College is supposed to be an exciting time. It’s often the first real taste of independence and is filled with new friendships, personal growth and academic opportunities. However, for many students, it also brings a serious amount of stress.
From juggling coursework and part-time jobs to dealing with social pressure and financial strain, today’s college students are under more pressure than ever. More than 60% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety, and over 40% reported feeling depressed. Mental health experts have called it a crisis on campuses across the country.
It’s also important to know that around 75% of all mental health conditions begin by age 24, meaning, college is a crucial time for early identification and support. As a parent, you can play a powerful role in helping your student manage stress and build resilience during this life stage.
How parents can offer support to their college student when they’re stressed
You may feel a little helpless or unsure of what to do when your college student feels stressed, but there are many ways you can be a source of support and encouragement For example:
Be there when they call.
Just knowing you’re there to pick up the phone and listen can mean a lot to them. Even if you only have a few minutes, let them know you care and will find time to talk longer soon.
Listen without judgment.
When your student shares their worries, the best thing you can do is to simply listen without judgment. Sometimes, all they really need is to feel heard.
Empathize and validate their feelings.
Let your student know that their feelings are valid, no matter how big or small they seem. A simple phrase like “That sounds really hard” or “It makes sense that you feel so stressed” can be incredibly comforting.
Wait to give advice.
Unless your student directly asks you for your thoughts or help with a problem, try to hold back from giving advice. They may just need a sounding board to talk it out with.
Encourage self-care.
Remind your student to take care of their basic needs like getting enough rest, eating good food and drinking enough water. Encourage them to do things they love, whether it’s reading a book, listening to music or taking a walk outside.
Help them connect with campus resources.
Many schools have a lot of help available, like counseling services, health centers and academic advisers. You can help your student find this information and suggest they reach out if they feel they need to.
Support healthy friendships.
Encourage your student to join clubs or get involved in activities they enjoy. Having a good group of friends can give them a sense of belonging and make them feel supported.
Send care packages.
A surprise box filled with their favorite snacks, a warm blanket or some fun study supplies can be a wonderful way to show your love from a distance.
Plan a visit if it feels right.
If your student is open to it, planning a visit can be a nice break and a chance to spend some quality time together. Just be sure to ask them if it’s a good time for them first.
Help with practical tasks.
When they’re feeling swamped, you could offer to help with practical things, like reading over a paper or just listening as they organize their thoughts.
Help develop healthy coping skills.
Talk with your student about ways to manage stress, like exercising, practicing breathing exercises or simply spending time with friends.
Be mindful of changes.
Try to pay attention to any big changes in your student’s mood, habits or sleep. These may be subtle signs that they’re having a tough time and could use some extra care.
Suggest professional help.
If you’re concerned about your student’s well-being, you can suggest they consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Send a fun gift card.
A gift card for a local coffee shop or a movie theater can encourage your student to take a break and spend some fun time with a friend.
Help them set realistic goals.
Talk with your student about managing their schoolwork and setting goals they can actually achieve. Remind them that it’s OK not to be perfect and that they don’t have to know everything at once.
Respect their boundaries.
While you want to be supportive, it’s also important to give your student space and privacy. Try to avoid constantly checking in or pushing them to share things they aren’t ready to talk about.
Talk openly about substance use.
Have a calm and honest conversation with your student about the risks of using alcohol or drugs, especially as a way to cope with stress.
Celebrate their wins.
Acknowledge and celebrate your student’s accomplishments, no matter how small. This can really help them feel more confident and motivated.
Remind them of their strengths.
When your student feels down, remind them of the qualities you love about them and the successes they’ve had in the past. This can help them feel more capable of handling their current challenges.
Navigating college life can be tough, but with the right support, students can flourish. As a parent, it’s not always easy to watch your child go through difficult times, especially when you’re not there every day to help. But your love, understanding and presence still matter more than you realize.
Lightfully can help your college student thrive
At Lightfully, we understand the unique stresses college students face. Our deeply compassionate experts provide whole-person-centered care, which allows us to look at how all parts of a person’s life are connected to their mental health. We create personalized plans for each client’s needs and provide different levels of care to make sure they get the support they need, exactly when they need it. By being informed and supportive, parents can play a huge role in helping their college students manage stress and take good care of their mental health.
When your student needs more than just a listening ear, we’re here. Take the first step toward hope, healing, and expert clinical support.
