Stressed and Sleep Deprived, Trinity Students Need Some Help, and the University Tries to Provide It

By Bret Smith

The finals of spring 2018 ended just a week ago, and students can leave behind all the stresses and anxieties, for now. While the finals are over, health issues are not.

Surveys done by Trinity University have shown that physical health issues involving tobacco and alcohol use, as well as mental problems like sleep deficit, anxiety, stress, and depression, are among the health issues facing Trinity University students.

Sleep difficulties and stress in particular have become major mental health problems on campus and they tend to go hand in hand. Trinity students have to juggle a heavy study load from professors, high expectations from their parents, their self-imposed expectations to succeed, and their social life.

Group Campfire and Petting Zoo Cap Off Mental Health Week

Trinity students gather by a campfire

outside the Murchison Hall

Photo by Nate Borchers

By Nate Borchers

Trinity students got to spend some time with chinchilla’s, lemurs and even a llama on Friday at the petting zoo set up near the Coates University Center as part of the Mental Health Week.

These animals are considered therapeutic and have been shown to help those dealing with mental illness, and students adored them.

"I do think that animals have useful medicinal purposes. There's just something about being around them that helps you feel calm and valued in a way," said Chelsea Runacres, a sophomore in Biology. "Even if you aren't currently experiencing a mental illness or know someone who is, the event still puts a smile on your face and helps you forget about the bad exam or assignment you might've just gotten back."