Psyching out stress

When students entered college in 2006, expectations about an abundance of career opportunities waiting for them when graduation time came rolling around were taken for granted. Is stress running high among forthcoming graduates? You bet it is.

Watching the recession play out at home, seeing parents losing jobs and finding the market for part-time opportunities to supplement income withering away, opened students”™ eyes to the cause and affect the economy has had on families, friends and fellow students. Among the courses Rae Fallon (no relation to HV Biz editor Bill Fallon), associate professor of psychology at Mount Saint Mary College (MSMC) in Newburgh, teaches, “psychology of stress” has become much more sought after.

Kyle Medlitz of Sound Beach in eastern Long Island and a resident student at the college says he hopes his new career path “will help touch the lives of people when they need the most help and to offer advice and guidance.” Medlitz, a sophomore at the four-year college, is one of many who have made psychology the third most popular major at the Mount.

“I have a lot of interest in it,” said Medlitz. “My mother is an advocate in the court system and she counsels her clients in personal and judicial matters. I”™ve always admired her work, and as I got older I began to realize the impact psychology has in helping people in difficult situations.”

Preparing students for careers in counseling, social work, education, health professions and police work are part of the work of the psychology department, said professor Lawrence Force, director of MSMC Center for Aging and Policy. “Our research center covers the lifespan, and our practice-based internships provide students with real-life experience.”

Amanda Lasher of Kingston is another student who made psychology a major after facing some personal challenges, including the loss of two family members. “I chose it because I realized the help I received helped me overcome my challenges and provided me the experience I could offer to others. … It”™s difficult to ask help from someone who hasn”™t shared a similar experience. I want to be able to help people who feel no one will be able to understand.” Lasher”™s goal to become a family counselor is one shared by many of her colleagues.
They have all learned that today”™s fragmented financial world has taught them to cope with stress, and they recognize that others need a helping hand, too.
Fallon”™s five tips for dealing with stress.

Take a deep breath. It”™s calming. Deep, slow rhythmic breathing for five minutes in the morning and when needed. (Breathe in to the count of four; hold for the count of four, and breathe out at the count of four.)

Self-talk. Reassure yourself you can handle whatever your stressors are and that all will be well.

Avoid negativity.  Negative people and thoughts deplete energy and add tremendously to stress levels. Avoid negative people and thoughts whenever possible.

Don”™t put off until tomorrow what can be done today. Try to do today”™s work today and avoid procrastination.

Do your best ”” and ask God”™s help with all the rest.