4 Phases of a College Breakdown
Can you tell when you’re burnt out? If not, you’re not alone! Unfortunately, most students can’t.
But, ignoring warning signs can spark a breakdown. That’s why you need to know what these signals are to get through the tough times.
The Snap
The breakdown starts with ‘the snap’. This is when the pressure of everything just seems too much. You begin to panic, become anxious and jittery over everything. During this time, you’ll also struggle to concentrate. Thoughts will only revolve around how horrible everything seems. But, just when things seem bleak, your mood will start to change.
Emotional Release
Once you’ve effectively hit rock bottom, the emotional release will come. But, everyone responds differently during this phase. This step depends on the situation, the person, and the way they typically handle difficulty. Resulting in feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, all three, or more. Just be prepared for an intense flood of emotion to come.
Alone-Time
Having time alone during a breakdown is essential. It can give you a moment to reflect on the situation. You’ll be able to freely express yourself. Meaning, you can cry, scream, or yell as much as you like. So, don’t hold back!
Having to go through this phase in front of others can lead to feelings of embarrassment. That’s why this time alone is important. You can focus on yourself and really take the time to analyze your mental and physical needs. From here you can come up with an action plan to tackle the stress.
The Bounce-Back
Most of us go through multiple breakdowns in college. All of them end with the ’bounce-back’ phase. The bounce-back occurs once you’ve had time to process your situation and are determined to move past it. During this phase, you’ve accepted your situation and started to feel somewhat in control of it.
Although you might not know exactly how to handle it, you know you’ll try your best. During this period, you should also begin reaching out to friends and family. Talking to others about your stress can really help. Others can give good advice, connect you with resources, and normalize the feeling.
So, if you’re not feeling like yourself. Take a moment to step back, breathe, remember it’s only a phase, and you’ll get through it.
Surviving through the first year? Check out our video on the best apps for university and college to help you thrive!
Related Blogs
Study with Us
The help you need to get the grades you want.
Previous Blog
Concordia Best Eats
Next Blog
How to Practice Mindfulness for Students
Other posts you might like:
Health & Wellness
Why Your Grades Don’t Define You
Your grades do not define you. It does not matter how long it takes you to complete your degree or i... Read More
M
Megan Polstra