As college students prepare to leave the nest, step into independence, and leave family behind, parents can help relieve stress and set their children up for a successful transition by talking through the risks of substance abuse and sexual health.
“It’s a new situation. There are new expectations. You might be in a new city where we don’t know our resources, we might be away from our pediatrician for the first time and the doctor we’ve seen for potentially 18 straight years,” said Dr. Zachary Bittinger with The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center
For some college students the transition isn’t easy, and they might be faced with decisions they aren’t used to making.
“The truth is, they’ll make the decision that they want to regardless of our advice, but we need to make sure that they understand the implications,” Bittinger said.
He said parents can also help young adults take control of their health by making sure they know their health history.
If their past includes anxiety or depression or other mental health conditions, make sure there’s a plan in place where they can get help if needed.
Also, if the child takes medications, make sure they know how to get those prescriptions refilled.
Bittinger said to also make sure they have contact information for a health care provide should they need one, and parents should talk about the importance of taking care of basic health needs.
“Things that we take for granted like our diet, our exercise, our sleep. It all gets put under a microscope when it comes to college,” Bittinger said. “So, making sure that we talk about those things can hold everybody accountable.”
Bittinger said having a mental health toolbox is also helpful. That means having resources and coping skills in place that can be used in times of stress or when a student feels overwhelmed.