Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

How do I help my son with stress of freshman year




My 18 yr old son suffers with GAD. 3 weeks ago he started his freshman year of college. He is only 1 hr away and his older brother works on campus. He is on medication but calls me daily begging to come home. He is on the basketball team but wants to quit. He goes to class ( grades are good) and practice but then shuts himself up in room. Will not socialize or even go to meals. Eats in room. I wanted him to live at home and commute to local school but he was he'll bent on going where he currently is. We had to take out loans so I told him he needs to at least finish this year then he can transfer. I am very concerned about his emotional state but also realize he needs to at least try. His older brother does not understand his disorder. He keeps saying get over it.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hello,

Stress can take a toll on adults, let alone teenagers who are on the cusp of getting familiar with the responsibilities, be it management of a daily school, tasks, juggling between homework and college applications, suffice it to say, it is important to notice the call of help in their demeanor. There are some of the tips that have worked for me to help combat my teenage sister's stress. Fortunately, it not only help you to be present in their life but also maintain family time.
1. Teach your children the importance of work management skills as they start high-school.
2. This is the most effective therapy to relieve stress: Create family rituals together.
3. Do not demand perfection.

I hope these tips help you in some way.

Best of Luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Anxiety is a hard thing to deal with. He needs to research things that can help him calm. Tips and techiniques that he can practice when he begins to feel anxious. Another thing that would be good for him but he will have to want to do it himself. He needs to step out of his comfort zone begin socializing and maybe having a meal with another person. This part is hard but my son is starting as a freshman year of highschool at a new school. He gets anxious and feels anxiety also when change comes up. He is not good at socializing and really struggles to understand others (on Autism spectrum). This year he is doing good though, and when I spoke to him. He told me he decided to try to talk to one new person everyday. He also explained he would remind himself after that interaction if it was negative that there will be another chance tomorrow. I am proud of him because he is young but he is making the effort to overcome his Anxiety, autism and other BH conditions.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?