Packing the Mental Health Toolbox

Getting your child packed for college is an exciting, yet rather stressful time. "Will they be okay?," "Will they be safe?,""Will they know how to..." Are just some of the questions that are most likely flooding your brain as you and your child start to gather lists and items to be packed in a month or less.

Material things forgotten at home can be replaced. Extra blankets, a fan, push-pins for the board that they will absolutely have to have to post their pictures of you and the family pet... can all be picked up at the local stores. What really needs to be discussed (and packed,) is a plan to take care of their mental health.

As you create your lists and collect your items to start stacking in the dining room over the next few weeks, consider these discussion points with your child;

1. Have you thought about how you will manage stress and/or homesickness once you are away at school?
2. This question prompts them to consider potential stressors and how they plan to cope with them. It opens up a conversation about their strategies for maintaining mental well-being. (Here is where you want to consider mentioning the detriment in becoming reliant on the party scene to destress. Yes, they "all know," however, hearing it from you as a kind, compassionate reminder will be heard by your child!)
3. What activities or hobbies do you plan to continue or start to support your mental health?
4. Encouraging them to think about activities that bring them joy or relaxation (without a hangover or guilt trip) can help them prioritize self-care amidst the academic demands of college.
5. Remind them of their values and the importance for caring for themselves first!
6. Putting the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others is a form of self-care!
7. Do you know where to go on campus if you need mental health support or counseling?
8. It's important for them to be aware of the resources available to them, such as counseling services provided by the college. This question ensures they know where to turn if they need professional support.
9. You may also consider hiring a coach (hint) to help them navigate and grow through this transitional period.
10. How do you plan to maintain a healthy balance between academics, social life, and personal time?
11. Balancing responsibilities and social activities is key to preventing burnout and maintaining mental well-being. Discussing their approach to achieving this balance can help them set realistic expectations for themselves.
12. How skilled is your child at scheduling and keeping a calendar? At prioritizing tasks and activities? This is a great time to help them develop and practice organizational and scheduling skills.
13. Who can you talk to if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed out?
14. Identifying trusted individuals, whether it's a roommate, friend, or mentor, whom they can confide in can provide a support network during challenging times.
15. Mental Health First Aid suggests having at least one trusted adult to help cope through unsettled times; someone who isn't enmeshed in the situation or relationship and is able to provide objective direction. Consider employing this role if there is no immediate candidate in your network already.

Remember this is a time of growth and learning for all of you. Having these conversations with your child now allows them to see you are thinking of them in every way! Opening these lines of communications now may save your child from pain and struggling down the line. 

Contact me, Tara Estevez-Seickel, at Mindset Motivator for more tips and personalized guidance. Together, we can make this transition a positive and empowering experience.