits your needs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your stress becomes something that you are not able to control<\/span>\u00a0on your own<\/span>\u00a0or<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>find sufficient coping mechanisms for, it may be something more than just stress and you should consider seeking help.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”What is Anxiety? ” admin_label=”What is Anxiety? Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Anxiety can come in several forms and disorders. Some examples of anxiety disorders include<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Anxiety Signs & Symptoms” admin_label=”Anxiety Signs & Symptoms Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n It is helpful for me to differentiate between these different disorders by understanding some of the symptoms associated with them. For example, symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include but are not limited to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/02\/Stressv.AnxietyWeb576.mp4″ admin_label=”Well Wed Video” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_blurb title=”The Line Between Stress and Anxiety ” content_max_width=”100%” admin_label=”Anxiety vs. Stress Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%”]<\/p>\n It is normal to feel stressed before some sort of event such as an exam, a presentation<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0or perhaps a job interview. This type of stress is usually realistic, controllable, and temporary because once you finish the interview or exam<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>the stress goes away. It is important to understand that stress impacts everyone differently and\u00a0<\/span>everyone has<\/span>\u00a0different things that cause them stress.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When stress become<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0debilitating and you are unable to pinpoint the cause of the stress, you may be experiencing anxiety. Typically, feelings of anxiety are unrealistic, uncontrollable<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and can last for weeks or months at a time. Unlike stress which produces a mild emotional response, anxiety can cause a significant emotional response. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety know you are not alone.\u00a0<\/span>A<\/span>nxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.,\u00a0<\/span>affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”When & Where to Seek Help ” content_max_width=”100%” admin_label=”When & Where to Seek Help Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%”]<\/p>\n You should seek help if you are experiencing feelings of:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WSU Counseling Services is a great resource for students who are experiencing symptoms of <\/span>anxiety, depression<\/span>\u00a0or who want help developing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with sadness and stress. Set up an appointment with them via email at\u00a0<\/span>counselingservices@winona.edu<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or by phone at 507.457.5330.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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