For Parents

It is not uncommon for mental health concerns to arise at any point during a student’s college career. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students are currently facing increased academic and emotional pressures.

If you feel a child, or dependent, is struggling with their mental health, do not hesitate to consult with Counseling Services at 508-929-8072 or counseling_wsu@worcester.edu.

If a student is experiencing a mental health crisis, expressing self harm, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting others, please call 911 or take the student to your local emergency room.

Here are a list of possible red flags you may observe or may be communicated to you:

• Change in sleep and/or appetite
• Low energy and motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling revved up
• Racing thoughts, not being able to “turn off their brain,”
• Loss of interest in prior activities
• Withdrawal
• Sadness, irritability or anger
• Increased substance use
• Inability to complete schoolwork

Students may be used to having more independence. Being at home more often may be challenging and change family dynamics. Here are some tips on how to support your student during this time:

• Check in with students about how they are coping with the transition to being home and/or online learning. Remind them about campus supports.
• Voice any concerns you may have and problem solve together.
• Resist the urge to lecture.
• Hold off on judgments.
• Be open about your expectations.
• Listen to what they have to say about how they would like to be treated.
• Encourage students to stick with a schedule. Routines help create a sense of normalcy.
• Online learning can be a big adjustment. Remind them about academic supports.
• Share your own concerns/fears about the pandemic. It can normalize that everyone is feeling a range of emotions including uncertainty and fear.

Additional Resources: 

• Set to Go For Families: Leaving high school and entering adulthood is a huge transition for your teen and you. Set to Go is here to support you through it with user-friendly resources that have straightforward steps you can take to support your teen as they transition to adulthood.

• Caring for Your Child’s Mental Health From Afar: Tips for guardians from the JED Foundation

• Going to College with a Mental Health Condition: A JED resource for youth and guardians