When we think of sending our young adults off to college we usually have a certain image in our mind. Launching them to start an exciting time of independence, new friendships, and life-changing experiences. And yes, it can be all of that. But let’s be honest—this phase of life also comes with a steep learning curve. Supporting your college student’s mental health can be difference in them successfully navigating this pivotal time of life.
Many students enter college feeling unprepared for the emotional and mental challenges they must face. Among these are juggling academic pressure, social expectations, financial worries, and the uncertainty of the future. If they haven’t had much opportunity to practice autonomy, they may find they are struggling. Some students thrive, while others struggle to keep their heads above water.
As parents, it’s hard to watch from the sidelines when your child is feeling overwhelmed. The reality is that a successful college transition and mental health go hand in hand, and our kids need support more than ever. Here are some challenges they may face and what we, as parents, can do to help them navigate this pivotal time in their lives.
The Hidden Struggles of College Students
Many of us parents grew up hearing that college is “the best time of your life.” We may even look back at that time with rose colored glasses and only remember the freedom, friendship and successes. We tend to forget that while college offers incredible opportunities, it also brings stressors that can take a toll on students’ emotional well-being.
Some of the most common challenges include:
Academic Pressure
Even if your teen attended an academically rigorous high-school, the sheer amount and intensity of a college workload can be overwhelming. The pace is fast with high expectations and little room for failure.
Social Adjustments
For some it may be the first time they have had to share a room – often with a complete stranger. Then there is the need to build new social circles and find the people and places where they feel comfortable. Making new friends and feeling a sense of belonging can be hard – even for teens who had social success in high school.
Financial Stress
Tuition, rent, and daily expenses add up quickly, and may create stress about money. If a teen has little experience truly needing to plan and budget the reality of this can feel daunting. We as experienced adults fully understand how a trip to the drugstore to grab some toothpaste can turn into a $100 worth of purchases. Your teen however, may not be familiar with how easy it is to overspend. Add to this the easily available applications for first credit cards, your college student may soon find themselves in over their heads.
Homesickness and Loneliness
Even the most independent students can feel disconnected from their support system when away at school. College is a constant bombardment of new experiences and not being able to retreat to something familiar to regroup can be had. It’s important to acknowledge that homesickness impacts some students’ emotional stability and interferes with their academics.
Supporting Your College Students Mental Health
It’s natural to want to fix things when your child is struggling. It is very important to realize that your student is a young adult. They need to learn to manage these challenges. It can be tempting to want to swoop in and fix it all. Yet, if we do this they will not learn the necessary skills they will need in adulthood if we don’t support them in learning to manage independently. What can you do that won’t undermine their growth?
Encourage Open Conversations
Let your child know you are available to listen. Ask how they’re really doing—not just about their classes, but about how they feel. Listen without jumping in with solutions. Sometimes, they just need to vent.
Normalize Asking for Help
Many students hesitate to seek counseling or mental health support because they think they “should” be able to handle everything. Remind them that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If their college offers mental health services, encourage them to take advantage of them. This may include individual sessions or groups with others who are also struggling to adjust.
Help Them Prioritize Self-Care
College life is demanding, and self-care often takes a backseat. Have a direct conversation with your child about the importance of prioritizing pillars of physical health. Although they may say “I know all of this” a reminder of where to focus can be helpful even if they won’t admit it. Encourage them to focus on:
Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is critical to physical health. Encourage a bedtime “routine” of sorts (even if it’s just taking a shower and switching from screens to music before bed). Remind them that while the college culture may normalize the idea of an all-nighter, that it’s actually not only not healthy, but also not effective for peak academic performance.
Nutrition
Encourage your college student to make sure to eat two meals during the day that are nutrient dense. Calling ramen noodles a “meal” or pretending the dairy in the pizza they wolfed down at lunch is meeting their nutritional need for the day will only lead to feeling run down over time. It can also lead to illness which will only serve to make other stressors (fear of missing class, work or a social outing) more intense.
Regular Exercise
This can be built into their day by walking to class whenever possible. But also encourage them to fit in more specific efforts such as finding an intramural sport they enjoy or utilizing the campus gym. Remind them that the benefits aren’t just increased physical health but also as a stress reliever.
Take Breaks
Remind them that taking a short nap, unplugging from screens, and making plans to meet up with a friend for a mid-day coffee break are all ways to halt things when they find themselves in a stress cycle. Making a list of one hour breaks they can take when needed can help them from having to try to think of something when they are feeling stress. Sometimes the most obvious answer can elude us when we are stressed. Something as simple as having a list on their phone that includes “take a walk down to the lake and back” can help them take the break they need.
Keep Financial Stress in Check
Money worries are one of the biggest contributors to college anxiety. If possible, have honest conversations about budgeting, managing expenses, and setting financial expectations before problems arise. If they come to you saying they are in trouble financially, work to help them find solutions versus feeling pressure to jump in and fix things. Once they understand how to manage money for themselves, it’s less likely to be a stressor in the future.
Watch for Warning Signs
If your child seems withdrawn, constantly overwhelmed, or starts avoiding calls and messages, take it seriously. Ask them how they are feeling? Follow up if they are avoiding the question. Inquire if they feel they are keeping up academically (versus asking “how are your grades?”). Are they asking to come home for a weekend that wasn’t planned? If you can swing it, it can be a good way to visually assess how they are doing. Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood could be signs they’re struggling more than they’re letting on. If you’re concerned, gently encourage them to seek help.
Understanding Anxiety in College Students
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues among college students. While occasional stress is normal, chronic anxiety can interfere with their ability to function. Some of the biggest triggers include:
Academic Pressure: The fear of failure and constant deadlines can create a cycle of stress.
Social Expectations: The pressure to fit in, make friends, and “have the best college experience” can be overwhelming.
Uncertainty About the Future: Choosing a major, finding internships, and planning for post-college life can cause significant anxiety.
Loneliness: Many students feel isolated even with a busy social calendar. It can take time to find one to two really good friends that they trust.
The Reality of College Mental Health Statistics
A staggering 70% of college students report struggling with their mental health at some point. That means nearly three out of every four students are dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression—and many suffer in silence.
If we wouldn’t ignore a physical illness affecting this many young adults, we shouldn’t ignore their mental health either. The conversation around college and mental health needs to change, and it starts with awareness, support, and breaking the stigma.
Final Thoughts
College is a time of growth, exploration, and transformation—but it’s also a time of challenge. It’s okay for our kids to feel stressed, lost, or overwhelmed sometimes. Supporting your college student’s mental health will make a difference in how they traverse this phase of life. Let them know they’re not alone, and suggest tools to navigate challenging times. Stay in communication to assess if your college student’s stress is moving from occasional bouts of stress and sadness to a chronic state of anxiety or depression. Encourage them to explore peer and professional support systems. As parents, we can’t – and shouldn’t – always protect them from the difficulties of young adulthood. But we can offer support, encouragement, and a listening ear as they find their footing.