University Midterm Mayhem
by Riona McGrath
It’s that time of year again for University students: midterm season! The midterm season often feels like running a marathon without knowing where the finish line is. Assignments pile up, lecture notes blur together, and sleep becomes less of an option. While some stress can be a motivator, the pressures of midterm season can quickly spiral into something more serious, affecting not just academic performance but also our mental health.
Many students tie their self-worth to their grades, which can be easy to do with the stress of worrying about their futures. A single exam grade can feel like a measure of all possible future success. That mindset creates immense pressure, especially for perfectionists, first-generation students, or those balancing work and studies. The result? Increased anxiety, panic attacks, burnout, and in some cases, depression.
Unfortunately, this is the case for so many university students every year. This is where Real Life Counselling can help. Our name is Real Life Counselling for a very important reason: because we deal with real-life issues. Midterm season depression and anxiety are no joke, and it is so important that you can reach out for help from our professionals at Real Life Counselling. They understand the stress but, more importantly, how to deal with it.
It is so important that when these exams come, you notice warning signs in yourself or those around you. This stress can show up in different ways:
- Trouble sleeping (or oversleeping)
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Increased irritability or hopelessness
- Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or stomach issues
When students ignore these signs, they risk long-term impacts on both their academic performance and their well-being.
It is so important to remember that taking care of your physical and mental well-being IS NOT slacking off. Taking care of your mental health during exams isn’t about doing less but more about doing tasks in a way that is sustainable for your mental and physical health.
During this time, here are some tips to make sure you are living sustainably while studying!
- Time management: Break down studying into manageable parts with breaks. Don’t cram!
- Sleep: It helps with memory retention, but more importantly, your brain needs it!
- Stay connected: Talk to friends or peers who are going through the same thing. Shared stress feels less isolating.
- Get outside: A 15-minute walk or stretch with a friend or by yourself can help calm your nerves and increase positivity and productivity.
- Know your resources: Real Life Counselling offers amazing anxiety and stress management therapy to get you through these hard times.
Finally, it is important to remember that midterms are temporary; your mental health isn’t. If the pressure feels too heavy, try to remember that one exam does not define you, but how you take care of yourself during hard times might. Visit Real Life Counselling to learn more and book a consultation today. Your mental health matters, Canada!