5 Ways to Support Your College Student’s Mental Health

By Bonnie Lane, student and family support expert

For many teens, the excitement of going off to college is mixed with worries about fitting in, meeting expectations, or handling academic pressure. In fact, according to a 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation study, about one in five adolescents experience anxiety or depression, and many of them feel they aren’t getting the help they need.

These mental health challenges don't simply disappear when teens leave for college. For students already coping with depression, anxiety, or substance use, the added stress of college life can make things even tougher. Their brains are still developing into their mid-20s, so they're still learning to handle stress, setbacks, and emotional ups and downs.

Trust your instincts if you sense your child might struggle with college stress, whether outwardly excited or openly nervous. It’s best to address these concerns before dropping them off on campus.

Here are some common experiences that might trigger anxiety or self-doubt for your college-bound student:

• A student accustomed to straight A's suddenly receives their first-ever C.
• Someone who easily excelled in high school academics feels overwhelmed by college-level coursework.
• A popular high school athlete finds they're no longer a standout on campus.
• A student excitedly rushing for fraternity or sorority life faces the stress of fitting in or facing rejection.
• A student who struggled with anxiety or depression in high school hopes to reinvent themselves at college, only to realize their struggles follow them.
   

Maybe you recognize your own child in these scenarios, or perhaps something else comes to mind. Either way, there are practical steps you can take right now to help prepare your student to face these challenges confidently.

1. Help your student push back against negative self-talk.

Encourage your teen to recognize their strengths and acknowledge their vulnerabilities openly. If certain situations trigger anxiety or self-doubt, gently guide them toward strategies for managing these feelings. Even something as simple as a positive reminder posted on their mirror—like "Today will be a good day" or "I'm capable and ready"—can be surprisingly effective. If your child is working with a therapist, they can also help build these coping strategies.

2. Reinforce that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

College has a steep learning curve, and every student struggles at some point. It’s perfectly normal and smart to ask professors for extra help or use on-campus tutoring. It’s also helpful to connect early with your college’s accessibility or accommodations office. Your student can introduce themselves and share something simple like, "I have a history of anxiety and might need some support down the road."

3. Arrange mental health support ahead of time.

If your child has been seeing a therapist or counselor at home, it's essential to arrange similar support close to their new campus before they move in. Campus counseling services can be limited, often staffed by graduate students who cannot offer ongoing, specialized care. Start looking for a local counselor or therapist early, ideally in June, or as soon as you know which college your child will attend. Waiting until freshman year is underway is often too late.

4. Ensure your student can manage their medications independently.

This might seem strict, but it’s vital: If your student isn’t reliably managing their own medications by junior or senior year in high school, they probably aren’t ready to live independently yet. Forgetting doses, mismanaging medications, or sharing prescriptions is a very real risk. Helpful tools include pill organizers, smartphone reminders, and medication-tracking apps.

Remind them that medication is private. There’s no reason to tell roommates or friends about medications they're taking, as sharing this information could lead to uncomfortable pressure or potentially dangerous situations.

5. Help set realistic expectations about college life.

Your student might imagine they'll easily join a varsity sports team, effortlessly join a fraternity or sorority, or quickly form close friendships. While college offers plenty of opportunities, students must understand there will be challenges, too. This is especially true in the social, academic, and personal areas.

Reassure them that stumbling occasionally, like receiving their first C, or struggling to find their place, is entirely normal. College is a time for growth, exploration, and learning resilience. No one is expected to be perfect. 

College anxiety and stress are common but manageable. You can help your student successfully navigate this important life transition with thoughtful preparation and ongoing emotional support.