Are your offspring preparing for university life? Here are 5 strategies to oversee their emotional wellbeing.
(CNN) — University students are carrying a heavy load as they embark on their academic journey this fall; it's not just the typical college supplies they're lugging around. Many mothers and fathers might be concerned about their youngsters' well-being.
On top of dealing with the usual homemade pressures, high school workloads, and competition to secure college admission, students have spent numerous years navigating social media pressures, grappling with environmental anxieties about climate change, drilling for emergency procedures in case of school shootings, and most recently confronting divisive protests over the Palestine-Israel conflict, known as the Gaza War.
Additionally, students have suffered significant personal, emotional, educational, familial, and financial drawbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consequently, mental health experts declared a national emergency in youth mental health in 2021. Although there has been some improvement since then, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the situation remains far from ideal.
In a recent interview on CNN's Chasing Life podcast, psychologist Dr. Nance Roy explained to Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta the challenging conditions students are facing.
Roy is the chief clinical officer at The JED Foundation, a non-profit devoted to teenagers and young adults' emotional well-being and a Yale School of Medicine assistant clinical professor in the psychiatry department.
Roy explained that young people are growing up in a world that exposes them to daunting environmental factors such as school shootings, hate crimes, political polarization, financial uncertainty, and wars.
"They've not yet experienced a period of stability within which to sort out the conflicts they're currently wrestling with and the challenges they're facing. This is their everyday reality," Roy observed.
However, Roy did not lose hope. "Many people are discussing a mental health emergency among young people right now. I'd like to reframe that. ... 'Emergency' is a difficult word because it suggests there isn't hope, and yet there is," she said.
Listen to the podcast’s full episode here.
The main obstacle facing students, according to Roy, is also the society's primary challenge.
"We see loneliness being the biggest issue for first-year students. When you think about it, it makes sense, right? They're moving away from their safe havens, leaving their families, friends, and connections behind," Roy stated.
Roy noted that establishing meaningful relationships takes time. "They need to learn to navigate independently for the first time. They have to establish their own sense of routine and structures. Things are not set up as they often are in high school when students live at home," she added, acknowledging that some schools excel at providing opportunities for students to interact in a natural, unstructured setting.
Regarding recovery from the pandemic, Roy highlighted that people do not usually bounce back instantly after a catastrophic event ends. "It takes years for people to cope with … the trauma they experienced, the destruction. So, the pandemic is no different. Just because the pandemic is 'over,' as we say, doesn't mean everyone is back to normal," she said.
"We need to allow for people, particularly young people, to repair, to be able to resume learning skills that have become rusty, to re-engage in the world," Roy observed. "We work with schools to remind them to be aware of the issues students are dealing with and to help them navigate, rather than dismissing them."
How can students (and their "stressed-out" parents) make the switch to university while maintaining good mental health? Roy offers these five suggestions for families:
Anticipate mixed emotions
Transitioning or going back to university may evoke feelings of both excitement and anxiety. Roy suggested that establishing a schedule incorporating both study time and relaxation and social interaction may aid in the adjustment. "Try to put yourself out there — maybe that's joining a club, a fraternity or sorority, or volunteer organization," she suggested.
Bumps in the road should be anticipated. Be patient with yourself if the adjustment takes longer than expected.
Realize that relationships evolve
Relationships with family members and friends are often altered during university. "It takes time and patience to adapt to new boundaries and relationship dynamics," Roy said. "Students will gradually become more autonomous while parents provide support from the sidelines."
Simultaneously, it's crucial for parents to remain available and for students to recognize it's okay to request assistance when needed.
Believe in yourself
Adjusting to new living, social, or academic environments may be difficult, but it isn't always a cause for professional assistance. "Often, what’s needed is a caring, empathetic support system and time to navigate the ups and downs of university life," Roy said.
In balancing parental anxieties with their students' experiences, parents should try to differentiate between their concerns and their children's realities. Approaching conversations with understanding and empathy will help young people feel heard and supported.
"Self-care ain't something that happens by itself," Roy pointed out. "You need to ensure you're getting enough shut-eye, eating right, working out, and practicing mindfulness, along with indulging in fun activities. All this will help you handle life's obstacles better."
Making self-care a routine can be hard for anyone, especially when you're struggling to adapt to new circumstances, she explained. Roy suggested taking some time to figure out what self-care means for you personally and creating a plan to achieve those goals.
Get to know your campus amenities
Find out what support systems are available on your campus, such as financial aid, academic assistance, accessibility services, health facilities, and counseling services, Roy recommended.
"If you've got any pre-existing physical or mental health issues, it's essential to contact the health or counseling office ahead of time to establish a care plan, whether it's on campus or off," she explained. "That way, you've got all the resources you need before the academic pressure sets in."
"Keep in mind, these services are there to lend a hand if you need help or advice. They can truly enhance your college experience," she added.
If you need extra assistance off-campus, Roy suggested checking out JED's Set to Go hub, which offers resources for students and their parents or caregivers to help them navigate the college transition.
"Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it," she emphasized.
We hope these five tips help prepare your family for a smooth transition into college life. Give our full episode a listen here. And join us next week on the Chasing Life podcast when we break down the NFL's new kickoff rules and why they're expected to make football safer.
CNN Audio's Jesse Remedios had a hand in this report.
Students may find that their mental health is impacted by the transition to university, as they navigate new living situations, social dynamics, and academic challenges. To maintain good mental health, Roy suggests establishing a balanced routine that incorporates time for relaxation and social interaction, understanding that relationships may evolve during this period, believing in oneself and seeking support when needed, practicing self-care, and utilizing campus resources such as health facilities and counseling services. Parents can also support their children by approaching conversations with understanding and empathy, and encouraging self-care routines.
