How to handle the pressure of finals and job hunting

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Look at the checklist below and think about which of these signs show when you are feeling over-stressed.

CHECKLIST: SIGNS OF OVER-STRESS

• Worry, anxiety
• Feeling fearful
• Low-self esteem
• Making frequent mistakes
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Fainting spells
• Headaches
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Tendency to sweat
• Frequent indigestion or heartburn
• Food cravings
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling unable to cope
• Wanting to cry
• Emotional outbursts
• Difficult sleeping
• Flitting between tasks
• Increased drinking, smoking
• Greater use of caffeine, drugs
• Excessive self-criticism
• Mood swings
• Angry outbursts

If you have identified more than four of these signs or you have noticed that one or two the signs are becoming more intense and difficult to manage, then you may have an underlying emotional or physical problem. You should see your GP for a proper medical assessment of your problems. Many GP practices now have a counselling service or can refer you to the student counselling services provided locally.