– by John Griffin Schou (Samford University student interning at STEPS Ministries)
I see the students hunched over their desks, bare eyes staring at open books.
I see their desks littered with papers that are strewn every which way, and only one sheet away from full coverage. I see bags of snacks opened up and sitting at the ready as the students try to sustain themselves and execute their titanic study sessions. I even see pillows for the late hours of the night. I see a library full of students studying for their final exams.
I hear them tell me of their tests and how they need the A or else they fail.
How Big of a Problem is Anxiety?
I’ve been where they are. Many times I have felt like all of my assignments and tests have been coming at me all at once. It feels like a weight bearing down on me harder and harder with every assignment that comes out. In those moments, you just want peace. I know several students who have cases of anxiety, so I know that times like this can make their cases worse.
And the problem is growing. According to Lea Winerman, 61% of college students need counseling for anxiety. In addition to this, 85% of students felt overwhelmed by their work during the academic term. And 75% of people who have anxiety start to experience it before they’re 22.
With this level of pressure bearing down throughout universities and causing this much stress for students, it would seem natural for students to try and find ways to relieve pressure. I certainly have. Usually they’ll do this by attending a football game, or hang out with friends in the cafeteria or even the library. But one way they may try and find release from their stress will only bind them further.
Finals week may be a time for proving one’s knowledge in class to their professor and maybe to themselves, but it also is a time for drugs to come out and play. Drugs like Adderall can be found among college students desperately trying to keep it together for finals. Students will take the drug, hoping for aid in dealing with the pressures of college, perhaps to give them more peace of mind to take on their assignments (Addiction Center, Jasmine Bittar).
And that’s only prescription drugs for staying focused. Anyone with an idea of a college campus already knows about alcohol and marijuana.
Why This is the Worst Idea for Finding Release
I understand wanting to relieve the constant pressure from classes and whatever job or internship you may be doing at that time. I understand how you just want a few precious moments of peace and quiet before you have to go on and do more work. Drugs will only give you more problems.
After using it for long enough, it will become the only thing you want to do. You’ll use your money for only that drug. You’ll spend less time with your friends for the drug. You won’t even be able to work or pass that final without using it. When you try and stop using it, you’ll feel horrible, like you want to die (Addiction Center, Jeffrey Juergens). The stress of that exam will sound a lot better.
Where’s the Release?
It’s normal to feel the stress that could lead to this. But the only real way to deal with it and have peace is to give your fears and anxiety to God. Know that he is in control and that he will give you the strength you need.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
I don’t want to see a friend of mine—or anybody—lose everything just because they wanted to pass a test, or do well at their job. I know how stressful these times can be. But know that they won’t last, and that there is a force beyond all understanding that loves you and will lead you through to the end. Take solace in that and you will be able to get through that final test.
