It is essential for families throughout the college planning process to have conversations beyond academics, career planning, and financial aid. College is often the first time for many young people to experience free time, independence, and self-management. There are also new stressors in college life, with a range of both healthy outlets and unhealthy temptations readily available as coping measures.
The Stand Project wants to ensure that your family is well-equipped for life after high school, and that your student is enabled to become a responsible, productive, and passionate adult. Hold conversations and seek resources around these and other important well-being topics:
Know the available on-campus counseling and mental health services and how to access them.
Establish your child's own healthcare literacy.
Discuss and agree upon the level of parental access to medical and academic files after they turn 18.
Strategize how your child can stay connected to their current support system, and how to build a new one at school.
Strategize tips for managing free time and independence.
Understand what is hazing.
Discuss self-regulation and healthy coping strategies.
Know the risks of using alcohol, recreational drugs, and "study drugs" - and know about fentanyl.
Discuss sexual health and consensual relationships.
Consider training courses like CPR, naloxone (Narcan), EpiPen, and self-defense.
Central Ohio’s NPR News station recently aired on its All Sides show an episode that we feel should be mandatory listening for all families with high school students who are considering college!
ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS: An 89.7 NPR News - All Sides episode (aired on September 12 & 28, 2023)
Premise
The beginning of college can be an exciting time in a student’s life. It’s also a time when mental health issues begin to surface. And data shows student mental health is worsening.
According to the Healthy Minds Study, during the 2020–2021 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem.
Colleges and universities are working harder to provide mental health resources for students.
This episode of All Sides addresses the mental health concerns for college students and what’s being done to help them.
Host
Amy Juravich - 89.7 NPR News Midday Host and Assistant Program Director
Guests
Dinah Meyer - Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, Muskingum University Jack Wheeler - Clinical social worker and Director of Student Wellness, Denison University
LISTEN to the 51-minute episode.
And finally, save this College Parent Checklist and use it each season as a guide for checking in on your college student’s health and well-being:
