TheZenZone

  Substance Abuse among College Students By Wildia Altema,  Anaise Jordan, Laura Crim College can be stressful, with students juggling schoolwork, social life, and work.  To cope, some turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances, sometimes without realizing how harmful it can be. What might start as a way to relax or fit in can quickly lead to bigger problems, like mental health struggles, physical health issues, and falling behind in school. Substance abuse can seriously affect students’ well-being and future success, so it’s important to understand the risks and encourage healthier choices. Leading Causes of Substance Abuse in College Students In college, many factors contribute to substance abuse among students; college years are often a time when students go wild and want to experience everything. Some of the main reasons are peer pressure from friends, family, and parties. There is curiosity while being around drugs and being curious about the feel of substance. ...

The Price of Perfection By Wildia Altema,  Anaise Jordan, Laura Crim             Academic pressure and the pursuit of perfection can seriously impact student mental health. One major factor is the high expectations placed on students, whether by themselves, their families, professors, or their schools. Many students face intense academic demands, including heavy coursework, frequent exams, and constant pressure to maintain high grades. This workload can quickly become overwhelming, with studies showing that over 80% of college students feel stressed by their academic responsibilities. Another factor can be the transition to college life. Moving away from home, adjusting to a new environment, and managing independence for the first time can be challenging. These changes can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, making it even harder for students to focus on their studies.             ...

  What Causes Zombie Students and How to Avoid Turning     By: Anaise Jordan, Laura Crim, Wildia Altema     College nowadays can sometimes feel like a real-life experience of the living dead, minus the brain-eating. Daytime sleepiness is a massive issue that 50% of all college students experience (Hershner & Chervin, 2014). About 70% of college students do not get enough sleep and experience sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation could be caused by a myriad of reasons and every student is different. Some are not getting enough hours of sleep due to insomnia, physical conditions, poor living situations, or even due to living the token "college experience" and partying. Typically, the two most common reasons are mental health issues and the simple fact that college students tend to be very overworked. Most college students are in school full-time, will work a part-time job, and will still attempt to make time to have a social life. Sadly, with busy and full sche...