We’re just a little over a week from Thanksgiving! This semester has flown by. And that only means one thing for your student. The stress is building as projects are due,  and final exams are getting closer and closer. The week after Thanksgiving is the last week of classes and then the EXAMS! It’s a lot!

They are under a lot of stress…and they might not know how to handle it. Think back to when they were K-12 grades. If they felt bad, they stayed home and rested. When they were tired, we made them go to bed. Their teachers went over and over their upcoming tests and projects. They had a lot of people helping with their stress levels! Anything they needed, we helped them. That was our job as family members.

There are so many resources for them at Missouri State but lots of times, the students won’t use the resources or ask for help. “I don’t know who to ask…” “I’m scared to ask…” “The counseling center is not for me…” “Do I have to pay upfront to go to Magers Health and Wellness?” “My friends are not having trouble, why am I?” Unfortunately, if they don’t ask, we can’t help, and neither can you. Okay, let’s change their way of thinking now.

How can we help them?

First and foremost, let them know you are there for them. You’re a good listener. You don’t mind talking through issues with them. Keep in mind that there will be times when your student will call you and tell you that life is awful, they hate their classes, someone ate their chips, they ruined their favorite shirt doing laundry, they made their first failing grade ever, etc. They are down in the dumps. After you hang up, you continue to worry and wonder if you should be calling someone or getting in the car and coming to rescue them.

They, on the other hand, after telling you how awful everything was, had a friend knock on the door and they’ve gone out to dinner and forgotten what they were upset about. They are okay. You can stay at home but do offer encouraging bits of knowledge they can easily incorporate in their lives.

• Suggest they select healthier foods and never skip breakfast –Breakfast can improve energy levels, help maintain focus in the classroom and increase the overall quality of a student’s diet. Students should choose leaner protein options, make half their grains whole grains and consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Suggest they stay physically active –Encourage them to utilize the Foster Rec Center, or as we typically call it, Campus Rec. Campus Rec offers numerous ways students can be physically active at all hours of the day and night. They can take a tour of the fitness center, try a BearFit class or take advantage of outdoor adventure trips. Physical activity is a great way to manage their stress and meet new people.
• Encourage them to recharge with sleep – It is recommended that 7-9 hours of sleep is crucial for optimum performance inside and outside of the classroom. Note: they will probably laugh when you explain they need 7-9 hours of sleep because they have too much to do but they can make it happen.
• Remind them to take advantage of the Magers Health and Wellness.  They can get their flu shot, take part in student wellness classes, go for an appointment when they are sick and much more.
• Address signs of stress early – Forgetfulness, moodiness and fatigue can all be early signs of stress. Our students need to make stress management a part of their everyday college life.
• Express confidence in your student’s abilities.
• Remind your student of a time he or she managed a stressful situation with a positive outcome.
• Create a care plan – If emotional concerns of mood, anxiety or substance use have been a part of your student’s past, ensure you have a plan for how these emotional care needs will be met. The Counseling Center here on campus can help your student navigate the best treatment options.

In the next few weeks there are all kinds of events going on across campus for them to take part in that will release stress, and give them some down time. A lot of those are held in the Plaster Student Union, the center of campus. Stay tuned for a listing of upcoming dates and events you can share with them.

Let them know you understand that they are under a lot of stress, and you will always love and support them. That, for college students, is so very important to know.