For Parents
The brain goes through tremendous changes during the teenage and young adult years
The brain goes through major changes between the ages of about 13 and 21. Sometimes these changes result in an outlook on life that we describe as “gloomy,” “negative,” or “depressed,” but it is important to distinguish between normal mood swings and a more serious problem..
Clinical depression can be treated with pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes
If your son or daughter presents with symptoms suspicious of clinical depression, consult a mental health expert immediately. These experts may be found through your family physician, your child’s school counselor or health center, or organizations such as NAMI.
Depression and suicide have many common warning signs
Having a bad day is normal – it happens to everyone. Having lots of bad days can also be normal. However, having a very lengthy string of really bad days during which one can’t eat, sleep, have fun, or keep up with schoolwork – that’s not normal.
What to look for in a college or university
Choosing the right college or university for your son or daughter is an exciting, yet daunting, process. Assessing academic programs, campus atmosphere, student body size, geographic location, housing options, athletic programs, etc. can be challenging for both the student and the parent.
Ulifeline ™
The Jed Foundation’s Ulifeline™ is a website that empowers students to help both themselves and each other. Ulifeline™ is an anonymous, Internet-based resource that provides students with a private, supportive link to their college mental health or counseling center and serves as their one-stop online resource for mental health information. The site provides an online support network that helps students cope with the everyday stresses of college life. Click here to see if college or university you are considering is part of the Ulifeline™ network.
