Parents' Guide to College Student Mental Health

When students have mental health concerns, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to start to help make things better.  

Being aware about your student’s mental health is essential to preventing a crisis that could result in failing classes, dropping out or severe emotional issues. Among the most common mental wellness challenges seen with college students are anxiety disorders, depression, substance misuse, psychotic episodes, loneliness and relationship troubles.

An important thing to remember is that recovery is possible, especially with awareness, early intervention and knowledge of treatment options. 

Read these tips for supporting your college student as they navigate the unfamiliar waters of college life.

It's very likely that your college student, a roommate or a friend will encounter a mental wellness issue while in college. Parents and loved ones can talk with their student about mental health and let them know that if they find themselves struggling, they are not alone. 

Take the time to teach your student about mental health, and where they can get help if they are experiencing symptoms.

It’s incredibly important to have regular check-ins with your student. Having phone calls and in-person chats can help you connect, and also detect when something is bothering your student by listening to the tone of their voice and noticing any changes in their behavior or body language. 

College is isolating at times. As the parent or caregiver, you can encourage your student to seek out and nurture interpersonal relationships. It’s important for students’ well-being to maintain social connections and to have others to spend time with and rely on. 

Encourage your student to pay attention to the importance of a healthy diet, adequate sleep and good sleep hygiene, and regular exercise. It’s easy to let these things fall to the wayside during college or when coping with a stressful situation. 

• Pro Tip: Instead of lecturing, ask your student how they feel when they eat well, or have healthy sleep routines. This will help them connect self-care with emotional stability and wellness. 

Perfection is rarely a realistic goal. It’s important to let your student know that you support them, no matter what. Mistakes are an unavoidable part of life, and we can always learn from them. A perfect GPA isn’t worth it if it comes at the expense of their emotional well-being.

• Did You Know? We learn best when we fail 15% of the time. (Eighty-Five Percent Rule)

Research suggests that there is power in putting a name to the emotion you are feeling. Help your student learn how to shift from “What’s wrong with me?” to naming what they are feeling, for example “I am feeling lonely today.” When we do that, we are better able to manage the emotion. Practicing emotional awareness can help your student make healthy choices about effective ways to manage their emotions.

Here at Aims, we offer free and confidential mental health therapy to eligible students. They can reach out to our counseling team at Counseling@aims.edu. 

Learn more about our counseling services and other community resources.

Please note that Counseling Services are unable to provide walk-in or crisis services. In the event of a life-threatening emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you need immediate mental health support, call or text 988.