Prioritizing College Student Mental Health This Back-to-School Season

It’s that time of the year when college students and their parents gear up for the coming semester. College can be an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful for teens and young adults. For example, students might feel pressure to meet scholarship requirements and balance good grades with extracurriculars. And then there is the social aspect too. They might struggle to adjust to a new city, in-person classes or on-campus housing, especially those transitioning from a remote learning environment.

As the mother of two teenage daughters—one of which is heading to college this fall for the first time—I know firsthand how this time is one full of excitement. However, I am also familiar with the anxiety that can come along with it, which I’m sure is true for many parents. As we enter this new transition period for both children and parents, it’s crucial to remember that these periods of change are incredibly important for kids at all levels, from those heading to kindergarten to those going off to college. As parents, we need to pay attention to times of transition in every phase of life and be ready to provide extra support. I also recognize the importance of prioritizing college students’ mental health this back-to-school season and throughout the school year. But it takes all of us—students, parents, caregivers, peers and educators—to protect the mental health of students nationwide.

The unique mental health concerns of college students

From study sessions to laundry, college brings changes in routine, responsibilities and expectations at a life stage when many students are going through a growth process that can be tough. Mental health issues among college-aged students are on the rise, and recent research shows that 60% of college kids are living with mental health issues.

The late teens and early twenties can be a time of self-discovery as young people begin to form an identity separate from their nuclear family and childhood friends. Pressure to fit in might lead to abusing alcohol or other substances and engaging in risky behavior or disordered eating. Moreover, this period of life is when warning signs of mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, commonly make their first appearance .

Regardless of mental health status, race, sexual orientation or gender identity, however, family and community support can help alleviate some of the external stressors associated with this time of growth and self-discovery and make change easier to manage. It’s also linked to more positive mental health outcomes.

Now, as students dive into the school year and navigate this critical life stage, parents must keep lines of communication with their children open – even a quick check-in via text, phone call or video chat can go a long way.

What to look for and where to turn for help

Conversations with your college student might naturally gravitate towards class schedules and social activities, but don’t forget to ask questions about their emotional health. Having open and honest conversations about mental health can positively impact their well-being. Take a moment to ask your child whether they feel motivated or overwhelmed, if they are taking prescribed medications and following helpful routines, and if they are experiencing increased stress. These types of questions might encourage your child to take stock of their feelings and feel more comfortable opening up and seeking support when feelings of frustration or helplessness arise.

At the same time, parents know their kids best, so they may be able to spot any early warning signs based on their child’s response or demeanor. Thus, parents will want to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions so they can more easily recognize these among their children, should they arise. Resources such as CVS Health’s Mental Health Awareness Guide for Parents and Caregivers offer information on the warning signs—such as sudden changes in mood, behavior, sleep or appetite—and management of various conditions.

For students, the Mental Health Awareness Guide for Young Adults can also be a helpful tool in recognizing the signs that something is off and finding the right resources to turn to when in need. Aetna’s Resources for Living? program also offers a back-to-school mental health and well-being checklist and provides members access to resources personalized to their college or university. Additional resources and tools can also be accessed through organizations like The Jed Foundation , The Trevor Project , and others.

Looking beyond the “growing pains”

A new college semester brings new opportunities – it can also present a number of challenges to students’ mental well-being. The transition into early adulthood, which brings many changes and new experiences, can be difficult, but it is not a journey one must go on alone. Those who are aware of their mental health and options for support are better equipped to navigate the road ahead.

It’s important to remember that support is always available to those in need. Check in with your loved ones and peers and lend them a listening ear. Engage in candid conversations about mental health and well-being. Set up routines and stick to them. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.?