Going back to school can be challenging for teens and young adults, especially those transitioning to college. Knowing how to support your child through these trying times can make a huge difference, and we’re here to share a few tips to help you do just that.
Research reveals that poor mental health increases the risk of academic struggles, showing the importance of prioritizing students’ well-being.
This developmental stage brings extra challenges, and parents may dismiss their children’s concerns as “angst” or simply “part of growing up”, which can mean overlooking signs of serious distress or a potential mental health condition.
College can be challenging, especially for first-timers. For these reasons, parents and caregivers play a crucial role in recognizing when their college-aged child is struggling.
As a parent, your support is essential to help your child navigate mental health challenges and build resilience.
Why College Transition Can Be Stressful for Young Adults
Transitioning to college is often a difficult and stressful experience for first-year students for many reasons. For some, it’s their first time living away from family. They must also adjust to an entirely new social environment. In addition, they face a double transition—academically from high school to college and developmentally from adolescence to adulthood.
For many first-year students, college means adapting to a new social setting while managing academic demands—often without the closeness of their support system.
They are also in the stage of emerging adulthood, typically marked by exploration, identity formation, and a sense of uncertainty and instability.
Studies show that the first year of college can strongly influence a student’s academic performance and well-being. Moreover, college students who feel more stressed often struggle with both mental health and academics. For these reasons, it’s crucial to help them navigate this phase as smoothly as possible.
Common Mental Health Challenges Faced By College Students—But Also By Parents
Some of the most common mental health challenges among students include depression, anxiety, substance use, psychotic episodes, and relationship difficulties. In fact, more than 30% of college students reported being diagnosed with anxiety in the 12 months before 2022, while 22% had received treatment for depression.
Interestingly, a report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education also shows a link between students’ mental health and their parents’. In this survey, 18% of both teens and parents reported anxiety. Additionally, 13% of parents and 15% of teens reported depression. Rates of both conditions were higher among mothers and girls compared to fathers and boys.
Another important finding is that nearly 40% of students said they were at least somewhat concerned about their parents’ mental health. This is a reminder of not only the importance of caring for your child’s well-being, but also the need to prioritize your own mental health—so that both of you can thrive.
5 Ways to Support Your College Student as They Head Back to School
1. Be supportive and model healthy coping skills
Let your child know they can rely on you for emotional support. Teens may worry about how you’ll react to an issue or feel like they’re burdening you, so it’s important to reassure them that you’ll be there no matter what.
Support also means teaching valuable life skills, such as independent living, healthy habits (i.e., good sleep, balanced nutrition, mindful technology use), safe decision-making, and stress management.
Your child is more likely to thrive if they develop self-esteem, self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of self-worth. You can help foster these skills through affirmation, healthy self-talk, empathy, gratitude, and by helping them reframe challenging situations.
2. Practice honest communication, stay in touch, and offer validation
Open and honest communication is one of the most valuable tools during your teen’s transition to college. Conversations can sometimes be sensitive, especially as they assert their independence. Approaching them with calmness and patience, while focusing on listening rather than rushing to give solutions, helps your child feel heard and respected.
Staying in touch regularly is just as important. A consistent phone or video call schedule can help you gauge how your child is really doing, since hearing their voice or seeing them often reveals more than texts or emails. Visits home, family gatherings, and occasional on-campus visits can also help.
Harvard’s report shows that many young people want their parents and caregivers to be better listeners and to check in more often—approaching conversations with openness and curiosity, and truly listening rather than judging. This kind of validation helps your child feel heard and understood.
3. Look out for warning signs
As 75% of mental illnesses begin by age 24, symptoms can often appear during the college years. As such, it’s important not only to watch for warning signs yourself but also to teach your teen to recognize them.
Some signs that your teen may be struggling include:
- Sadness or hopelessness.
- Drastic behavior change.
- Withdrawal or social isolation.
- Irritability or restlessness.
- Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite.
- Excessive worrying.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Sudden drop in academic performance.
4. Encourage healthy habits
It’s easy for healthy habits to slip during stressful periods in college—or simply when living away from home for the first time. We’re not saying you should lecture your teen, but having a conversation about how these habits support their well-being can make a real difference.
Healthy habits to encourage include:
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Exercising regularly.
- Taking breaks from the news and social media.
- Practicing self-care (e.g., watching a movie, reading, or spending time with loved ones).
As they’re going back to school, it’s a great opportunity to implement some new healthy routines that support their well-being.
5. Have a mental health plan and learn about resources
Having a clear plan for mental health makes it easier for your teen to access care if needed. For example, if they are already seeing a professional, it’s important to continue that care—whether in person, via video, or by phone.
You can also reach out to the mental health center on their campus to learn about the available options, including counseling services, peer support groups, academic advisors, or disability accommodations.
Finally, you can also encourage your teen to get involved in service or community programs. These activities can provide purpose and meaning, which is important since research shows a strong link between lack of purpose and increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Find Support for You and Your Teen in Baltimore, MD
Do you feel like you might need professional help to support your college student? Maybe you’ve tried everything you can, but they still won’t open up—or you feel you’ve done all you can as a parent.
Our Baltimore-based therapists specialize in helping college students navigate challenges—not only during the “going back to school” period, but throughout their college experience. Reach out to know more, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation here.
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