Trevecca’s SWEET team encourages students to take care of themselves in the midst of burnout and stress

By Alana McLaughlin

Staff Writer

With spring break in the rearview mirror, the next several weeks of the semester can lead to stress and burnout.

Trevecca’s SWEET met to discuss signs of stress and burnout, different stressors, ways to complete the stress cycle and practical ways to manage tough days.

According to The American Institute of Stress, 45% of American college students report experiencing “more than average stress.”

Stress, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. High stress levels in young adults can lead to anxiety, physical illness, withdrawal, aggression and substance abuse.

The SWEET Team hosts Taco Tuesdays regularly throughout the school year to address different social, mental, and emotional issues that Trevecca students may face.

The session was led by Miller Folk, director of counseling services. Miller asked students why they were feeling signs of burnout and most cited tough classes and midterms.

A study by TimelyCare found that finals and midterms are the top two sources of stress for 31% of college students.

Several students reported that their bodies signal them when overwhelming levels of stress are occurring. Students cited neck pain, stomach pain, tense shoulders, tingling hands and shortness of breath as a few signs of stress.

The SWEET Team used materials from Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski to give insight on how to recognize stress and burnout and how to complete the stress cycle.

Katherine Ramsaur, a student, led the discussion on ways to identify and complete the stress cycle.

According to the Nagoskis, signs of oncoming stress and burnout are: “chandeliering,” or extremely overreacting, engaging in self-destructive behavior and “feeling like your body is out of whack.”

“Name it to tame it,” said Ramsaur.

Ramsaur explained that making yourself aware of the fact that you are stressed out and “calling it out” allows you to begin undergoing the stress cycle. Physical movement, talking to someone positively, showing and receiving affection and “a good ol’ cry” were suggested as ways to complete the cycle.

“Don’t let your thoughts and feelings overwhelm you,” said Ramsaur.

The SWEET Team encouraged students who felt overwhelmed with stress to reach out to the Trevecca Counseling Center.

The Counseling Center is available for all enrolled TNU students. Students’ first eight sessions in an academic year are free of charge ($5 after). Walk-in Hour is Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. Appointments can be made online through the 2024-2025 Counseling Inquiry Form on Trevecca’s sharepoint.