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by CampusESP | Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Transitioning from high school to college is an exciting milestone for young adults, but it can also be a period of considerable stress and emotional upheaval. As families, understanding and supporting your student’s mental health can be pivotal in their well-being and success. We've put together the top 10 ways you can support your student through this phase of transition and transformation. If your student is still in high school, now is the time to start these conversations and form healthy habits so the transition to college can be as smooth as possible.

1. Stay Connected

Maintaining regular communication with your college student is important, even if they don’t always initiate it. Whether it's through texts, emails, video calls, or in-person visits, staying connected helps you to stay attuned to their emotional state.

Tip: Set a regular time each week for a check-in call. Make it a casual chat about anything they want to talk about, ensuring they know it's a judgment-free zone.

2. Encourage Healthy Routines

College life can lead to irregular schedules, poor eating habits, and lack of sleep, all of which can negatively impact mental health. Encouraging your student to maintain healthy routines can make a significant difference.

Tip: Discuss meal planning, encourage participation in physical activities, and emphasize the importance of a regular sleep schedule.

3. Be a Good Listener

Sometimes, your student just needs someone to listen without judgment or advice. Being a sympathetic ear can help them to feel understood and supported.

Tip: Use reflective listening techniques such as, “It sounds like you’re feeling stressed about your workload. Can you tell me more about that?”

4. Recognize Warning Signs

It's crucial to be aware of the signs that may indicate your student is struggling with their mental health. These can include drastic changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, consistent sadness, and talking about feeling hopeless.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the common symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. If you notice these signs, gently encourage them to speak with a counselor or a mental health professional.

5. Promote Mental Health Resources

Make sure your student knows about the mental health resources available on campus or in their community. These can include counseling centers, peer support groups, and emergency helplines.

Tip: Help them research and compile a list of these resources at the beginning of the school year. Encourage them to not hesitate to use these services if they need them.

6. Normalize Seeking Help

Stigma around mental health can prevent young adults from seeking the help they need. Normalize conversations about mental health and emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Tip: Share stories about people who have benefited from counseling or therapy, possibly including your own experiences if applicable, to help destigmatize these resources.

7. Respect Their Independence

While staying connected is important, it is also essential to respect your student’s growing independence. Finding the balance between being supportive and giving them space to handle their own issues is key.

Tip: Encourage problem-solving by asking how they plan to tackle a challenge rather than immediately offering solutions.

8. Foster a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive home environment can provide a safety net for your student. Whether they are living at home or just visiting, ensure that your home is a place where they feel safe, loved, and accepted.

Tip: Keep the lines of communication open and emphasize your unwavering support and understanding, reinforcing that you are there for them no matter what.

9. Stay Informed

Understanding what your student is experiencing can help you better support them. Stay informed about the pressures and expectations of college life today, which may be different from when you were in school.

Tip: Read articles, attend workshops, and participate in webinars about the mental health challenges faced by college students to stay updated.

10. Encourage Self-Care

Encourage your student to engage in self-care activities they find enjoyable and relaxing. This can be anything from reading a book, practicing yoga, meditating, engaging in a hobby, or spending time with friends.

Tip: Discuss different self-care strategies and help them identify activities they enjoy and find relaxing.

Supporting your college student’s mental health is an ongoing process that requires attentiveness, understanding, and empathy. By staying connected, promoting healthy routines, being a good listener, and encouraging the use of mental health resources, families can play a crucial role in helping their young adults navigate the challenges of college life with resilience and strength. Remember, your support can make a lasting impact on their well-being and success.