It’s not easy to be a college student during this time. You are expected to juggle school assignments, friendships, self care, and navigating life transitions. On top of that, it can feel impossible to escape the constant stream of stressful news about politics, the economy, and the environment, all pointing to an uncertain future.

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All this can take a toll on your nervous system. You may feel exhausted, burnt out, or disconnected from yourself or others. Many students I see struggle with procrastination, low motivation, and feeling stuck in cycles of distraction and avoidance. Thoughts about the future, and “feeling behind” compared to peers can feel crippling and daunting. Over time, this level of stress can have lasting impacts on your academic functioning, relationships with friends and family, and on your mental and physical health.

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The good news is that these patterns are not a sign that something is wrong with you. Often, they are protective responses your mind and nervous system developed to cope with painful emotions earlier in life. With the right support, there is hope in shifting these patterns and finding more effective ways to cope.

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