Parents Play a Key Role in a Student’s Mental Health
College is frequently remembered as “the best four years of your life.” However, the journey of a college student isn’t always easy, often filled with challenges as well as triumphs. New living arrangements, new and changing personal relationships, and rigorous academics may leave students feeling overwhelmed or isolated, impacting their overall health. Issues about mental and emotional well-being among college students are growing concerns, both at UW–Madison and nationally.
A January survey from UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute showed that mental health among freshmen was at an all-time low this academic year. In the survey of more than 200,000 new freshmen at 279 colleges and universities, only 52 percent rated their emotional health high or above average, a drop from 64 percent in 1985 and down 3.4 percent from 2009.
Many factors were cited for the drop, among them growing pressures for success and the increasing cost of higher education in a down economy.
UW–Madison believes that parents can play a major role in supporting student mental health, as well as identifying potential warning signs. It’s also important to talk openly about mental health issues to educate the public and erase past stigmas.
Badger Parent recently consulted with Danielle Oakley, the director of Counseling and Consultation services at University Health Services and one of the university’s leading mental health experts.
Oakley came to UHS in June 2010, from Fort Collins, Colo., where she served as director of counseling services and strategic initiatives for Colorado State University (CSU).
In addition to her clinical and administrative duties at CSU, Oakley was tapped to be a pioneer member of a suicide prevention task force; she served on the student and employee consultation teams and implemented an integrated behavioral health program.
During her time at the UW, she’s already made a mark by expanding UHS mental health services for students.
Badger Parent: What are the most common issues that UW–Madison students are dealing with?
Oakley: Stress is the number-one issue reported by students and can be related to issues such as academic, financial, interpersonal, related to parental expectations, and fears about employment after graduation.
Another is anxiety. This can be related to issues such as fears about the future, feeling isolated or alone, social interactions, and tests or assignments. Some students report a feeling of panic when particular stressors cumulate or when a particular situation they fear gets closer. They may share with you that they feel they are having a break down or feel like they are going crazy.
Depression is significant as it is the number-one contributor to suicide, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. Students may have relationship issues and express concerns about breakups, family problems, roommate concerns, problems with professors, and conflict in friendships. These issues can contribute to students experiencing isolation and poor self-esteem.
Lastly, substance use: We know that a third of student’s drinking behaviors result in significant substance abuse problems after graduation. Addressing these issues early on will help students perform better in school and be more successful upon graduation.
BP: What are the best ideas or suggestions for parents who are concerned about mental health and want to support their students?
Oakley: Keep the lines of communication open by letting your student know you are willing to talk about anything. Open communication helps the student feel less isolated and alone when things are not going well.
Focus on behaviors, make observations, and avoid making judgments when your student shares openly with you. Expressing how your student’s behavior or your observations impact you provides an opportunity for the student to hear you care about them and their health.
Expect to be rejected if you express a concern. Many students want to be independent and may refuse any attempts that appear to challenge their independence. Tell your student that you realize he or she may feel uncomfortable, but that you are there if he or she ever wants to talk.
Normalize your student’s concerns, encourage him or her to seek help, and offer hope. Let your student know that many have difficulties in college with mental health issues and that UW–Madison has a number of resources available (see related article on page 3). Learn about resources ahead of time so that you can speak knowledgeably about them and let them know the resources will help.
BP: It’s a difficult subject, but what steps should a parent take when he or she feels that a student is having a severe mental health crisis?
Oakley: If you are concerned about your student’s safety, ask about it directly. The number one myth related to suicide is that asking someone about it increases the person’s chances of attempting. The opposite is true.
Be direct and ask your student if he or she is thinking about hurting or killing him or herself. This conveys you are willing to talk openly with about a very difficult issue.
If your student endorses having suicidal thoughts, a plan, means, or intent to complete suicide, call UHS at 265-5600 (#9) to consult with a counselor-on-call; in imminent danger situations, call campus police at 608-264-2677.
UHS is available 24 hours a day to consult and to help parents develop a plan for their student’s safety. Students can be encouraged to call UHS any time or to come in between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The number to contact a counselor during a mental health crisis is 265-5600 (option #9).
Although we understand that you want your student to succeed and stay in school, there are times when a break may be necessary. Some students find that taking a break from school and getting treatment allows them to come back and perform to their best ability. Students are often hesitant to take a break, but are more likely to do so if they have parental support.
For more advice on how you can be supportive, as well as for information about services offered at UHS (including consultation appointments, counseling services, self-help, and additional resources), visit the University Health Services website or contact the Parent Program 1-877-262-3977.