As students adjust to college, they experience some change in mood, academic performance, and behavior. Entering college is associated with excitement, anticipation, and some nervousness. Different situations can be stressful for different students, depending on their history and experience with coping skills. It is important to remember that whatever your student says is stressful about their life in college IS stressful to them. Validating or affirming their perspective helps them feel more supported and will have a positive effect on their ability to cope with stress in their life.

When we see someone we love dealing with issues like stress, anxiety or depression, our tendency is to act to remove the distressing circumstance or to lessen the impact of stress in someone’s life. The most helpful stance a family member can take is that of a ‘consultant’ in their student’s life. Students are more likely to pull family into a conversation when they know there will be support and not lectures or judgement.