College student mental health is now a growing concern for college counseling centers. An Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors survey found anxiety to be a top concern among college students, followed by depression and relationship problems. In fact, up to 44 percent of college students report symptoms of depression and anxiety.
There are many reasons why college kids are experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety, including societal pressures, residual pandemic effects, and a lack of essential life skills. If you have a child going to college, one of the best things you can do is help them develop healthy coping skills. This way, when they experience problems, they will know how to handle them.
Below are five coping strategies that will help college students better navigate stress and anxiety while they’re away.
1. Maintain a Consistent Routine
College students are hardly consistent. They have different classes on different days, and they might return home on the weekends to be with family. There are also long breaks between terms – some kids stay home for a month or longer during winter break. That being said, it’s important to establish a routine that is as consistent as possible.
Having a consistent schedule is good for mental health. It’s familiar and predictable, which alleviates stress and anxiety. Encourage your student to follow a routine that includes:
- Waking up and going to bed simultaneously most days of the week.
- Exercising for 30 minutes and eating three meals a day.
- A regular schedule that leaves room for socializing, relaxation and self-care.
2. Social Connections for Better College Student Mental Health
Keep in touch with your college student and encourage them to spend time with others. If your child is introverted, it’s important for them to have friends who make them feel good about themselves. A great group of friends can alert you if something is wrong with your child’s mental health.
3. Support a Healthy Diet for College Student Mental Health
College kids are known for their poor dietary habits. They tend to eat processed and fast foods, skip meals and eat late at night. They also don’t get enough whole foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Whether it’s due to a lack of time, money, or unhealthy lifestyle habits, not eating a healthy diet can negatively impact mental health.
Encourage your child to eat a wholesome diet. Not only will a healthy diet help them feel better, but it will also improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. You can also send your child care packages with canned or fresh fruits and veggies. Consider that apples stored in a refrigerator stay good for up to 8 weeks!
4. Identify Mental Health Resources on Campus
Before your child leaves for school, make sure they know how to access the mental health support services on campus. Most colleges and universities have counseling centers, though they are different from one school to the next.
5. Know When to Access Professional Treatment
Most mental health disorders present symptoms before the age of 24, so it’s not uncommon for college students to develop depression or anxiety during their time at school. While on-campus support services can be helpful, they may not be enough for your child.
Know when it’s time to access professional treatment services. Awakenings Treatment Center, for example, offers dual diagnosis treatment in Agoura Hills. Our program is open to all adults, and we have specific tracks of care for individuals with autism or Asperger syndrome. As an outpatient program, your child can also attend school while getting the care they need.
If your child is having trouble handling the stress that comes with college, contact our treatment center in Agoura Hills. We have many programs that can support their mental health.
