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Health and Wellness Magazine for Parents

Having a son or daughter attend university can be both exciting and difficult for parents. You will see changes in your son or daughter as he or she matures at Western, acquires new skills, and finds meaning in his or her goals. Your sons and daughters often appreciate your support and having you acknowledge their successes.

Adjusting to university life can be overwhelming.  This time often involves many changes and stressors; separation from home and friends, adjusting to a new place to live, academic and financial demands, and making career choices, and perhaps dealing with disabilities or physical/mental health illnesses. You can support this transition by;

1) Observe

Stress is a normal part of university, and can be a helpful motivator.  Most are able to manage their work loads and personal lives very effectively. However, multiple or unexpected stressors, or lack of sufficient coping strategies, may lead to an unhealthy level of stress.  Observe for the following signs that may indicate that help is needed.  

  • Isolation from family, friends or classmates
  • Loss of interest or energy
  • sudden drop in grades
  • Missed assignments or inability to complete assignments
  • Unusual behavior, aggressiveness or irritability, emotional outbursts or crying, atypical rudeness or hostility
  • Decrease or increase in appetite
  • Excessive weight gain or loss Lack of personal hygiene
  • increased use of alcohol or drugs

2) Communicate

Make time to talk to you child.   Be patient and give your son or daughter your undivided attention. Let them talk with minimal interruption.

3) Avoid being judgmental

Communicate with your son or daughter – ask how things are going. Perhaps mention that you have noticed changes in him/her, and that you want to help if there are any problems.  Validate their concerns rather than focusing on solutions. 

4) Give Plenty of Reassurance

You child may have lost the ability to recognize their positive attributes. You might reaffirm them with “You are a sensitive person who cares for others” or “People really love you a lot. They think you’re a great person.”

5) Give Understanding and Sympathy

All I want to do is give you a hug and a shoulder to cry on.”
“I can’t honestly say that I know how you feel, but I want to help in any way I can.”

6) Offer to Help

“Let me do anything you need me to do to help.”
If you ask “What is the best thing I can do to help you right now?” don’t be offended if the reply is “Leave me alone”.

7) Talk about what they find helpful

Make conversations about their mental health difficulties easy and open. Try asking about what helps them when things are tough. By talking openly, you are letting the person know about your love and support for them.  If you feel that their concerns are significant, encourage your child to seek resources available at the university. Encourage him or her to contact the service directly to arrange an appointment.

On Campus Supports

Student Health Services offers both medical treatment and counselling services. Call 661-3771 to make an appointment.
Student Develeopment Services offers individual counselling and group workshops.  Call 661-3031.
For students in residence, a Residence Counsellor offers mental health consultation and psychotherapy services. Call 661-2111 X 86542

Western provides the best student experience among Canada's leading research intensive universities.