A certain positive form of stress plays an important part in the life of college students, according to Barry Wolf, a limited-licensed psychologist at the college’s counseling center. Healthy stress, a moderate level of the feeling called eustress, helps students perform efficiently and effectively.

On the other side of the spectrum, however, there is also unhealthy stress, or distress: a high level of stress that can be confusing as well as overwhelming, according to Wolf.

Anxiousness, feeling irritable and fatigued, isolating oneself, and headaches are some of the numerous indicators of distress, according to the University of Florida counseling center.

When asked about stress levels, several students at Albion reported that the stress they experience sometimes becomes so overwhelming that they require some kind of outlet.

"Sometimes I run, sometimes I have a drink," said one female student who wished to remain anonymous.

Many times, students will try to escape their issues, according to Wolf.

"Addressing responsibilities and problems is often uncomfortable and painful," Wolf said. "Many students attempt to shake these feelings of discomfort by avoiding their problems and responsibilities."

Bethany Coston, Muskegon junior and resident assistant in Seaton Hall, saw several of her residents attempting to escape their stress by deterring their responsibilities, she said.

"[Going out and drinking as a way of coping] was especially prevalent in first-years," she said.

Jennie Streem, limited-license psychologist and coordinator of the college’s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Intervention and Prevention Program, sees students frequently turning to alcohol to quell their stressful feelings.

According to Streem, students think alcohol is a stress reliever and that it will relax them. Often times, they do not realize that drinking to cope with stress forms a cycle in which students become even more in debt to commitments such as academics, and extra activities, which increases levels of stress, Streem said.

When asked if students turn to drugs and alcohol as a stress outlet, one student reported that she uses them "more than I like," as it sometimes makes her stress levels worse.

Coston reported that panic attacks and students isolating themselves, sometimes for days at a time, are some reactions to distress. Her residents tend to break down when they have social, family, or relationship issues; however, she said, students stress mostly about academic activities.

"[Schoolwork] just gets in the way and tends to make the situation worse, because usually I just want to sleep," said a student who wished to remain anonymous.

Many find it easy to get tangled in schoolwork and activities.

"The good thing about Albion College is that you can do everything; the bad thing about Albion College is that you can do everything," said Jake Herrera, Adrian senior.

Herrera is a resident assistant as well and has seen his fair share of "train wrecks," he said, which usually occur about two weeks before major exams.

Many people cope with stress by talking about it, he said, though it is not always easy to garner sympathy with peers, as all students have academic and social ends that need to be met.

"It’s hard to confide in even your closest friend," Herrera said.

Nonetheless, experts like Wolf and college counsel lines, like Hampden-Sydney College’s, encourage people to talk out their problems with their peers as one of the several ways to positively cope with stress.

Coston and Herrera both reported discussing the hierarchy of their residents’ goals with the stressed students and assessing each one’s importance as a way to help calm their residents and establish proper time management.

According to Wolf, however, if they experience stress, students should seek help.

"I would recommend that students identify and address problems early before the problem gets big and unimaginable," Wolf said. "Students shouldn’t hesitate to get help when they need it."