TRANSITION YEAR ParentEdition
- Your College Emotional Health Guide

Switch to student section

  1. Articles
    • Choosing a College
    • The Transition
    • Student Life
    • Emotional Issues
    • Mental Health Conditions
    • Help Seeking
  2. Q & A
  3. Links & Resources
  4. Downloads
  • Print
Articles > Making the Transition

Managing Stress

Parents can help by acknowledging signs of stress in their children, understanding the causes, and helping their children determine the best course of action to reduce or redirect it. Fortunately, it’s possible to manage and maintain stress at relatively healthy levels. Here are some approaches to discuss with your child:

Fast Fact

A survey by mtvU and The Jed Foundation found that 63% of college juniors had been so stressed that they couldn’t get things done at some point during the preceding three months.

  • Get Active – Regular physical activity can help the mind and body deal with stressors. Research clearly demonstrates that getting regular exercise improves mood, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and improves cardiovascular health. Studies have also shown people with mild to moderate depression experienced a 50 percent reduction in depressive symptoms when they participated in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 to 5 times a week. Examples of aerobic activities include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, and playing basketball.

  • Find 20 Minutes — Encourage your child to find just 20 minutes of alone time to relax, take a walk, write in a journal or meditate. Research shows meditation may decrease stress, reduce anxiety, pain, and depression, and enhance mood and self-esteem

  • Work the iPod — Many experts believe music really can help soothe the soul. One study showed that listening to classical or other calming music shortly after being exposed to a stressor can reduce negative emotional states.

  • Manage Time & Energy — One cannot overstate the importance of developing a realistic schedule that allows for dedicated time to balance one’s academic, social and athletic responsibilities. Actively seeking out the academic advisor or learning center for help in developing a workable time and energy management strategy is one approach your student may wish to take.

  • Hit the Sack — Lack of sleep can play havoc on student’s critical thinking skills, which can result in poor academic performance, regretful social decisions and a compromised immune system. It can also exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones.

  • Good Nutrition — Lifestyle and diet changes can aid your child’s sleep and have a positive effect on her overall feeling of wellness. Many students report an increased consumption of sugary and starchy foods (comfort foods) during their first year at school or during periods of stress or depression. This type of diet can make them feel sluggish and interfere with their focus. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, while avoiding alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or heavy meals before bed, are proactive steps towards emotional health.

You can help your child manage stress by helping them determine what techniques work best. Encourage your student to access the resources provided by his college for improving stress management skills. Consider outside help from additional resources when necessary, such as a friend, family member, clergy, disability services, sports coach, tutor or advisor.

Motivating or Limiting?

Fortunately, the majority of stress your child will experience will be helpful and stimulating. Experts agree that, if balanced correctly, stress can be a positive element that increases our self-awareness and productivity. While some sources of stress cannot be avoided, others can be prevented or diminished. Discuss with your child how to tell the difference so that unnecessary stressors can be minimized.

Sources used in this article: mtvU / Jed Foundation and AP College Stress and Mental Health Poll, "The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed" (L. Craft and F. Perna).

  • Back to top
  • Print

Follow the jed foundation

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • MySpace
  • Flickr

For Immediate Assistance

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Articles

  1. Choosing a School
  2. Making the Transition
  3. Attending College
  4. Dealing with a Diagnosed Condition

More Articles

  • 10 Things Rising First Year Students Can Do to Be Totally Ready for College
  • A Welcome to College Parents
  • Adjusting to College Life - Things to Consider
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Campus
  • College Prep, This Time for Health
  • Connecting Your Child with Mental Health Resources on Campus
  • Contact Information Every Parent Should Know
  • Exploring Campus Mental Health Support Systems
  • Finding the Right Off-Campus Mental Health Professional
  • Four Things Every Parent Must Know About Emotional Health
  • If Your Child is Worried About a Friend
  • Managing Stress
  • Mental Health Conditions: Privacy and Telling Others
  • Our Crazy College Crossroads
  • Preventing Suicide: Warning Signs and How to Respond
  • Stress Check - Signs of a Problem
  • Suicide and College Students
  • The Basics: Alcohol and Drug Dependence and Abuse
  • The Basics: Anxiety Disorders
  • The Basics: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • The Basics: Bipolar Disorder
  • The Basics: Depression
  • The Basics: Eating Disorders
  • The Basics: Schizophrenia
  • The Importance of Wellness Philosophy & Services
  • The Proactive Parent
  • The Push-Pull of Independence
  • Three Important Guidelines for Transitioning with a Diagnosed Condition
  • Transferring Treatment to College
  • Types of Mental Health Professionals
  • Wellness Philosophy and Services: Questions to Ask
  • What are Mental Health Conditions?
  • What to Do When Your Student is Struggling
  • Who Will Struggle with Mental Illness?
  • Your New Communication Contract

© 2012 The Jed Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

  • About
  • Research
  • Contact Us
  • Press
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use