Is Your Child Struggling in College?

When kids enter college it can be both an exciting and challenging time for them. They have new freedoms as well as new responsibilities. They may become homesick or overwhelmed with stress as they adjust to the many changes they are going through. Students who don't cope well with these new stressors may be more at risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, abusive relationships and depression.

Even though your child may be living away from home, there are red flags you can look for to determine if your child is at risk.

1. Has there been a change in your child's mood or behavior? Being moody and withdrawn or not taking care of one's hygiene could be signs of depression.
2. Is your child doing badly in school? Falling grades and frequent withdrawals from courses are signs that he can't concentrate on studying, possibly due to depression.
3. Is your child asking for more money than usual? Kids can fall prey to drug and alcohol abuse as a way of coping with stress and need more money to pay for it.
4. Is your child never available when you call? It could be a sign they are doing too much partying or are otherwise distracted from schoolwork.
5. Does your child seem to be sleeping a lot or sleeping late in the day? It could be a sign they are sleeping off the effects of drugs or alcohol. They could also be having difficulty sleeping well, a sign of depression.

Related Articles:

• Teen Depression and Alcohol Abuse
• Teen Smoking Facts
• Teen Self-Esteem and Sex
• Inhalant Abuse Facts
• Teens and Eating Disorders

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_{"Top Five Signs Your Child Is Struggling in College". The Menninger Clinic. September 25, 2007. <http://www.menningerclinic.com/newsroom/index.htm>.}