Are Your College-age Grandkids Depressed or Mentally Ill?

Grandparents can provide a special kind of safety net for their grandchildren ... at all ages.  But one of the most important times in a young adult's life is college.

College life can be extremely stressful with hopes, pressure, fears, early traumas that are bared in classes that explore values and issues.  The reality is that mental illness among college students is rising.  Dramatically.

One reason is that medictions are helping stabalize students who once were not able to attend college.  Another is the fast pace of life and the pressures to succeed young people feel due to high college costs and the economy.  And then there is the diversity trend in which students from disadvantaged nations and circumstances are being included in the opportunity for achievement and education.

Grandparents can maintain a calming influence on youth.  You've been there.  You might have more time and freedom from pressure to listen.  You probably have experienced dispair or depressiion in your long years of struggle and can relate.

The reality is that mental health needs are growing at colleges. 

National surveys show that nearly HALF of students who visit counseling centers are coping with serious mental illness, more than DOUBLE the rate a decade ago. 

Some of the traumas that we are more aware of, and that mental health centers deal with include:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Attention disorder
• Bulimia
• Self-injury
• Childhood sexual abuse
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts
• Alcohol abuse

The New York Times investigated how campus mental health centers are dealing with this upward trend in mental health needs on campus.  We belive grandparents can be a "mental health barometer" and calming friend for their loved ones.

But it isn't easy.  You need to learn to know your loved one's moods and concerns.  And you need to develop goos, solid skills for awareness, referral, and steadfast support.  Those aren't easy, either, but are powerful ways that grandparents can contribute wisdom, love and caring to their family.