screening, counseling appointment,
group therapy session and other services
free of charge.
Recognize the
Warning Signs
Parents are the first line of support
for most students as they transition
from high school to college.
A simple phone call, video chat or
text message can make a difference
in your child’s day. However, parents
should be aware of when change in
behavior is a red flag in disguise.
Some warning signs of a serious
anxiety disorder include isolation,
weight gain or loss, declining grades
and insomnia. Although this type of
behavior can be common for a college
student, Pleener points out that
the most important warning sign
parents should look out for is the
student’s loss of interest.
“If you start to see that they
don’t enjoy doing things, like they
might enjoy socializing or playing
sports, prefer to be alone or their
perception of the world has changed
— that it is actually a cruel place —
28 Central Florida Lifestyle | August 2019
sign depression,” Pleener says.
At this point, intervention or
professional help is recommended.
Encourage your child to meet with
an on-campus or off-campus psychiatrist,
therapist or other mental
health professional to learn more
about the resources and treatments
available to them. If an anxiety disorder
is left untreated, it can pave the
way for depression and other serious
mental disorders.
Coping with an Empty Nest
As a parent, you want to offer
your child the best life possible and
dream about the day they get to go
to college. Just like this bittersweet
transition can affect first-year students,
also affect Empty-nest syndrome is not
a clinical disorder, but it’s a theory
that is emotionally challenging
for parents who send their child
off into adulthood. According to
GoodTherapy, an online association
of mental health professionals, feelings
of loneliness, sadness and loss
of purpose can take a toll on the
parent’s quality of life.
To cope with an empty nest,
Pleener suggests engaging in personal
relationships, hobbies and
other meaningful activities. Keeping
in mind the milestone your
child has reached can also help
change your perception.
“This is going to be a more exciting
chapter that is going to bring
a lot of success in the family,” Pleener
says. “The future is right there. It
will lead to an exciting and meaningful
life.”
Similar to students, parents
should also have a self-care plan to
promote a healthy lifestyle and be
aware of the warning signs to help reduce
anxiety, stress or depression.
th i d th
that is a warning sign for underlying
d i ” Pl
dents, it can also affffffect parents.
E t t d i t
“ Make sure you
are getting
enough sleep,
are eating
regular and
healthy meals,
and drinking
enough
water.”