A Parent’s Guide to College Student Mental Health

posted on McClean Hospital

Parents often need help addressing both the mental health and academic needs of their college-age child. When students have mental health challenges, parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to start to help make things better.

Awareness and treatment are essential to preventing crises that result in failing classes, dropping out, or severe emotional issues. Among the most common problems seen with college students are anxiety disorders, depression, substance use, psychotic episodes, and relationship troubles. That doesn’t include many other mental health concerns.

Below are some tips for supporting students as they navigate the unfamiliar waters of university life.

Prepare Your Child for the Unexpected

It is very likely that your child, or one of your child’s roommates or friends, will encounter a mental health issue while in college. Parents need to talk with their children about mental health and let them know that if they find themselves struggling, they are not alone.

A National Alliance on Mental Illness survey of college students found that 27% of all respondents lived with depression, 24% with bipolar disorder, and 11% with anxiety.

Keeping lines of communication open is very important. This will help students to feel comfortable that they can come to you with any problems they may experience without fear of being judged.

The Importance of Staying in Touch and Validation

It’s crucial that parents make time for regular phone conversations with their college-age children. Don’t limit your communication to emails and texts. It’s easier to detect when something is bothering your child by listening to their voice or seeing them virtually than it is to interpret their mood via a text message.

It’s also incredibly important to have regular check-ins with family members and friends to discuss any changes in your child’s behavior.