Puntos clave

  • Academic pressure impacts all students, but international students may be uniquely affected.
  • In addition to school, related responsibilities, expectations from family, culture, and society can impact students’ mental health.
  • LewerMark Student Insurance plans include mental health coverage, ensuring students have access to the support they need.

If you are starting to feel the weight of your studies, it is important to know that you are not alone. While academic pressure and mental health issues can impact any student at any time, international students studying in the U.S. tend to be uniquely affected.

Moving to a new country is stressful on its own. When you combine academic demands with expectations from family, community pressures, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture, it is a recipe for burnout.

If you are feeling stressed or anxious and it is becoming difficult to manage, it is important to seek support. Your health insurance covers virtual and in-person mental health care and peer support programs to help you navigate these feelings and find a pathway to success.

Here are some insights into how academic pressure and mental health may affect international students and what you can do to overcome and thrive.

A feeling unique to international students

U.S. educational institutions are competitive academic environments, but they may be different from your home country. Many cultures strive for perfection, and if you earn a less-than-stellar grade on an exam, you may feel a sense of failure.

While domestic students certainly feel failure as well, for international students, there may be additional layers to how you are feeling. For example, you may feel like you are letting yourself, your loved ones, and your community down, especially if they have invested in your education.

Give yourself grace during this transition. You are adjusting to a new environment, navigating unfamiliar expectations, and, in some cases, working through language differences that can make coursework more challenging.

You will not ace every assignment or exam. However, when you receive a disappointing grade, you have an opportunity to learn from mistakes and apply them to future coursework.

If you continue to struggle with your studies, reach out to your professor or advisor for information on tutoring and other resources that may help you succeed.

Navigating expectations of family members

Many parents of international students make significant investments in their child’s education, dedicating both financial resources and personal support to help them succeed. As a result, you may worry that you are letting them down if you get a lower grade. This shows you care deeply about your family and want to make them proud.

Less ideal grades will happen. It is part of learning and growing. This does not mean you are failing.

If you are comfortable, consider explaining this to your family. Find a calm time to have the discussion, share your gratitude for their support, and explain how additional pressure affects your well-being and academic experience. If they are unwilling to adjust their approach, you may need to take a brief step back to gather your emotions and focus on your well-being.

Other factors can cause stress, too

Academic pressure can also come from social media, peers, and community expectations.

It can be easy to look around and compare yourself to others who appear to “have it all together,” but understand this is only what they want you to see.

Everyone, regardless of background or where they come from, has struggles. Your journey is unique, as is theirs. Focus on yourself, your wellness, your studies, and your hobbies to help keep your mental health in check.

Changes to immigration policies, visa requirements, or other regulations can also create pressure for international students. Staying informed through reliable school resources can help reduce confusion and stress. Your student advisor is an excellent resource for the latest information.

Prolonged pressure can create lasting issues

If you are an international student, you may feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Societal factors, academic pressure, and mental health challenges can impact your overall well-being, often resulting in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and burnout.

If you are dealing with any of the following issues, do not wait to seek help. Seeking professional guidance early on can help keep these symptoms from getting worse.

  • Trouble sleeping (sleeping too much or not enough)
  • Persistent worry or racing thoughts
  • Lack of motivation; avoidance
  • Withdrawal from loved ones
  • Decreased interest in hobbies
  • Changes in appetite
  • Suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 (free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate assistance.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness

Do not “tough it out.” Do not struggle in silence. While attitudes toward mental health vary across cultures, many schools and healthcare providers in the U.S. encourage students to seek support.

Your school has partnered with LewerMark Student Insurance to provide health insurance that protects both your physical and emotional well-being. Under this coverage, students have access to:

  • Unlimited Teladoc mental health counseling: Connect with a licensed therapist wherever you are for support with stress, depression, anxiety, grief, homesickness, and more.
  • Outpatient and inpatient mental health treatment: Depending on your needs, your plan includes benefits for inpatient and outpatient treatment. Check your plan details to see what’s covered.
  • Togetherall Online Community support: Your coverage includes access to Togetherall, a safe and anonymous online forum for peer support.

Getting mental health support can also be beneficial to your academic performance. You will learn how to manage academic pressure and mental health challenges in a healthy way, so you feel less overwhelmed by it all.

Also, do not be afraid to share your feelings with people you trust. To the degree you are comfortable, have open discussions with close friends, your student advisor, and your professor, about your struggles. This can help you feel less alone. You may also gain a fresh perspective if they have advice or recommendations.

Practical tips for stress relief

In addition to seeking professional help, there are many things you can do to help manage stress caused by academic pressure and boost your mental health:

  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep when possible
  • Exercise (walking counts!)
  • Create and stick to a study schedule
  • Seek academic support (i.e., tutoring, study groups)
  • Keep connected with family, friends, and hobbies
  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques

The key is to start slow. Make small but manageable changes that will not overwhelm you even further. Once you get into a healthy routine, you may start feeling relief.

You are not alone—we are here to help

When you feel the academic pressure and mental health issues begin, remember that support is available. Seek help before these feelings overwhelm you.

Use your LewerMark Student Insurance benefits to receive treatment. Log in to your student portal to review your coverage, then make sure to download your ID card so you can schedule care.

If you need any support with your insurance, the LewerMark team can help! Reach out to our team via live chat, by calling (800) 821-7710, or emailing [email protected]. We are here for you!