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Take a Summer Mental Health Break

Posted on July 6, 2023August 21, 2024

During the school year, mental health sometimes gets put on the back burner as you add coursework, plan extracurricular activities, and live life in a way that is still somewhat new to you. According to the American Psychological Association, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health condition during the 2020-21 school year.

During college semesters, there are resources available on-campus and online – including Happier U, Journey to College’s initiative with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Show Me Hop Crisis Counseling Program. Some of these resources may not be available when school is not in session. So what can you do to heal and help your mental health during the summer?

Summer is a perfect time for a break from school and have a much needed (and deserved!) mental health break. Take advantage of the warm days and sunshine to heal and help your mental health before fall, when everything picks back up again. A mental health break can be the best way for you to avoid burnout and re-energize yourself before it becomes time to take harder classes.

It is also a great time to refocus your mental health and figure out ways to incorporate good habits into your routine before the next semester rolls around. No matter how you choose to spend your summer, it is a good time to take a proactive approach to your mental well-being.

Here are some things that you can do during the summer to give yourself a mental health break and boost your mental well-being before the fall semester starts.

Celebrate Your Victories

It is easy to get caught up in the big victories of your college experience: getting scholarships, passing classes, and graduating. What about those small victories that add up throughout the semester? Did you give a really good presentation or successfully finish a large project? Did you manage to make it to every class during the semester, or even take a day off for your mental health?

Consider starting your summer with a celebration of all the tiny victories that helped you conquer the semester. Reflecting on your semester wins, no matter the size, is a great way to practice gratitude and celebrate a completed semester. If there is anything in particular that stands out from your successes, you can add them to your stockpile of tactics to get through a semester.

Try Various Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques may seem daunting at first, but a little practice will improve your focus. Relaxation techniques include visualization, yoga, art therapy, journaling, breathing exercises, and so much more.

Without the stress of homework, late-night deadlines, and other college activities, summer is a perfect time to practice your relaxation techniques and incorporate them into your routine. As with any other skill, practice will improve these techniques and allow them to help you more. It also gives time for trial and error, as not every relaxation technique will work for everyone.

Do a Digital Detox

Even if you are doing a summer class or an internship, there is probably time during the summer to set down the devices and spend some time away from the screen. While this may seem like a suggestion to cut the cord completely for a while, you don’t have to go to extreme measures to take a mental health break during the summer.

If you are taking summer classes, consider choosing a period of time each day or week to shut down the computer, put your phone on silent, and just step away for a bit. Want something a bit more drastic? Consider cutting out “modern technology”, however you define it, for 24 hours. This works really well if you find yourself without a schedule for a day or two and can carve out that time to drop any tech that has been in use for most of your life.

Seek Out Green (or Blue) Space!

We all know that getting out into nature or green spaces helps, but did you know that Blue Spaces — places where you are near water — are also as beneficial to your mental health? It helps calm your internal state and can lead to fewer mental health issues in the long run.

Summer is the best time of year for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, soaking up some sun, and just being outside. It can also be a great time of year to explore Missouri State Parks and Conservation Areas. Just remember to use sun protection and hydrate when you are out and about this summer (especially if you are on any medicines for mental health). Even if you are not able to escape wherever you find yourself spending the summer, there is a chance that there is green or blue space near you!

Build your Coping Toolbox / Mental Health Toolkit

According to Mental Health America, a mental health toolkit, or as they call it, a coping toolbox is “a collection of skills, techniques, items, and other suggestions that you can turn to as soon as you start to feel anxious or distressed.” Without knowing it as a “coping toolbox,” you may already have some of these aspects at the ready for when things happen.

This toolkit may include breathing techniques, meditation strategies, comfort media, favorite stuffed animal, favorite foods, a blanket, affirmations (like the ones listed on the Happier U page), or a way to process your feelings (a journal, paper, chart).

The best thing about such a toolkit is that it doesn’t have to be all physical. Consider writing a list of resources and reminders in a notes app on your phone. You can also add online resources and phone numbers to contact when you need help.

In addition to the resources listed above, be sure to check out Happier U. There are resources located on that page for students to utilize, no matter the time of year, for mental health practices.

Advice from Young Adults: Connect with Your College Student Who is Struggling with Mental Health

Posted on October 4, 2022August 21, 2024

College-bound teens and young adults spend months preparing to go off to school. At this part of their journey, they are making decisions about meal plans and where to live, as well as class schedules and financial aid packages. These are not easy decisions. Even more difficult decisions and situations are to come once school starts. Although the focus is on the student during this time of major life change, it’s an important time for parents to take a step back and think: How can I be the best support system for my child during their college career, and foster a relationship built on trust? How can I help my child through a mental health crisis?

According to the 2022 Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors, a Partners in Prevention study, nearly half (47 percent) of Missouri college students report having suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, and 25 percent of students report suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months. In the past 12 months, 2.1 percent of students report attempting suicide. It’s no secret that college students are taking on massive amounts of stress. Keeping this research in mind, parents should always have their child’s mental health safety at the top of mind and be willing to see their child’s point of view from other perspectives.

A Young Adult's Story

While young adults may not be interested in listening to their parents, they may seek advice from someone who has been in their shoes or someone who is close to them in age.

Britt Grindstaff is the Youth and Young Adult Coordinator at the Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis. At the Behavioral Health Network, Britt brings lived experience to her position — as a young adult who has lived with a mental illness — to help inform the organization’s program and projects. Britt attended St. Louis University from 2015 through 2020; she took a brief break from school during her senior year due to mental health challenges. Britt wants parents to understand just how common it is for college to be a tipping point in a students’ mental health journey.

“I’ve witnessed a lot of parents who feel like their child struggling with their mental health came out of left field, and they weren’t prepared to interact and support them within this new context or situation,” Britt says. She urges parents to realize that college can bring overwhelming amounts of stress and anxiety. “There are so many responsibilities and expectations that I often felt completely unprepared for,” she says. “When I expressed how overwhelmed I was, I was often met with, ‘That’s just the way things are’ or I was provided no practical support.”

The Missouri Department of Mental Health works closely with behavioral health providers around the state, such as the Compass Health Network. Wayne Johnson is the Team Lead for the organization’s ACT TAY (Assertive Community Treatment – Transitional Age Youth) program at Compass Health Network, which provides psychosocial services directed to transitional age youth (ages 16-25) with severe and persistent mental illness. He says open communication is the cornerstone of how parents can help their children.

“The transitional age of 16-25 can be a very difficult time in figuring out identity, gaining independence and struggling to fit in the world,” Wayne says. “It is especially hard for those who are experiencing mental illness and the side effects that can bring. In our experience working with this age group, we have found that providing a safe space for people to be heard and validated, a structure of consistency, encouraging employment, continued education, or tech training and building a natural support system have been effective in supporting this transition.”

Knowing this information, what else can parents be doing to help their child through tough times? Being non-judgmental is at the top of the list.

“One of the most terrifying moments of my life was when I told my parents I wasn’t passing classes because my depression had gotten so bad,” she explains. “But they didn’t bat an eye. They stepped up to help me connect with student affairs for academic accommodations and gave me the reassurance that this wasn’t something that made me a ‘bad’ student or person.”

Honesty and vulnerability provide other avenues to connect with a struggling student. Having a one-sided conversation may be isolating for them, so be open to sharing your feelings, thoughts and experiences too.

“Being able to have those tough conversations with your child will not only help them feel validated and normalized, but it will help bring you closer,” Britt says. “Ask your child how they want to be supported and respect their answer. You may not be able to ‘fix’ every situation and your young adult may want to make a different choice or approach than you would, but that is okay.”

Most importantly, be open to admitting your mistakes and be transparent in saying “I was wrong.”

“For every instance my parents have been incredible and supportive, there have been moments where they’ve unintentionally caused more harm or made choices that with the knowledge, they have now around mental illnesses they never would consider now,” Britt says. “But they’ve approached those moments with humility and honesty, and used them as opportunities to grow. It can be so difficult to acknowledge when, even with the best intentions, we have caused someone harm or pain but to not acknowledge it is to discredit their experiences and feelings.”

ASAP Help

Mental health support and crisis intervention are always available with the 988 National Crisis Line. Call or text 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to speak with a trained crisis counselor via a secure online platform. The mental health professional can help talk through issues, including financial-related stress. The Crisis Text Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Partners in Prevention Helps Missouri Students through Mental Health Struggles

Posted on October 3, 2022August 21, 2024

Here’s a daunting statistic about Missouri’s college students and mental health: one in four college students in the state have had suicidal thoughts in the past year. Upon hearing that, parents may turn a blind eye and say, “Yeah, but that’s not my kid.”

But the fact of the matter is, it could very well be your kid, which is why it is vital for college campuses to have easy access to the diverse mental health resources students need.

Enter Missouri’s Partners in Prevention Program, founded more than 20 years ago as an organization that addressed the negative consequences of alcohol use in college students. Today, Partners in Prevention has transformed into a coalition of 24 colleges and universities across the state that are dedicated to addressing healthier and safer campus environments. Partners in Prevention is funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety and Traffic Division. With grants, Partners in Prevention provides campuses technical assistance to analyze the current landscape and determine what each campus needs for its students. No campus is the same.

Joan Masters is the project director for Partners in Prevention and has been with the organization since its inception. “The issues students are facing on campus are very complex,” she says, “and they are experiencing trauma and serious mental health struggles (which could have come forth pre-college) that could lead to suicide.”

According to Partners in Prevention, 47 percent of Missouri college students report having suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives; 25 percent report having suicidal thoughts in the past year, with 2.1 percent attempting suicide. Fifty-eight percent of students who report having suicidal thoughts or who attempted suicide in the past year have not sought assistance. Students are also experiencing sexual violence on campus and are witnessing perpetrated acts of violence, but they don’t necessarily have the tools and knowledge yet to intervene in those situations.

“What we know is that on every campus, there are students experiencing trauma and struggling with mental health,” says Joan. “They are self-medicating with substances that are either illegal or not prescribed by their doctor, which is not solving their problems.”

For parents, it is so important to prioritize kids’ mental health just as you would physical health, and normalize seeking out help. Parents must look out for and care about all aspects of their child’s mental health in order to properly address suicide prevention. This includes whether or not their child is interacting with substances, if they are caring for their bodies, and if they know how to access and ask for services before they get to college. Joan encourages parents to equip their child with tools such as the ability to recognize if something is physically or mentally not right with their body, when to reach out and get help, how to resist self-medicating, and how to advocate for themselves.

“With these tools, if they are truly at the point of suicidal thoughts or actions, they will know to ask for help before suicide occurs,” says Joan.

What else can parents do to be present and willing to help? Partners in Prevention provides guidance on how to create three critical conversations with their college students about alcohol use, mental health and drugs. Conversations, not lectures, are key to finding out how they feel.

“If you have an 18-year-old going off to college in a few months, and you’ve never spoken to them about mental health, it’s never too late,” Joan reinforces. “Talk about your expectations and what you hope for them. Most importantly, when you talk about why their mental health is important, you aren’t just preparing them for college, but you are preparing them to be an adult. We do not want them to have low knowledge or high stigma around mental health, leading them to not practice those important life skills in college and fail.”

“College is an incredibly supportive environment, and attending college and living in the community is a protective factor against suicide,” Joan continues. “The more we increase those protective factors, and increase our child’s knowledge and willingness to receive help, the more likely kids will gain skills to successfully navigate through life.”

Over Joan’s two-decade career at Partners in Prevention, a lot has changed. She says less students are using alcohol, instead choosing to live a sober lifestyle, regardless of age. More students are coming to campuses appropriately medicated. However, marijuana use has risen over the past decade, with students believing cannabis is a cure for something and not understanding how it affects them. There are also more students than ever who have experienced sexual trauma, and they are coming to campus needing treatment for bigger issues than college counselors can address. With all of these very complex issues, students are finding it difficult to navigate through, which makes it increasingly important for parents to cultivate a safe space for their child to understand their mental health and to get help.

“Normalize mental health services and talk to your kids about what they are feeling and what they are thinking about, and ask if they need assistance with mental health care,” Joan says. “Create an ‘In this house, we seek therapy’ environment to take down the stigmas.”

If you find that your child is really struggling, let them know that it is OK to say that they need a time out and to consider taking a semester off to work on their mental health, de-stress, and get better. After all, they are what always matters.

Missouri’s Partners in Prevention program is the go-to resource for college campuses in Missouri. To access resources such as brochures, recommended readings, fact sheets and the program’s blog, visit www.mopip.org. Partners in Prevention also helps lead “Ask. Listen. Refer.” a statewide online suicide prevention training program created for campuses throughout Missouri. To get started, take the 20-minute survey at www.asklistenrefer.org.

Suicide Prevention for College Students

Posted on October 3, 2022August 21, 2024

College represents so much to a student — the opportunity to start a fresh chapter in their lives and work toward their professional and personal goals. But it also represents a significant shift in lifestyle and habits; it is a period of transitions and lots of change. While some students can weather through the difficult times, there is no doubt these challenges have the potential to become too much.

The New York Times took a look at the pressure college students put on themselves and found that students who excelled in high school expect to do the same in college. While this is a common aspiration, it can cause them struggle. Students may worry about larger class sizes, more challenging curriculum, deadlines and difficulty managing time, as well as finances, student loans, and keeping up with extracurricular activities or a job. Combined, this can have profound effects on mental health… and in the worst-case scenario, can lead to the possibility of suicidal thoughts.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicide is now the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-43 in the U.S. This daunting statistic leads to so many other questions too. NAMI states, “A 2018 study found that at any time within the last 12 months, 41% of students felt so depressed that it was difficult to function and 62% felt overwhelming anxiety.” It is also estimated that one in five college students has a substance use disorder.

Mental Health America of California says many forms of mental illness first emerge during the college years, often coinciding with young adults’ first time living away from home. In fact, more than one in three college students have reported that they have been “so depressed that it was difficult to function.”

Mental Health America of California goes even further in their findings about college students and mental health. According to the 2016 Annual Report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health’s (CCMH), there was a 5% increase in college enrollment, nationwide, accompanied by 30% increase in demand for mental health services, between 2010 and 2016. And of those students in treatment at college counseling centers, approximately:

One in two have received psychological services in the past five years
One in 10 have been psychiatrically hospitalized before
One in four report engaging in self-injurious behavior, such as cutting
One in three have seriously considered suicide

What Families, Students, and Colleges Can Do

Suicides are preventable. Improving mental health and trauma literacy is a critical step in decreasing suicides and recognizing the warning signs to get people the help they need as early as possible. Students, parents and family, and colleges and community organizations can make a commitment to enhance their mental health literacy by using any of the following resources provided in Missouri.

Training programs like Mental Health First Aid Missouri, Missouri Suicide Prevention Network, Missouri Ask, Listen, Refer or Missouri Department of Mental Health Trauma Informed Care E-Learning Course are available to the public and can be taken by anyone with access to internet.

NAMI outlines these actions that can be taken by students, parents and family members, and colleges to lower the risk of suicide:

Families

Address concerns as soon as possible. Depression and teenage angst look similar, but if you think something is indeed wrong, be up front with your child about it — this will increase the likelihood of early recognition and diagnosis of an issue and improve treatment outcomes.
Encourage your child to talk about their mental health challenges with a counselor, family member or trusted adult. Fear of overreaction is a reason why some students may not feel comfortable speaking to parents. Be supportive and receptive to these discussions and how they can help get treatment.
If students have a pre-existing mental health condition, help create a college transition plan that outlines treatment continuity.
Parents and family members should be in contact with the campus counseling center if HIPAA and FERPA waivers are obtained from the student.
Drive home the importance of self-care and where to go on campus for emotional and academic support. Connect with fellow parents on college parent portals, Facebook groups and other online forums to discuss ways to get involved and advocate for resources and programming that address student mental health.
Discuss stories in news and media to have preventative conversations with your child about mental health, overdose or suicide deaths. They probably have thoughts, opinions and concerns they would share with you if asked. You may learn more about your child’s own mental health or substance use in the process.
Make a commitment to learn about mental health literacy to have a better understanding of what to look for and how to talk about mental health, suicide and substance use.

Students

Students should be aware of and know how to recognize signs of mental health issues in order to help their fellow classmates or get help themselves. Help could include practicing self-care and being supportive to friends and classmates.
Talk, talk, talk! Students are more likely to talk with another student about their distress rather than with an older adult. Students should utilize on-campus student mental health resources and advocate for support and programming on campus.
Improve your mental health and trauma literacy by taking courses to learn more about mental health, suicide and trauma recovery. Resources may be available on campus, through the campus course catalog or through online resources.

Colleges

Identify students who are at risk for mental health illness, alcohol abuse and drug use problems. Colleges should provide assistance to support the transition from high school to college.
Support social connections on campus that are aimed at promoting inclusivity between students who feel disconnected or isolated and students who are traditionally marginalized or at higher risk.
Foster an environment that makes it easy and comfortable for students to ask for help. There should be easy access to mental health resources and support.
Providing on-campus access to substance abuse and mental health services is vital.
Create an institutional response to student suicide, death or emergency. Crisis management procedures, such as access to emergency services or local and national crisis resources, should always be in place.
Support education around vital life skills, such as how social- emotional and physical wellness can impact academic success.
Provide training opportunities for faculty and staff to learn more about mental health, suicide prevention and trauma sensitive schools.

Seeking Help

Make sure your child knows that help is just a call or text away. Mental health support and crisis intervention are always available with the 988 Crisis Line or Crisis Text Line. Just text “MO SAFE” or “HOME” to 741-741 from anywhere in the U.S. to speak with a trained crisis counselor via a secure online platform. Through texting, the counselor can help talk through issues, including financial-related stress. The Crisis Text Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

HappierU also has many resources to help. Visit the Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling Program’s YouTube page or short videos providing tips, advice and exercises anyone can do to manage and reduce stress, promote positive personal growth, and help you live a happier life using science-based methods.

How to Support Your Child During Their Time in College

Posted on October 3, 2022August 21, 2024

Having a strong support system is crucial for college students. Over four years, they have to deal with the pressure of keeping up with tougher curriculum and forming new study habits, all the while balancing new friendships and maintaining old ones, joining new organizations and activities, staying in touch with family, and possibly working at a new job. Nonetheless, it is exhausting. All the more reason they should have an army of support behind them to cope with stress, anxiety and depression.

Family members, close friends, classmates, professors, teaching assistants, counselors and advisors all provide help and resources in their own way, making the college transition and overall experience much smoother and easier for students. Parents, however, may have the biggest supporter role of all. From early on in the college decision-making process, parents should serve as a guiding light for their child as they make decisions that could affect the next four years of their lives. Which college is best for them, and how do you know? What kind of financial aid do they need? Are they applying for scholarships, grants and loans?

Once a student heads off to college, these questions could shift to ones about mental health concerns and what kind of support parents should provide their kids while they are going to school.

The statistics around college students and mental health are alarming. According to a 2021 Healthy Minds Network study of college student mental health, 34 percent of respondents had anxiety disorder and 41 percent reported depression. Furthermore, a study from Boston University found that from 2013 to 2021, rates of depression among college students increased by 135% and rates of anxiety increased by 110 percent. The pressure college students face daily is real, and some are struggling to keep up. Parents should be aware and alert of changes in their child’s attitude and behaviors, which can inform just how much support the child may need at a given moment.

Facing Challenges Head-On

With rising concerns around college and mental health, how can you be supportive of your college student without being overbearing? When is the best time to approach them and offer your help? What do you do if they don’t want to listen to you or take your advice? These are all great questions to ask yourself if you find that your child is facing a challenging time on campus. Marcia Morris, M.D., writes for the National Alliance on Mental Illness that you should remember the five T’s: Tell, Test, Teach, Talk, Take Action.

Tell your child that they can come to you with any problem. Some children may fear what you may say in response to their issue, or feel like they are burdening you with their problems. Remind them that you are always there for them and are always ready to lend an ear to listen.
Test their academic health by checking their end-of-semester grades. Students who are doing poorly and failing in school may be suffering from anxiety or depression, and unfortunately, they may think they are on their own in figuring out their school problems. Work to stay abreast of their academic standing throughout the semester, and encourage them to use on-campus resources and seek guidance from their advisors and counselors.
Teach them how to recognize depression and anxiety. Remember those stats referenced earlier in this post? One in 3 students have reported having an anxiety disorder, and 4 in 10 have reported depression. Teach your child to identify warning signs such as excessive worrying, overuse of substances like drugs or alcohol, inability to carry out daily activities, and thoughts of suicide. Anxiety and depression are treatable conditions. Your child has the ability to recognize how they are doing.
Whether they give off stress or not, Talk with them frequently through phone calls, texts, or video calls. Or better yet, pay them a visit at their school, especially if you know they have been feeling down. (It is also important to plan a weekend visit at least once during the first semester of their freshman year.)
Finally, Take Action if your child is experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness, such as suicidal thoughts. Help them find treatment immediately and guide them to stay actively involved in their treatment. If you have an immediate cause for concern about their safety, contact campus police and mental health services.

Other Ways You Can Help

Sarah Curzi, PhD encourages the creation of a “mental health plan” that encourages parents and children to be open to conversations about mental health struggles and concerns, in an effort to destigmatize them. In an article for Collegiate Parent, Curzi says to share contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as well as the community mental health resources available at school such as counseling or psychological services, or student health primary care providers. Make sure students understand their student health insurance plan, and what a copay is and what in-network versus out-of-network means. Some may not seek help because of costs, so let them know of what is available to them, including free or sliding scale clinics. Help them identify ways to build community and maintain social contact around them. Most of all, always be available.

Call or Text for Crisis Support

One of the best ways to support your child is to remind them that help is just a call or text away. Mental health support and crisis intervention are always available with the 988 Crisis Line or Crisis Text Linefrom anywhere in the U.S. to speak with a trained crisis counselor via a secure online platform. Through texting, the counselor can help talk through issues, including financial-related stress. 988 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When Does the Brain Reach Maturity? It’s Later than You Think

Posted on October 3, 2022August 21, 2024

Life is full of milestones. Many are based on age: getting your driver’s license at 16, voting for the first time at 18, and being able to purchase alcohol at 21. With all these big events, you may think that your teen or twenty-something is officially a grown-up and ready for anything. Their brain, however, isn’t.

Dr. Angeline Stanislaus is the Chief Medical Officer for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. She says that, while it may seem like an 18, 20, or 22-year-old is able to make adult decisions, they are not developmentally ready just yet. This is because the brain’s frontal lobe, especially the prefrontal cortex, isn’t fully mature until around age 25.

The development of the pre-frontal cortex of the frontal lobe allows us to process the pros and cons of a decision before it is made. “It lets us to do things most animals cannot,” explains Dr. Stanislaus. “Decision making, logical thinking, reasoning — all of those things happen because of the frontal lobe.”

The prefrontal cortex is associated with planning and problem-solving. MIT’s Young Adult Development Project explains that it connects all parts of the brain. “The prefrontal cortex communicates more fully and effectively with other parts of the brain, including those that are particularly associated with emotion and impulses, so that all areas of the brain can be better involved in planning and problem-solving.”

So, what does this mean for young adults? And why is it important for students, parents, and teachers to understand brain growth and development?

Think about the brain’s development under the umbrella of what kinds of decisions typically face teens and young adults. For example, with an under-developed brain, they may be more inclined to speed without thinking of the consequences, such as getting a ticket or causing an accident when they are driving in a hurry. If they are out with friends and presented with alcohol or drugs, they may not think about the short-term and long-term consequences of this behavior – what it means to fail a drug test at work, develop an addiction, or the legal consequences of substance use.

The Role of Parents

While time is necessary for optimal brain development, there are things parents can do to help their child until their brain reaches full maturity. A story about young adult brain development by Today.com encourages parents to help their child maintain independence by taking responsibility for themselves in school and at work. If they ask for your advice in solving a problem, don’t solve it for them; instead, get them to build their own problem-solving skills by asking what they think they should do or if there is another way to handle the issue. Encourage them to reach out to an advisor on campus if they need additional help.

There are ways parents can help train the brain much earlier. Encourage your child to find a job, which can build decision-making skills and allow young adults to thrive in different situations. Your child can become better at money management and understand the consequences of their actions.

Staying Involved and Engaged

It is important to create a level of excitement for kids at a young age, whether it’s through a job, hobby, sports or another healthy activity. Otherwise, the young mind tends to gravitate towards unhealthy ways of achieving enjoyment, such as risk-taking behaviors.

“Because the prefrontal cortex is not developed, kids are not thinking about the consequences of their actions because they are just enjoying the experience,” explains Dr. Stanislaus. She says that for 14 and 15-year-olds, it is critical for parents and schools to foster productive, positive experiences for them, such as sports or other healthy communal activities. Kids who are more involved in such activities and have more structure to their day are less likely to do drugs and engage in risky behaviors, compared to kids who do not have structure to their day.

With the development of the prefrontal cortex happening through the mid-twenties, it’s not difficult to see that, as college students grow older, their behaviors change. “With freshmen and sophomores, they are more focused on having a good time and don’t think much about the consequences. Getting to all their classes and keeping good grades are not often a priority for them,” says Dr. Stanislaus. But by the time they are seniors, they have different behaviors, and are more focused on their careers. That behavior continues through their twenties as they plan for their future. They are much more responsible, looking more closely at their career paths, and determining life goals.

Tech and Young Minds

Today.com reinforces that while young adults are capable of making decisions, “They must work harder than mature adults to stay focused, make responsible choices and avoid risky behaviors. 24/7 access to technology via smart phones and the Internet can impact developing minds. “The developing brain is often overwhelmed by information overload. And while the brain is still developing, this can lead teens and young adults to appear unfocused, not goal-oriented, and to engage in risky behaviors.”

Dr. Stanislaus points out that social media consumption can have a negative effect on kids. Those who spend more time on social media have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. This is because they are always seeking likes and comments for social approval and validation, and the fear of missing out makes them feel insecure.

Social media also lessens face-to-face interaction and the good feelings that comes with it. Dr. Stanislaus stresses how vital it is for teens and young adults to socialize in person. “Human beings need engagement and interaction,” she says. “With social interaction from working in school or on projects with partners, there is a joy that is created, and they need that joy. Social media cuts away time in engaging in social activities that can bring happiness.”

The Takeaways

The most important thing parents should do, says Dr. Stanislaus, is to support their young adult as their brain develops. Kids are going to make mistakes — even when they are well into their twenties. Give them freedom, but help them understand the consequences of that freedom, while reinforcing positive behaviors. Show them ways to work through problems. If they do cross the line, talk through what happened and allow them to face the consequences within a safe structure. Allow mistakes to be made, but help your child learn from them.

Having a Difficult Conversation with your Student

Posted on July 28, 2022August 21, 2024

Change is inevitable when a student goes off to college. Students who have gone away have to adapt to a new place to live, new friends and teachers, new learning environments, and new challenges that come with this next phase in their lives. Parents have to adapt to new ways to give their support and be there for their student. One thing that remains the same, however, is the need for both sides to communicate how they are doing and feeling during these times.

It is likely that your student will experience some level of stress during their time in college, but there are variations in how serious that stress can become. According to Forefront Suicide Prevention, one in three college students experiences a mental health issue, most commonly anxiety or depression. Major life changes such as adjusting to college life and experiencing added academic stress can set the stage for the onset of mental health issues.

Due to these changes, it has become even more important to frequently check in on your student through phone and video calls, text messages, emails, on social media and campus visits. When you reach out via these touch points, keep an eye out for signs of distress, such as these (courtesy of the University of Iowa):

You notice a decline in the quality of their school performance.
You notice a prolonged appearance of depression — they have a sad expression, have experienced a sudden weight gain or loss, or they feel apathetic.
You find they are nervous, agitated, irritated easily, aggressive, and/or they talk non-stop.
They exhibit bizarre behavior or speech.
They have an extreme dependency on family, including exceptionally long or distressing phone calls or visits at home.
There is a change in their personal hygiene.
They indirectly or directly talk of suicide.
You are concerned by things they mention in your conversations.

Your student could exhibit any one of these during their time in college, but if you find one or more instances to be particularly alarming, or that they are lasting longer than you believe is typical, then there could be a more serious problem. Identifying this is easier said than done as these signs can be difficult to recognize.

Opening the Door to Conversation

If you believe a larger mental health issue is happening and that it is time to step in, first, determine the urgency of the situation. This will guide your approach to intervening. The University of Iowa shares this guidance about starting the conversation with students who are struggling with their mental health:

Listen to your student and try to be nonjudgmental and uncritical.
Spend time with them, if possible, and show that you are there for them and present.
Let them know directly that you care and are willing to listen.
Let them know you understand their problem. Be encouraging and hopeful that it will eventually resolve and that they will eventually feel better.
Do not try to help them solve the problem until you have taken the time to listen.
Ask them what they think might help before you offer your own solutions. If you do not feel their safety is being compromised, encourage them to try out their own solutions before they try yours.
Share similar experiences or feelings but do not make the conversation about you.
Reassure them that you will respect their privacy but avoid total secrecy in case you need to reveal something to keep them safe.
Help them understand there are limits to your support and expertise and remind them they can speak to a professional if the help they need is more than what you can provide.
Remind them that it is a sign of maturity to seek help when it is needed.
If you are concerned for their safety, ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” rather than, “You aren’t thinking of suicide, are you?”
Recommend, but do not insist, they seek professional help, unless the situation is urgent.
Continuously follow up with them and keep your line of communication always open.

Resources at School

On-campus support is vital to mental health wellness. Check in with your student’s college or university about the mental health resources they provide.

What services are available to support students with mental health concerns?
Do counselors include people of color, including those who are Black and Indigenous?
Who should family members contact if they believe their student is struggling?
Are faculty members supportive of students living with mental health concerns?
What resources are available if a student mental health crisis occurs after hours?

The University of Iowa provides additional steps to take if you believe it is time for on-campus counseling. Make your recommendation to your student in a matter-of-fact manner, and make it clear that this decision represents your best judgment based on your observations and the information you have gathered, as well as your life experiences. Point out the specific behavior that has raised your concerns. Except in cases of emergency, students must have the option to accept or refuse counseling. If there is reluctance on their end, accept their feelings and give them room to consider alternatives and suggest that they give it some time to think it over.

If counseling is decided upon, work with them to make their appointments and offer to accompany them or suggest they bring a friend along. In emergency situations, you can bring the student directly to counseling services.

Crisis Text Line

Help is always available. Call or text 988 – the national behavioral health crisis line- from anywhere in the U.S. to speak with a trained mental health provider via a secure online platform. They can help talk through issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. The Crisis Text Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When Your Child Feels “Meh” About College

Posted on July 28, 2022August 21, 2024

College is a rite of passage — the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds; carve out a path for personal growth; learn new skills; pursue a career; find independence; and gain valuable, real-world experiences. But not everyone sees it that way. For some students, college may seem like an unnecessary life choice that has no benefit or gain to them. Or their attitude toward college changes as their educational journey continues.

This begs the question: What makes post secondary education an attractive option for some, but the complete opposite for others? The answer may be apathy.

Apathy is defined as the feeling of not feeling. Psychology Today breaks it down a bit more: “Whenever you feel that something vital is missing from your life, yet lack the drive to pursue it, you’re afflicted with this curiously ‘emotionless’ emotion.” Apathetic students have no feeling or another about attending college; more so, they are likely to feel disconnected and unmotivated about the college experience altogether.

Conversations about students and apathy lead back to mental health. According to College Parent Central, “Students who are apathetic about their college experiences, who are disconnected and disengaged, are at greatest risk for low morale, for leaving school and/or for suffering depression.”

For high school students, the journey to determine their college plans brings a level of stress that perhaps they have never experienced before. From maintaining a good GPA and studying for and taking the ACT or SAT, to campus visits, applications, essays, interviews and discussions about financial aid, the college decision-making process is long and difficult. And even after a school is determined and the fall semester begins, students are met with a new way of life and new challenges — keeping up with academic demands, making new friends, getting used to a brand-new experience all the while managing independence. This may cause some to feel lonely, or have anxiety or depression.

With all of these stressors, it’s easy to see why pursuing a college degree may not be the top priority for a high school student. Furthermore, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides these stats on mental health and young people:

1 in 5 youth and young people experiences a mental health condition
75% of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 24
30% of college students reported feeling so down at some point in the previous year that they found it difficult to function

Determining if Your Student is Apathetic

If you think your child is apathetic toward college, College Parent Central suggests asking yourself some of the following questions:

• Does my student learn and do only what is required and no more?
• Is my student so busy working or socializing that they save little of their energy for school?
• Has my student chosen their major for the “return on investment” rather than to fulfill a passion?
• Is my student generally unmotivated about school?
• Is my student disconnected or disengaged from the college experience — not really caring about much?
• Does my student avoid communicating with faculty members and advisors through appointments, e-mails or phone conversations?
• Does my student avoid studying?
• Does my student have a significant number of absences from classes?
• Does my student ever misuse alcohol or drugs? Are they involved in binge drinking?
• Is my student involved in activities on campus?
• Does my student show a lack of concern for most social issues happening in the world today?
• Does my student show an inability to handle their own affairs?

If you answered yes to some of the questions above, you may want to discuss with your child their views on college or their plans for the future.

It's Time for an Important Conversation

How do you cope with a child who is apathetic about college? Sit down with them for a one-on-one conversation and offer your help. Ask them to share their goals and talk to them about their mental health. Assure them that they can trust you, and create a space where they feel open and willing to chat.

Within these conversations, College Parent Central wants you to encourage your child to explore their interests and find others who may share those interests. If they are having trouble making friends, share with them opportunities to volunteer, join a club, engage in activities on campus or find a part-time job they know they will enjoy. Remind them that there are many resources available at school, including health and counseling centers. Talk to them about self-care, whether that may be exercise, therapy or taking mental health days.

If they truly do not feel a connection to college, then it simply might not be the best time for them to go to college. Alternative options like taking a gap semester or gap year could give them the time they need to make a more informed decision about their future.

College Parent Central also shares that you should reinforce to your child that they themselves can do something about their apathy. Help them explore their needs and their expectations on what college would be like. If they have specific interests or goals they’d like to accomplish, show them how college can be a way to reach those goals.

When your child is ready and able to combat their apathy, they’ll work on getting more involved. You may see them engaging in new activities and making friends. They’ll begin to feel more in control and fully immerse themselves in and enjoy the college experience.

Avoid lecturing, blaming or invalidating them. That will only send the message that you aren’t a safe person they can talk to about their real issues. Remember, they may have deep concerns about college, motivation and their future. The more open and accepting you are the easier it will be to have conversations that matter and guide them along the way.

Scholarship Search Help

According to the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, apathy toward attending college is one reason scholarship applications are decreasing. This means more scholarships are currently available for students. Here at Happier U, we provide a variety of resources to help you and your child find a scholarship that is right for them.

Be sure to visit our Search for Scholarships page for guidance, including scholarship search engines, tips and other helpful links. My Scholarship Central is another resource that is available to find scholarship providers by region in Missouri, learn more about their scholarship offerings and apply.

How to Survive the Empty Nest: A Parent’s Guide to Coping When the Kids Are Off to College

Posted on July 25, 2022August 21, 2024

Think about a time when your house was filled with the sounds of stomping feet running through the hallway. Clothes splattered with food stains and dirt fill the hamper, waiting for their turn in the wash. A gallon of milk sits on the counter next to a half-eaten bowl of soggy cereal. The front door seems to open and close at a rapid pace, the slams echoing through the house. Toys are scattered across the floor — at night, you quietly pick them up, knowing very well they’ll be spewed across the floor again tomorrow.

Flash forward 10 or 15 years and these sights and sounds are nowhere to be found. The kids have grown up and are off to the next chapter in their lives: college. They’ve moved out. The quietness of the house is a welcome and strange feeling. You long for the sounds of pitter-pattering feet, the sights of jumping on beds, and the smells of family breakfast in the morning. You are now an empty nester, and it’s a bittersweet feeling… it is definitely a whole new world at home.

PsychCentral defines empty nest syndrome as, “the feelings of sadness, anxiety and loss of purpose that some parents and caregivers feel when their grown children move out of the family home.” These feelings could be confusing to some, as they could start off on a positive note (maybe you feel excited to finally have the house to yourself!), only to then take a turn in the other direction.

Empty nest syndrome can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety or behaviors like financial risk-taking or substance misuse. It usually lasts about two months but could go on for longer, depending on other factors such as financial stress or health situations.

Self-Diagnosis Help

When your child leaves the house, you may feel mildly anxious or depressed. That is to be expected. If your sadness continues after a few weeks or if it starts affecting how you function on a daily basis, consider seeking mental health help. Empty nest syndrome tends to creep in unexpectedly.

How can you tell if you have empty nest syndrome? Here are symptoms PsychCentral says to look out for:

Restlessness: You notice an inability to focus.
Loneliness: You have an overwhelming sense of emptiness or feel unwanted and alone.
Irritability: You snap over things that are not important, or you feel frustrated that you seemingly don’t have control of situations.
Languishing: You have less energy and motivation for the things you used to do.

Most importantly, take note of your feelings and when they start. If you feel particularly down every day for at least two weeks, you’re likely experiencing depression.

There are other challenges that come with empty nest syndrome, most notably with your child and your partner. According to the Kentucky Counseling Center, these challenges include establishing and maintaining a new type of relationship with your adult child; learning how to be a couple again with your partner; figuring out how to fill your daily schedule now that there are fewer things to do; and possibly finding inconsideration and lack of sympathy from others because they don’t understand you.

The Kentucky Counseling Center also notes that full-time parents are most susceptible to empty nest syndrome. These reasons include experiencing a self-identity crisis due to the change in parenting roles, experiencing relationship struggles with their partner, or realizing that they are unable to live alone.

Coping Mechanisms

There are many ways to deal with empty nest syndrome. To start, PsychCentral shares these coping mechanisms.

Laugh More: Laughter really is the best medicine! It can lift your spirits and has many health benefits. Seek a smile — get together with friends and tell funny stories, or watch a comedy-filled movie.
Discover Your Values: Speak your values aloud or write them down — it might help you re-examine what matters to you.
Get to know your college student in a new way: You may think you know your adult child, but they are growing up and becoming a new person. Start communicating with them as an adult. Check in with them and ask how they’d like to catch up (a phone call, video, or over text).
Exercise: From heart health to mental health, there are so many physical, mental and emotional health benefits to exercising regularly.
Invest in yourself: Start a new hobby or go on that vacation that you’ve spoken about for years but never got around to planning.
Practice self-care: Put yourself first. Eat well, treat yourself to a massage or take part in activities that interest you.

The Kentucky Counseling Center shares these additional tips:

Acknowledge your grief: Allow yourself to feel sad and acknowledge your feelings. Talk about the sadness you’re experiencing with your partner or friends, and listen to their advice.
Give yourself time: It always takes time to adjust to change — however big or small it is. Work on your own wellness during this time and establish goals that you’ve been looking to accomplish. If you’ve always wanted to get into yoga, now is the time to start! Meet new people by joining groups and taking up a new hobby. Keep your health in check too with a doctor’s appointment and checkups.
Focus on the positive: Now that you have more time to yourself, this is a great opportunity to develop deeper relationships with friends, family and colleagues. And it’s likely that the relationship with your child who has flown the coop will only become stronger.
Seek treatment: There is a line between empty nest syndrome and depression, so do not wait to get help from a mental health professional if this line is crossed.

Get Help 24/7

Help is always available. Call or text 988 – the national behavioral health crisis line – from anywhere in the U.S. to speak with a trained mental health provider via a secure online platform. They can help talk through issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. The Crisis Text Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Staying Connected to Your Adult Child Without Going Over the Top

Posted on July 25, 2022August 21, 2024

It seems that kids grow up in the blink of an eye. First they are a fragile newborn, and soon enough they are a trekking toddler, then a grade-schooler, and teenager… and all of a sudden, they are finally 18! Give yourself a pat on the back. They’ve graduated from school and you’ve graduated from parenting. You’re officially done!

Well, not quite. It just looks a little different now.

A parent’s work is never done. As your child gets older, parents need to strike the delicate balance between treating them like a child and treating them like an adult. With teens and young adults, it may seem like your child needs you less and less. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check in on them, provide support and guidance, and stay connected. In fact, those are things that help them fully develop as adults.

According to KQED, the thing teenagers are craving the most is connection and listening. It is important to check in on your teen and their mental health without being overbearing.

Keep an Eye on Mental Health

Everyone has mental health. It ranges from wellness to illness, just like physical health. Your teen or young adult will experience a broad range of normal emotions and issues. But, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), college is a time when mental health problems can emerge. In fact, the organization points to a 2018 survey that found 30 percent of college students were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder in the past year, including 22 percent with anxiety and 18 percent with depression, indicating the need for more support for students especially during stressful times.

When responding to and overcoming campus challenges, NAMI wants you to remember the five T’s: tell, test, teach, talk and take action:

Tell your child they can come to you with any problem.
Test their academic health by checking their mid-semester and end-of-semester grades.
Teach them how to recognize depression and anxiety.
Talk with them more often or visit them when they are in distress.
Take action if your student is experiencing high-risk mental health concerns.

Help is always available. Call or text 988 – the national behavioral health crisis line – from anywhere in the U.S. to speak with a trained mental health provider via a secure online platform. They can help with issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. The Crisis Text Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Communication is Key

It may be challenging to navigate a relationship with your teenager. Raising Healthy Teens says, “During these years, teens need to stretch out and cultivate their independence, all while staying connected to us. If their job is to stretch out, our job is to keep them connected.” So, how can you do this well?

First, check in without making it seem like you are interviewing them. Instead of asking what happened in their life today, ask how they are doing or how they are feeling. Give them your undivided attention. The most important thing to remember is that teens will come to you for your support when they need it.

Raising Healthy Teens offers a few engaging ways to keep your relationship with your teen strong. Forge bonds over food by cooking or eating together. Does your teen like a certain genre of music? Ask them to play you a few of their favorite songs and talk about what you enjoyed when listening. Share a memory of their time as a young child – maybe it was a funny moment or something adorable that will always stay with you. Plan a one-on-one outing or let them invite their friends over to hang out. Above all, be honest and be available.

Listening is equally important. KQED provides some great tips on how to listen well. “The best thing parents and caregivers can give teens right now is the undivided attention of listening, empathizing and compassion. … When teens do share their worries, resist the urge to either minimize them or solve the problem for them.”

Some teens may feel the need to vent or tell you something that’s bothering them. So, lend an ear. But be careful not to go too far in sharing your own ideas on their issue just because it worked for you. If you notice you seem to be over-involved and inserting yourself into many details of their life, just remember that “helicopter parenting” does not teach your teen and young adult the necessary life skills they need to manage themselves and life’s challenges.

KQED suggests to first validate their problems (“That sounds tough.”), then prompt them to think of solutions (“What do you think you should do?”). Offer choices – help in looking for an answer, or the opportunity to talk them through it, guide them through it or listen to them through it.

Connect With Me Cards

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services offers a unique way to foster communication with your teen or young adult. Connect with Me cards can help jumpstart meaningful conversations with categories such as “Growing Up,” “Ice Breaker,” “Tough Stuff,” “Building Connections” and “Taking Action.”

How to Use Connect with Me cards:

Order a FREE set of cards from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services website.
Once the cards arrive in the mail, use them as conversation starters — anywhere or at any time! The questions, arranged by categories, can be asked by the adult to the child, or vice versa. There are no right or wrong answers.
Don’t use the cards all at one time – save them for later chats too!
Icebreakers are good to start with, but you can switch to a new topic at any time.
Challenge yourself to keep an open mind – your child could have a differing opinion than your own.
These cards may bring up difficult conversations. Don’t shy away from those; instead, welcome those types of conversations with open arms.