1. Parents’ Guide on College Stress
Yadi Anguino, PsyD; David Rudesill, LCSW; & Maritza Nigro, LCSW 
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Student Health Center
California State University, Los Angeles

2. OVERVIEW: Why is college so stressful? Stress vs. Chronic distress
Symptoms (Anxiety, Depression, Drug and Alcohol abuse, Eating Disorder, Suicidality
Solutions & Skills

3. What Makes College So Stressful?
Academic demands
Forming new friendships
Adjusting to new environment on one’s own
Relationship issues
Financial responsibilities
Exposure to new people, ideas, cultures, temptations, etc.
Awareness of one’s sexual identity and orientation
American College Health Association (ACHA), National College Health Assessment, 2014

4. How Important are these stressors?
ACHA, 2014
Overall, 43.7% of students rated their stress level as more than average
Students rated stress (30.3%), anxiety (21.8%), sleep difficulties (21.0%) and depression (13.5%) as the highest factors that affected individual academic performance
33% of students said that they felt “so depressed that it was difficult to function”
47% felt that “things were hopeless” at least once in the previous year
54% of students felt “overwhelming anxiety” at least once in the previous year
87% of students felt “overwhelmed” by all they had to do”

5. What is Stress? Stress is the body’s reaction to a challenge
The right kind of stress can sharpen the mind and reflexes, which may help with performance or escaping a dangerous situation
Too much stress can impede performance and negatively impact health
Fight or Flight Response

6. Chronic, ongoing distress
What am I looking for?
Normal College Stress
Chronic, ongoing distress

7. Normal College Stress Examples:
Stress from a deadline to finish; motivation
Trying new things or engaging in new experiences; learning
Building new relationships; connection
Getting into a car accident
Being self-motivated
Not having all the answers for all problems

8. Chronic, Ongoing Stress
4 Primary Symptoms
Physical: headaches, migraines, IBS, muscle tension, blurry vision, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, nausea, fainting, chest tightness.
Emotional: high emotional expression, tantrums, feeling cut-off or lacking emotion
Cognitive: difficulty making decisions and thinking clearly, self-critical, self-doubt
Behavioral: procrastination, avoidance, impulsive behaviors, abusing substances

9. MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Most Common
Less Common
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidality
Eating Disorders
Drug & Alcohol Dependency
Phase of Life
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia or related disorders

10. What Can I Do to Help?
You can make a difference!

11. Wellness and Care Sleep: Diet Exercise
Reduce the demands at home so that they can allow time for rest
Diet
Exercise

12. Change the Communication
Talk
Help them make decisions on their own
Ask questions
Discuss expectations on communication
Phone calls
Texting
Social media
Address your concerns about their well-being
Talking about their well being makes it easier to talk about sensitive topics, and reduces the likelihood of drug and alcohol use, anxiety, and even suicidality.
Listen
Most students would turn to their parents if they ever found themselves in an emotional breakdown (UMTV, JED Foundation).

13. Be Supportive Positive Praises
Finals, end of semester, presentation, problem
Encourage your son/daughter to make their own decisions
Eases their anxiety, reassures them that they can make this happen.
Encourage a social life
It is healthy and helpful for students to have a positive outlet.

14. Resources
Where can I seek more help?

15. RESOURCES Cal State LA Community CAPS OSD Mind Matters
Student Health Center
Academic Counseling Center
Insurance
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Community Agencies

16. QUESTIONS?

17. Vignette
Your college student calls you on a Tuesday evening and tells you that they want to talk. You find this strange because they usually call to check-in on Friday to tell you about their plans for the weekend. They begin to tell you that they did poorly on a mid-term on a class that they were struggling in. As they tell you about their worry, you notice that they are talking very fast, and is having a tough time breathing.  Your college student is tearful, and is being hard on themselves.