Helping Your College-Bound Teen Maintain Good Mental Health
By Diana Weaver | Contributor
Sending your teen off to college is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for parents. We equip our young people with new laptops, supplies for a comfortable dorm room, snacks to help them survive erratic hours and much more.
Yet, one aspect we often overlook in preparing for college is teaching our kids how to maintain good mental health. According to a national survey, the emotional health of incoming freshman is at an all-time low, and students report feeling increasingly overwhelmed before they enter college.
I remember well when I was a college sophomore and had recently gone through a traumatic breakup with my longtime boyfriend. That’s when I experienced my first bout of true depression. No one had ever discussed this with me, and I was too ashamed to reach out for help. Fortunately, good friends finally led me to the counseling center.
As a single mom of three sons, I have experienced this with each of my boys as they navigated their college years. For different reasons, each one of them hit a bump in the road during their college tenure, and having the benefit of my own experience, I was able to direct them to the help they needed to get over that hump.
While everybody has the blues, feels anxious, or gets stressed sometimes, it is important to realize that when it continues for a long time or interferes with daily activities, it may be more serious. Depression is very different from the occasional blues and can be debilitating and lead to suicidal thinking. Seven percent of college students say they have seriously considered suicide in the past year, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death among college-age young people.
Depression can run in families, and it most commonly starts between the ages of 15 and 24. Depression has physical and emotional symptoms that cannot be wished away. People with depression can’t just “pull themselves together.” The good news is that depression can be treated and people can recover.
Here are some tips for college-bound teens to help them take better care of their mental health
Establish a Support Network. Getting involved in campus activities or extracurriculars—such as joining a college band, playing on an intramural sports team, or contributing to the school newspaper—can help students make new friends. Building positive relationships is a key component of maintaining good mental health.
Manage Your Time Wisely. If you struggle with your study habits, test anxiety, or keeping up with coursework, seek guidance from teachers, counselors, family, or friends. Most colleges offer resources to help students stay organized and improve their study techniques. Many also provide free tutoring for those who need extra support.
Stay Physically Active. Consistent physical activity boosts your mood, alleviates feelings of depression, and enhances overall well-being. Take advantage of the campus gym or sign up for classes that include physical exercise.
Mind Your Diet. The hectic lifestyle of college can lead to irregular eating patterns, which may negatively impact your mood. Ensure you are eating regular, balanced meals, and limit sugary drinks, energy beverages, and processed snacks that can affect your blood sugar and mood.
Prioritize Sleep. Fatigue and lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of depression. Steer clear of stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine that disrupt sleep patterns. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and avoid all-nighters for studying.
Seek Help When Needed. If you have concerns, visit the campus health or counseling center to discuss them with a professional. Most colleges provide mental health counseling for students. If treatment is recommended, follow the prescribed plan and keep an eye out for side effects; attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress. If you don’t see improvement in four to six weeks, inform the healthcare provider.
Be Consistent with Medication. If your college student is on medication for a mental health issue, ensure they understand the importance of taking it regularly and keeping in touch with their mental health specialist. Learning to monitor one’s mood is crucial for developing independence and maintaining good mental health.
Advice for Parents
Reach Out via Text or Email. Allow your student some space to adjust. Direct phone calls may feel intrusive during this transition. Find a communication method that works for both of you, perhaps setting shared expectations before they leave.
Discuss Alcohol, Drugs, Sex, and Other Influences Openly. It’s vital for parents to engage in honest conversations about these topics, addressing the new responsibilities that come with adulthood. Keeping communication channels open encourages students to reach out for help if necessary.
Talk About Financial Responsibility in Advance. Discuss budgeting and responsible spending habits. Be aware that credit card companies often target students with appealing offers, so make sure your child understands the potential costs associated with credit cards.
Avoid Inquiring Excessively About Academic Performance. Instead of questioning your student about grades, ask what they enjoy learning. Allow them the freedom to grow academically at their own pace; this will help them discover the major that suits them best. Don’t be alarmed if grades dip during the first semester, as this is quite common.
Encourage Them to Utilize External Resources. Remind your child that seeking help from campus counseling or community resources is not a sign of weakness, whether they are struggling in the classroom or facing personal issues. Support is available through professors or outside tutors.
Embrace the Empty Nest Syndrome. If feelings of loss arise, avoid dwelling on them. Remember, both students and parents face challenges when transitioning. Practice self-care and consider this an opportunity to revisit old passions or explore new activities.
Heading Off to College? Don’t Forget These Essential Tips. Websites for College Students:
www.ulifeline.org
ULifeline is an anonymous, confidential online resource center offering information on mental health resources available at colleges, along with a self-assessment for mental health.
www.thetrevorproject.org
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ young people aged 13 to 24.
www.activeminds.org
Active Minds promotes a culture shift on campuses and within communities by offering information, leadership opportunities, and advocacy training aimed at the next generation.
www.halfofus.com
The Jed Foundation, in partnership with mtvU, launched Half of Us to ignite public conversation about mental health prevalence and guide students to the necessary resources for help, featuring stories from young people and celebrities about overcoming struggles.
In Need of Support?
Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
A 24-hour crisis hotline that connects you with mental health resources in your local area.
Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
A 24-hour toll-free, confidential helpline dedicated to crisis support and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
