As the new school year dawns, the pressure that accompanies the college lifestyle is reintroduced into many students’ lives. A crucial part of staying sane during the year, the balance between grades and wellbeing is often difficult to maintain. Toxic cycles of sacrificing sleep for better grades become self-fulfilling prophecies and it is important to identify when it has become unhealthy.
A study conducted by the Healthy Minds Network surveyed over 95,000 college students across 133 campuses. The survey found that during the 2021-22 school year, 44% of students reported symptoms of depression and 37% of students experienced anxiety.
Mental health issues arise for a multitude of reasons. A mental health episode can quickly spur academic burnout in a student and vice versa. Feelings of perfectionism or lack of control might make students more susceptible to sacrificing their wellbeing for good marks.
According to a paper published by the National Library of Medicine, “(Academic burnout) can cause some psychological disorders including anxiety, depression, frustration, hostility and fear in students.”
Dealing with these issues can cause students to fall behind and discourage them from working to the best of their ability. Sometimes, it feels like the pressure is too much to bear.
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However, there is good news: Taking steps to ensure a healthy split between high grades and mental health can help prevent academic burnout. The University provides resources to help with striking this vital balance.
The University’s Extension website has a list of symptoms to identify burnout. It also includes a list of steps to take to cope with and overcome burnout.
Some include setting healthy boundaries, such as being comfortable with saying “no” to social plans or extra tasks. The website also notes that being able to take breaks and not overexerting for an extended period of time can be helpful as well.
The University highlights that burnout is not formed overnight and is not solved quickly. However, making lifestyle changes will support a healthier mindset.
“Along with making small changes, take some time to reflect on your values, goals and dreams,” the University Extension website states. “Consider what really makes you happy and how you can find new opportunities to live true to yourself.”
Ravyn Edran, sophomore in Engineering, noted that occasionally changing her study habits and environment helps to recalibrate her attitude towards her tasks. Edran said she retrains her mind and thought processes in order to deal with burnout.
“I try to listen to my body when it tells me it can’t study anymore that day, even when I’m anxious that I haven’t done enough for that day,” Edran said. “I’ve worked on putting less pressure on myself and (focusing) more on just learning what I need to from the course.”
