It is that time of year again. Students are preparing for summer, studying for finals and completing final projects — barely. 

The University Counseling Center experiences its peak usage near the end of semester, but there is an answer for students experiencing stress.

 Ronnie Margolin, clinical psychologist from the Counseling Center, said overstressed students often either neglect their work or become overwhelmed by it. 

“It’s common to feel ‘burned out’ or ‘stressed out’ this time of year,” Margolin said. “For example, you might feel fatigued, irritable, anxious or even apathetic.” 

However, most students do not burn out in an instant. Stress is often cumulative, and students may feel progressively worse as the school year pushes forward.

Stress becomes problematic when it impedes function, Margolin said. Students who blankly stare at their computer screen, become hostile, anxious or depressed may be suffering from prolonged school stress.

Students struggling with mental health problems are particularly susceptible to end-of-year stress. It is important for these students to maintain counseling and psychiatric medication.

“The Counseling Center is always busy, but we are busier than ever just before the end of the school year.” Margolin said.  “We often do see an increase in intakes and crisis-related appointments.” 

To avoid additional stress, it is important to practice good self-care and manage time and energy effectively. 

Resilience depends on a number of variables, including pre-existing physical and mental health problems, quality of relationships, available support, skills at self-management and even intelligence, according to Margolin. 

For many students, the Counseling Center is the best answer.

The Counseling Center offers individual counseling as well as several drop-in group programs that require no registration at all. Topics include academic success strategies, stress management and meditation, in addition to one-on-one psychotherapy. 

Staying current on course work typically equates to less anxiety, but that isn’t easy for all students. A great way to manage is by breaking big tasks into smaller ones and rewarding yourself with little breaks, according to Margolin.

Maintaining an ongoing personal schedule —waking up around the same time every day, eating nutritious food, exercising, relaxing and having a regular bedtime — is especially important.