The term "duck syndrome" originates from the idea that a duck can look calm and mild-mannered while gliding on the surface of the water yet is paddling frantically just below the surface to stay afloat. You can't see the intense, constant work of paddling, just the calm gliding. Some people experience this feeling. They may appear calm and seem to be gliding through their life and effortlessly meeting their demands, but in reality, they are frantically trying to keep up and stay afloat. This is sometimes called "duck syndrome." Duck syndrome is not a mental illness, nor is it a formal mental health diagnosis. However, the feeling of "paddling frantically" while maintaining a calm external demeanor can be very real.
Where and How Did "Duck Syndrome" Hatch?
Duck syndrome is often called Stanford Duck Syndrome because the term is thought to have been coined at Stanford University. Duck syndrome is often used to describe college students who give the allusion of gliding effortlessly while frantically trying to keep up with life's demands. They may put pressure on themselves to succeed or feel they must meet high expectations. Eighty-seven percent of college students have reported feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
Symptoms Of "Duck Syndrome"
While duck syndrome is not a legal term, there are symptoms that people may feel when they experience overwhelming stress but are trying to put on "a brave face"—or even one that looks like everything is perfect and effortless. Symptoms of stress include:
Risk Factors For "Duck Syndrome"
Because duck syndrome is an informal concept, the risk factors associated with it aren't precise. However, there are indicators of why some students face emotional challenges in college:
Can Duck Syndrome Be Diagnosed? No, But Mental Health Concerns Can Be Addressed
There are no official criteria to diagnose what is considered to be "duck syndrome." However, there are very effective screenings for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, prevalent among college students. There are also helping support systems for students who aren't experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder but are experiencing stress or challenges with coping with the demands of college.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that it may be time to visit a doctor if you have symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. Signs of anxiety include worrying so much that it's interfering with relationships, school, work, or other areas of life or having worries or anxieties that are distressing to you and that you feel are out of your control. Signs of depression include feelings of sadness or hopelessness; loss of interest in pleasurable activities; sleep disturbances; trouble thinking or concentrating; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or failure; a significant change in appetite or weight; or suicidal thinking.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thinking, please reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. It provides free, confidential emotional support for those in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. The number is 1-800-273-8255. There is also an online chat option on the website. Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing any crisis, you can connect for free with a crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Mental Health Disorders and Concerns are Common Among College Students
Psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress, has been shown by research to rise steadily during students' first year of college. Anxiety and depression in college are very common. Research has shown that 63% of college students have felt overwhelming anxiety, and 40% of students reported depression so severe that they had difficulty functioning. While anxiety and depression have various causes, certain circumstances in college may heighten these conditions, such as feelings of loneliness, academic stress, pressure to overachieve, an increase of time spent on social media and other screen use, and too little sleep that can result from activities like late night or all night studying or socializing and caffeine, alcohol, or drug use. Mental health disorders and concerns are a reality, but so are effective treatments. Please reach out for help if you are feeling distressed or in need of support.
Treating "Duck Syndrome"
"Duck syndrome" does not have specific treatments. Still, there are very effective treatments and strategies for addressing stress, time management, responsibilities, anxiety, depression, and more concerns college students may face.
A good first step is to approach the concerns rather than avoid them. So, instead of continuing to "paddle furiously beneath the surface," acknowledging the problems and seeking support, rather than pretending to glide by effortlessly, can be a productive place to start.
Most colleges and universities offer mental health services. They can be excellent resources for students who are seeking mental healthcare both on and off-campus. Licensed mental health professionals can diagnose mental health disorders with very effective treatments such as therapy, medication, behavioral changes, or a combination. And if a student does not have a mental health disorder but is facing other emotional challenges, mental health services can be very helpful as students seek support and healthy ways to learn to feel better.
Managing at College: Self-Care Tips for "Duck Syndrome"
There are proactive steps that students can try taking to support their emotional and physical health:
If you are concerned that you may be experiencing what is known as "duck syndrome," or if you have mental health concerns, please reach out for help. Online therapy may be a good option for you. At BetterHelp, licensed mental health professionals are available to support you wherever you are. They offer affordable, accessible care that can help you feel better and lead a more fulfilling life.
Many people have found BetterHelp to be an excellent resource for therapy:
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Read more about Lisa Masri
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