It’s important to know more about mental health during the college years and proactive steps that can help you support your student if needed.
If your student is headed to MSU and could use some guidance with the transition, we invite you to review the Guide to Health and Well-being at MSU from Student Health and Wellness (pdf). The guide includes information about services available to students and how to transition care from a provider back home.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), in partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), released “Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health,” a guide to help students and parents talk about mental health.
Set To Go is a JED program that provides tools and information aimed at parents and their students preparing for the transition from high school to college.
JED and WebMD collaborated to bring a special report Preparing for College: The Mental Health Gap with articles, videos and articles to help discern whether your teen is mentally and emotionally ready to face the challenges of independence.
Approximately 75% of mental health conditions begin by age 24, making college a critical time, especially as students transition away from their support systems. With one in five young adults living with a mental health condition and suicide ranking as the second leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds, it is vital to talk about mental health before students leave for college.
Key takeaways:
Mental health conditions are common. One in five young adults will experience a mental health condition during their college years. When facing a mental illness, students should know they are not alone.
There are warning signs. Parents and students should learn how to recognize the warning signs of mental illness in themselves and in others before it’s too late. Being informed can save lives.
Seek help when you need it. Students should be aware of the mental health resources and care options available to them— for example, most colleges have health clinics on campus—and should not hesitate to ask for help.
Know the laws. Health privacy laws prevent mental health professionals from sharing sensitive information with families. Having a support system that is aware and involved will better enable students to overcome mental health challenges.
Help your student better prepare for this transition by helping them understand and discuss issues related to college student mental health and establish a plan to address potential concerns together. Two resources that can help include: