Before You Drop Your Kids Off at College...

This is the time of year when many parents are taking their kids back to college. We talk to them about classes, finances, schedules and the importance of balancing studying with having fun. Yet, how many of us talk to our kids about depression?

More than half of college students interviewed in an mTV poll said they had been so stressed that they couldn’t get work done sometime during the past semester. Emotional disturbances were cited by students as a key impediment to their academic success.

When these problems are not addressed they can lead to serious consequences. Suicide continues to be the second leading cause of death among college students. In fact, recent studies show that one in ten college students have thought about suicide at some point during the past year.

All this underscores the importance of letting your kids know that it’s okay to reach out for help. Tell them about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Encourage them to monitor their moods as well as reach out if they think a friend is in trouble.

Visit www.jedfoundation.org for more information and resources for both parents and students.