The issue of college students experiencing stress from the pressure of fitting in may not be unique to Duke’s campus since many colleges across the nation have freshmen adjusting to campus, greek life, and a marginalized LGBT community. However, Duke students may be more likely than other college students at other universities to suffer from the stress of fitting in, as significantly large proportions of the Duke population have suffered from eating disorders. Furthermore, Duke students may experience more stress than the average college student since they are faced with the high demands of a rigorous curriculum. Most Duke students, who are usually ambitious and well accomplished before they even come to Duke, possess a “play hard, work hard” mentality and consistently strive for academic achievement, which often times lead to extreme peer competitiveness. Considering these factors, there’s no doubt that Duke students experience much stress. Listed below are resources available to Duke students manage stress:
Located in the Crowell building on East Campus, the Duke Wellness Center (DUWELL) is committed to ensuing the wellbeing of Duke students by providing various health resources and services. The center offers a variety of general health educational materials which include but are not limited to videos and handouts. In addition, the center coordinates outreach programs that address general health, sexual health, and substance abuse. Furthermore, the center has compiled a list of recommended podcasts, smartphone apps, blogs, websites, and iTunesU downloads that are engaging, fun, and useful tools for Duke students wishing to improve or maintain their health.
The Oasis, located in the Bell Tower on East Campus, has two massage chairs, comfortable couches, work space, and a fish tank that creates a serene environment which is perfect for de-stressing, relaxation, reading, and more. Students are encouraged to visit the center to relax, talk, learn how to manage stress, and even study,
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is located in Page next to the Chapel on West campus. CAPS is dedicated to enhancing and supporting Duke students as they develop in their personal and academic lives. The center offers mental health services to students and addresses a range of concerns, from the everyday challenges of life to more the more profound interruptions of daily functioning.
Located in the Academic Advising center on East Campus, the Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers a variety of programs and services designed to support the academic work of all Duke students. The center’s services include the Academic Skills Instructional Program, which helps students develop effective and efficient academic skills; the Peer Tutoring Program, which provides students taking select courses with a student tutor; and the Program for Students with Disabilities, which helps accommodate learning for Duke students diagnosed with learning disabilities or AD/ADHD.
The Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Life is located in the West Union building and provides education, advocacy, support, mentoring, academic engagement, and space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, questioning, and straight-allied Duke students. Through it services, the center encourages critical thinking about the intellectual, cultural, and political ramifications of sexual and gender difference at Duke and beyond and seeks to challenge bias and intolerance in order to promote affirmation and support and more hospitable campus climate.
Hopefully these resources can help you combat stress.
Don’t let stress get you down, be a healthier you!
