College Students’ Worst Nightmare: Societal Pressure
Have you suddenly realized you’re beginning to appreciate the little things in life, or do you find happiness in the smallest piece of your day? Do you scroll through hours of hilarious TikToks or watch your favorite movies to escape from reality? I know I am guilty of such things. It is because there are so many stressors that us college students run into every day, and instead of facing them, we use aspects of social life to ignore them.
From class to work to volunteering, we become desperate for a break. This desire to escape from reality is due to the struggle and strain we, as students, carry. Our society is to blame for the strains and stresses students experience. Since elementary school, we have been asked what we want to be once we are older, and when we begin college, we are supposed to have it figured out. As children, we are also influenced to dream of and want this type of home or this type of family. Societal expectations pressure people to meet norms, thus inducing mental health difficulties.
On average, college students are required to give 80 percent of their full attention to their academic schedules this includes managing a couple of classes a day, homework, and studying. This doesn’t include a job, part-time or full-time. Also, if higher education is in your future, then one must manage volunteering and other miscellaneous tasks to build resumes and get the credentials needed to go that route. This is a portion of what a student could be managing.
I am a college student who is trying to manage these things, along with maintaining financial independence and figuring out my life after graduation. It isn’t easy; it is stressful, depressing, and anxiety-inducing—all those feelings I am sure we all experience; I feel them too, and it is consuming. Societal expectations insist on students maintaining this all at once.
This pressure can be stressful which may cause your mental state to plummet, and you’ll feel empty and drained. If this sounds familiar, I want you to know you’re not alone. After this, I hope you no longer feel alone, and once we notice there are others in similar situations, we can do something to prevent yourself and others from experiencing this feeling.
Societal pressure
Academic Pressure
Societal expectations for collegiate success can lead to high stress levels in students. The pressure to do well on exams or projects can induce anxiety or create this fear of failure. Even from a broader perspective, the pressure to attend college can create a sense of pressure. According to one study, academic pressure has the greatest impact on mental well-being. The reduction of academic pressure could potentially lessen the negative impact on an individual's mental state.
Career Expectations
With college, you have career expectations and the pressure to decide on a career path, which wears on the mind. We may feel influenced to take a specific path or reach for specific milestones when, actually, we can take our time and focus on our own interests. This falls back on the structure of society and how children are always being asked what they want to be once they are older. The pressure to have it figured out by the end of high school is the issue. It is okay to not have it all figured out. We must remember that whatever you decide is not permanent.
Financial Pressure
Financial stressors are also present in regard to student loan debt, constant worry about securing a high-paying job post-graduation, and managing any bills while enrolled. These can all induce anxiety and/or stress. To overcome this, one can participate in financial literacy programs. By learning how to manage money, it raises the possibility of lessening financial stress and debt.
Success?
Lastly, how society perceives success can be a leading factor in career and financial planning. This pressure may lead individuals to pursue paths that do not align with their true passions. This can cause a chain of mental health concerns. One may end up dissatisfied with their job, which would be devastating. Ultimately, pursuing a career you have no interest in will take a toll on you mentally.
How can one cope?
The main thing is social support and focus. As college students, many of us are away from home, so having support from our friends, family, and university is most important. One study shows that having a support system limits the stressors we experience. They found social support mediates stressors, specifically academic ones, once you have established a support system. Your system may assist you in staying focused, doing your best, and keeping a positive attitude. Ultimately, this would lessen the strain on your mental health.
In regard to financial and career planning stressors, utilize your resources. Look into your university for financial assistance or guidance programs and events. Also, search for mentor programs that can assist in career planning or assist in organizational and motivational tasks to slowly tackle all of your different stressors. For example, I attend Western Carolina University and there are programs provided to aid in such areas. We have CCPD which is a career assistance planning program. We have MAPS which is a mentoring program. Lastly, our campus financial aid office is also helpful in providing financial guidance and literacy. Most universities will also have similar programs that help their students.
I conclude to say I have tried these solutions for myself, and I am still finding ways to cope with societal pressure, but I suggest you start here. It is important to note, although you may lessen your collegiate pressure or you create financial plans you may still not meet the pressure of societal expectations, but remember that is okay. You must attack each stressor one at a time and treat them individually. You should focus on yourself and really dive into your personal interests and goals. Once you find what your interests are and create a plan, only then will you find relief for your mental state.