| Below is a message from the Hub, Behavioral Health Action Coalition of Southwestern Connecticut:
When you drop your kids off to college, especially for the first time, it's likely they will experience some homesickness and anxiety about starting a new adventure. That is totally normal and to be expected. However, for some, college is when signs of mental illness begin to appear for the first time. What is normal and what are warning signs for more serious mental health conditions?
What to Watch For
While depression and anxiety can begin in the early teen years, other mental health disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and eating disorders often begin to appear in the early 20's. For those predisposed to a mental illness, a variety of factors can trigger it including, stress, lack of sleep, and alcohol/substance use. Know These Warning Signs
Empower Them
Before they leave, encourage them to prepare themselves mentally. Work with them to plan ahead for coping with general stress and difficult situations, help them find resources on campus or nearby that they can turn to if they need help. Most importantly, let them know it's ok to ask for help! While it's easy to feel like an "F" will ruin your life when you are 18, remind them to keep things in perspective. It's easier to retake a class than fix mental health issues that spiral out of control. |
