the review washburn university
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Ben Fitch WASHBURN REVIEW
Pat Schneider, health services nurse, said six out of 10 students who come into the student health center exhibit symptoms of anxiety. “We had several this morning,” she said. The common procedure is to question the patient about possible stressors. “A lot of the students who come in are, within 15 minutes, in tears just from questioning,” Schneider said. “You keep talking to them and, through physical assessment, you can determine how far they are into anxiety.” Campus counseling services works to aid students in coping more effectively with personal concerns with the focus being on their academic performance. Schneider said students who come in to the clinic experiencing symptoms of anxiety would first talk to Iris Gonzalez, and if necessary, be referred to counseling services. Gonzalez would meet with counseling services to decide how to handle a student’s case. Marilynn Koelliker, director of counseling services, said the top two reasons students visit her are because of anxiety and depression. Behavior associated with anxiety or depression is common, she said, such as a sense of being on edge, changes in eating habits, effected sleep patterns, difficulties concentrating and physical symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. “I had a student tell me she goes blank when she goes to take a test,” said Koelliker. It is common for college students to experience stress, but the causes for stress vary and are often difficult to identify. “What it usually boils down to,” said Schneider, “is that they’re developing adult coping mechanisms for the first time in their life. They may be taking 20 credit hours, away from home for the first time, worried about grades, working and they may have financial issues. But that’s ‘normal.’ Now you throw in that they may be
Ben Fitch is a senior mass media major. Reach him at benjamin.fitch@washburn.edu.
Photo Illustration by Matt Wilper, Washburn Review
Anxiety Photo Illustration by Tesa DeForest, Washburn Review
Lauren Eckert WASHBURN REVIEW Morgan McMurry, a junior at Washburn University, faces the same struggle that many individuals face every day; overcoming a negative body image. “I try not to let body image control my life, but some days are better than others,” she said. We are conditioned by society to believe that if we do not achieve that super model look, we are less than adequate in our physical appearance. In reality, these models that we try so hard to imitate only represent approximately 2 percent of the population. That leaves a majority of the remaining 98 percent of the population with serious doubts about their own personal body image. “I feel the least confident when I let my worries and fears take over,” McMurry said. “It is really easy to let negative comments ruin a day or even a week.” The effects of negative body image can be serious and even dangerous. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, people with negative body image are more likely to develop an eating disorder and suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem and obsessions with weight loss. The NEDA defines negative body image as a distorted perception of one’s shape, perceiving parts of the body in a manner that is different than they usually are. People with this image are typically convinced that only others are attractive, feel that their own size and shape is a sign of personal failure, and feel ashamed, uncomfortable and awkward in their own bodies. While feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with body image are common, finding positive outlets or ways to turn these feelings into something positive is important. Zach
The So/An Club will be hosting a viewing and discussion of the film “A Walk to Beautiful.”
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Morris, junior, uses a humorous outlook on the rest of the population to boost his self-esteem. “I deal with feelings of insecurity by reminding myself that two-thirds of the population is either unhealthily overweight or obese,” Morris said. “It helps to remind myself that while I might not be as toned as I would like to be, at least I am in the top one-third of the population.” Morris also said that feeling like he is doing something to get his body in shape, like working out, makes him feel like he is doing something about those insecure feelings. “I feel most secure and confident after I go to the gym,” Morris said. “I feel like I’ve accomplished something and I feel very productive.” While Morris focuses on physical exertion to calm his image doubts, freshman Brooke Rollison believes in the power of positive thinking. “If I’m feeling down I’ll encourage myself by having a positive attitude and thinking of something I have overcome, instead of looking at what I still need to work on,” Rollison said. “Though it’s very hard at times, it not only makes me feel better, but it makes those around me feel better.” Rollison also said that at other times, it helps to just unload the burden on close friends. “Even if they don’t completely understand how I’m feeling, it feels good to open up and get if off my chest,” she said. Being a little insecure or self-conscious isn’t the end of the world. In fact, you have just joined a club with millions of members. “Always remember you’re not alone. And never consider your issue any smaller than anyone else’s,” Rollison said. “It’s important to remember that you’re just as important. Respect yourself and others will too.” Lauren Eckert is a junior mass media major. Reach her at lauren.eckert@washburn.edu.
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failing a class, questioning their sexual orientation, maybe pregnant or other family dynamics.” “Oftentimes in an academic setting, the plate is so full that students can’t even manage to prioritize,” said Koelliker, “and it feels whelming to even start approaching.” “I feel really stressed,” said Alyse Jackson, senior finance and economics major. “I go to school and I work, and I’m trying to find a job.” Jackson said she feels as though she represents the average college student in terms of her workload and stress level. She is enrolled in 12 credit hours, and with studying time, school accounts for 35 hours a week in addition to the 20 to 30 hours that she spends working at Lowe’s. “It doesn’t seem like you have any free time,” she said, “and it becomes 1 o’clock in the morning before you decide that’s all you can get done. I just get worried that I’m not going to finish projects so I start to cut corners, which makes you stress more.” Schneider said students should visit campus counseling if they can get themselves to do so, and they will work with the possible embarrassment of asking for help. “Students who do, find it’s well worth their time, and we reassure that they are, by no means, the exception,” she said. “I feel like it would be a waste of time,” said Jackson. “If I go over there for an hour, then that’s an hour I have to make up later. That’s an hour I’ve spent not being productive. I think stress is just a part of being in college. It’s time allocation. Just make sure you have a set schedule and don’t procrastinate.” Schneider said reducing stress “is not reinventing the wheel,” and the simple precautions are a balanced diet and exercise. “It’s a normal part of our life,” said Koelliker, “and none of us escape stress and anxiety. Sometimes it’s good.”
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volume 136, Issue 22 • wednesday, March 31, 2010
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APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
•The Bookstore is celebrating by giving 20% off all poetry books. Limited to stock on hand. Not valid with any other offers.