Feb 8, 2023
Letting go of your child when they leave for university can be daunting. Student mental health is very important. So, you may feel scared of not being able to protect them anymore, feel like they’re not ready, or just concerned of their well-being.
Carry on reading to find how to overcome this. Here is our guide as to how you, as a parent, can support your child at university:
You won’t be the only one missing them, they will feel homesick at times too. Keeping in contact will allow a sense of relief that they are okay and provide assurance to them that they have you there for them when they need it.
So how often should you keep in contact?
To ensure your child has student mental health support, you can support them through messaging them frequently and calling them once a week.
However, do not get too stressed or worried if they do not reply instantly. They probably woke up late or are enjoying their time making and spending time with new friends.
If that is the case, you should be proud that they are coping well on their own.
However, keeping in contact will allow you to check up on them and ensure they feel supported if anything concerns them and knowing you will be there to support them every step of the way.
Although, it is very important to not bombard them with messages. This will not only stress you out, but will stress them out or push them away – it may have the opposite effect.
It is always important that your child knows that you are there for them. But also ensuring they have university support where they are living or have someone, they can turn to that they trust.
Equally, it may be good for that trusted person to have your contact details, in case they need it. This way, it will be another point of contact and support. It will also help ease your mind.
If they do not answer for very long periods of time (i.e., taking days to reply) it may be worth ensuring full university support through contacting the university to check up on them.
This can involve requesting a wellbeing check on them. This way it will allow for that extra support where you may not be able to reach them.
Sometimes physical support is what they may need. If your child is going through depression or anxiety and are struggling with their workload, physical support like helping them structure their day and may be what they need. University support from a distance can only do so much.
Even cooking them nutritional meals so they are eating properly and working out a routine and timetable with them to help them get their work completed.
This will allow alleviation of their stress. Most importantly, it will show them that you are there for them every step of the way.
Is the worry still there?
To ensure you are getting your child student mental health support, it is important you are okay yourself. It is difficult to help others when we feel overwhelmed ourselves.
Contact Head Agenda here today if you need support and if your child needs student mental health support.
Here at Head Agenda we provide support for both students and parents, meeting and caring for your needs.
Disclaimer: This article has been designed for entertainment and informational purposes; it is not personalised medical advice. This guide may be a useful read to generate some ideas, however, please take advice from a medical professional.