Test Anxiety, Study Drugs and Medication Sharing

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

College is a time full of fun, friendships and football games. But, unfortunately, one thing is always inevitable…FINALS.

With spring break in the rearview mirror, final grades and exams are fast approaching, the thought of summer can be a great motivator to getting things done. However, it’s not uncommon for college students to need additional assistance to manage those test anxiety jitters.

Let’s talk about test anxiety…

If you find yourself experiencing feelings of test anxiety or anxiety in general, know that you are not alone! Anxiety centered around academics is one of the most common concerns for college students. 

Symptoms of test anxiety can manifest as physical, cognitive and/or emotional symptoms such as, but not limited to:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Procrastination
• Negative Thoughts
• Fear
• Anger
• Hopelessness

If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or others that you think may be anxiety, reach out. OSU is here for you, and there are many resources including the University Counseling Center that are ready to help you!

 

Study Natural

“Study natural” means not engaging in the utilization of study enhancers, like prescription stimulants. The use of prescription stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin used for non-medical purposes is on the rise in the college student population. Often, students will take medication that is not prescribed to them or take their prescription stimulants incorrectly to help them “get in the zone” or pull an all-nighter. While this may seem like a good idea in the moment, engaging in non-medical use of prescription stimulants can have consequences.

Here are some natural energy boosters to try instead:

• Test out new foods! Enjoy snacks such as trail mix, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate or green tea to fuel your brain.
• Find a new fragrance! Scents of lavender, lemon, cinnamon, peppermint, and orange are helpful for focus and concentration (also may help those around you too).
• Try switching up your music! Instead of your normal playlist, consider classical, jazz and ambient noise to help the most with concentration and focus!
• Get your body moving! Set timers to remind yourself to get up and walk around while studying. Take that list of math equations you need to remember and head out for a walk! Movement and reciting information out loud is helpful in retaining information.

Do some research, test some things out and find the best, healthiest and safest way to conquer those finals.

Real Talk About Sharing Medications

The sharing of prescription stimulants not only has major risks in terms of adverse reactions or potential overdose, but it’s also against the law. It’s important that students know the risks of both sharing medications, and taking ones that aren’t prescribed to them. 

If you are someone who is prescribed medication of any kind, be sure to store it properly either in a medication lockbox or in a locked drawer or cabinet and never share these prescriptions with others. 

If you are not prescribed a medication and choose to engage in use of one, please be aware of the signs of symptoms of a stimulant overdose.

Overdose symptoms for prescription stimulants can look like any of the following symptoms. If you are using or have taken prescription stimulants and experience any of the following, contact a medical professional immediately. 

• Jerking or rigid limbs
• Loss of consciousness, or in and out of consciousness
• Rapidly increasing temperature
• Rapidly increasing pulse
• Seizures
• Chest pain

If you ever find yourself in this situation, call 911. Administer Narcan if you have access to it, and wait for medical personnel to arrive.

The semester is coming to an end, and we want our OSU Cowboys to be safe and successful! Remember you got this and GO POKES!