One-third of students suffer from anxiety and depression because of academics. Additionally, 50 percent of middle schoolers experience constant stress over their academic workload. That number jumps to 75 percent at the high school level. The stress that students experience in school is due to a variety of factors. These include workload, performance, fear of failure, and test anxiety.
Workload is one of the most significant factors contributing to stress. The sheer volume of work in school and homework, combined with the need to understand each topic sufficiently to be prepared for tests and exams, causes this stress. When this workload becomes substantial across multiple classes, it can quickly accumulate and become overwhelming.
Performance and fear of failure are additionally common stressors. Many students strive for perfection in their classes, and their mental well-being is heavily impacted by their grades. Students with strict parents face additional pressure, but even those without strict oversight can set overwhelmingly high standards for themselves. When they feel they can no longer meet those expectations, it can lead to exhaustion as they try to maintain their performance.
Studies have shown that around 55 percent of students do worse on their tests than in their school work. Now, this could also be partially due to the reliance on the Internet to do their schoolwork.
While academic pressure in general can never be eliminated, there are ways to reduce the amount of stress. For instance, schools could move away from high-stakes exams, give the option to revise work, and limit nightly homework assignments. These changes could lower the students’ anxiety regarding their workload and the pressure to achieve perfection.