I was reading online that there is a high suicide rate among college students, due to the fact that it is very competitive. In September 2010, I will be entering college, and my major is going to be computer engineering. Now, I am a person who does get easily stressed (especially now with the SAT which I lost motivation since I score below average on it), especially under pressure, though I have never had any thoughts or ideas of suicide. What are some good ways to relieve stress in college?

My personal advice, is that it's WAY to early to be anticipating a stressful college experience. You have to think positively! Life brings some stress to all of us, whether related to school, work, medical conditions, family, etc. It's YOUR thoughts about things, that will affect how you handle or perceive "stress". Here's a forwarded message that may help Hang in there spideyfanman, you future is bright!



Stress is the underlying factor which can undermined any one
suffering from an illness, fear, or just plain insecurity. The mind
and body altercation brought on by our own self affliction.

Anxiety
is a vague, uncomfortable feeling of fear, dread or danger from an
unknown source. For some it may be a one time episode. Other become
constantly anxious about everything. A certain amount of anxiety is
normal and helps improve our performance and allows people to avoid
dangerous situations.

Stress related symptoms also include a feeling
that something undesirable is about to happen dry mouth, swallowing
difficulty, hoarseness, rapid breathing and heart palpitations,
twitching or trembling, muscle tension, headaches, backaches
sweating, difficulty in concentrating, dizziness or faintness.
Nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, sleeplessness, irritability, fatigue,
nightmares, memory problems, and sexual impotence.

The single most important point you can make about stress is that in
most cases it's not what's out there that's the problem, it's how you
react to it. How you react is determined by how you perceive a
particular stress.

The Chinese word for crisis is "weiji" . Two characters that
separately mean danger and opportunity. Every problem we encounter in
life can be viewed that way. It is a chance to show that we can
handle it.

Changing the way you think, can change a life of stress and
discomfort to a life of challenge and excitement. Thinking about a
success or a past achievement is excellent when you're feeling
uncertain and stress. You are instantly reminded that you've achieved
before, and there's no reason you shouldn't achieve this time.

We can learn to manage stress. Start with these tips:

*Keep a positive attitude.

*Accept that there are events that you cannot control.

*Learn and practice relaxation techniques.

*Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is
fit.

*Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

*Get enough rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from
stressful events.

*Learn to manage your time more effectively.

__________________
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but instead will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." ~Thomas Edison~