Health Services links finals with stress, illness
Kate Domville
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: News
Last update: 4/29/09 at 9:15 PM EST
It is an infirmity that strikes many students each year as finals week rolls around; and no, it is not spring fever. Stress, which can cause fatigue, nausea, aches and flu-like symptoms, make lying in bed seem much more appealing than studying for some students.
According to Marie Hirsch, a nurse practitioner at Duquesne University's Health Services, the number of students treated during finals does not necessarily increase, but stress-related conditions are more common.
"When our stress levels are up, our immune systems are inadequate," Hirsch said.
Brenna Stackhouse, a freshman pharmacy major, recently walked into Health Services complaining of a sore throat and cough.
"I get sick every year at finals," Stackhouse said. "I don't think it's allergies, unless I'm allergic to tests."
According to Health Educator Eileen Crossey, stress is a key element in the illnesses.
Crossey pointed out several symptoms of stress in a brochure available at the office entitled "Stress in College." These signs include increased fatigue, weakness, dizziness, aches, indigestion, shortness of breath and frequent colds and infections.
"Studies suggest that your stress level affects your immune and nervous systems," she said. "Stress may affect your susceptibility to and recovery from an illness."
Crossey said she also believes that besides weakening immune systems, stress also manifests in physical symptoms.
"Yes, I think both ideas [are valid]. Our immune system is weakened, and our bodies can convert stress into symptoms," she said.
But while stress can negatively affect health, Hirsch said students can weather the storm. Hirsch recommends more health-conscious lifestyles to get through stressful times.
"Get enough sleep; it is a key factor in maintaining self-health," Hirsch said. "It's also important to learn to budget your time, keep up a healthy diet, and hydrate frequently."
Crossey added that people often deal with stress in counterproductive ways.
"Be aware of the negative ways we tend to deal with stress - such as smoking or drinking more - and avoid them," she said. "It's sort of like what the Serenity Prayer says … We have to learn to accept the hard things we can't change instead of stressing over them and deal with them as they come."
Talking over issues with others, taking time to focus and prioritizing responsibilities can prevent people from becoming overwhelmed, according to Crossey.
Although stress is an important factor, Crossey said students should not blame all their problems during finals week on it.
"Stress can be a good thing," she said. "It helps us get things done… it's motivating."
According to Marie Hirsch, a nurse practitioner at Duquesne University's Health Services, the number of students treated during finals does not necessarily increase, but stress-related conditions are more common.
"When our stress levels are up, our immune systems are inadequate," Hirsch said.
Brenna Stackhouse, a freshman pharmacy major, recently walked into Health Services complaining of a sore throat and cough.
"I get sick every year at finals," Stackhouse said. "I don't think it's allergies, unless I'm allergic to tests."
According to Health Educator Eileen Crossey, stress is a key element in the illnesses.
Crossey pointed out several symptoms of stress in a brochure available at the office entitled "Stress in College." These signs include increased fatigue, weakness, dizziness, aches, indigestion, shortness of breath and frequent colds and infections.
"Studies suggest that your stress level affects your immune and nervous systems," she said. "Stress may affect your susceptibility to and recovery from an illness."
Crossey said she also believes that besides weakening immune systems, stress also manifests in physical symptoms.
"Yes, I think both ideas [are valid]. Our immune system is weakened, and our bodies can convert stress into symptoms," she said.
But while stress can negatively affect health, Hirsch said students can weather the storm. Hirsch recommends more health-conscious lifestyles to get through stressful times.
"Get enough sleep; it is a key factor in maintaining self-health," Hirsch said. "It's also important to learn to budget your time, keep up a healthy diet, and hydrate frequently."
Crossey added that people often deal with stress in counterproductive ways.
"Be aware of the negative ways we tend to deal with stress - such as smoking or drinking more - and avoid them," she said. "It's sort of like what the Serenity Prayer says … We have to learn to accept the hard things we can't change instead of stressing over them and deal with them as they come."
Talking over issues with others, taking time to focus and prioritizing responsibilities can prevent people from becoming overwhelmed, according to Crossey.
Although stress is an important factor, Crossey said students should not blame all their problems during finals week on it.
"Stress can be a good thing," she said. "It helps us get things done… it's motivating."
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