Staying Motivated
Spring semester of the second-year can be a time of academic, personal and social challenge. Feelings of monotony, lack of academic and/or career direction, as well as increased pressure to excel can be overwhelming.
In addition, some second-year students may feel they have a nondescript role on campus - no longer having the novelty of being a first-year but not yet having attained the status of being juniors or seniors.
Sometimes referred to as "sophomore slump," this period can be challenging. Students may be striving to achieve competence, develop autonomy, establish their identity and define their purpose in life. They may view the excitement of the first year as being over and the pressure of an ever-increasing workload looming ahead. When combined with other life stresses, it can feel overwhelming at times.
Signs Your Student Might Be in a Slump or Headed for One
-
Feeling
anxious,
depressed,
burned
out
or
overwhelmed
all
or
most
of
the
time
-
Being
socially
alienated
or
experiencing
feelings
as
such
-
Suffering
from
feelings
of
disappointment,
anger
and
apathy
that
are
sustained
or
increasing
-
Feeling
bored
or
restless
with
college
or
life
- Experiencing difficulty with studies and other commitments in terms of being unmotivated, unfocused or overwhelmed
Ways to Support Your Student
While your student may be hesitant to ask for assistance, second-year students can benefit from guidance. It is important your student:
-
Realizes
that
feeling
this
way
can
be
common
among
students.
Many
second-year
students
can
experience
a
mid-year
slump
-
Takes
time
to
consider
what
factor(s)
may
be
associated
with
anxiety,
depression,
feeling
burned
out
or
overwhelmed
-
Seeks
assistance
from
BW
resource
people
in
areas
such
as
Counseling
Services,
Academic
Advising,
Center
for
Academic
Success
and
Achievement
(CASA),
Residence
Life,
the
Career
Center
and
Health
Services
in
order
to
address
concerns
regarding
academics,
career
direction,
roommate,
time
management,
and
physical,
mental
and
emotional
wellness
-
Vents
frustrations,
disappointments
and
worries
rather
than
allows
them
to
fester
within
and
cause
misplaced
anger,
anxiety,
depression
and
other
ailments
of
a
mental,
physical
or
emotional
nature
-
Talks
with
family
members,
friends,
resident
hall
assistants
and
other
support
individuals
who
can
listen
and
offer
input
-
Balances
coursework
expectations
with
the
need
to
unwind
through
activities
that
are
personally
and
socially
enjoyable
-
Reduces
stress
through
exercising,
eating
nutritiously
and
getting
adequate
sleep
while
avoiding
alcohol/drug,
social
and
other
behaviors
that
can
lead
to
negative
consequences
- Considers personal commitments, so there is a balance between gaining personal, social, financial and academic benefits without feeling overwhelmed due to an overly demanding employment, co-curricular and academic schedule
Addressing a Prolonged Slump
Depression, stress and anxiety are common among college students. BW Counseling Services offers screenings, individual/group therapy and more.