Coping with Transitions: University and College Students

By: Jenna Burnham MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Transitioning to post-secondary studies can be a difficult adjustment for young people.

There are various stressors that are commonly reported such as performing well academically, moving away from home, meeting new friends and worries about life after school (Adams et al., 2021). During these times of transitions, it can be particularly difficult for teens to cope with the mixed emotions that these periods of change can bring. Building skills, such as coping strategies, to support this transition will help to prepare teens for this next journey.

Adjusting to the first year of studies can be more difficult for those who are not able to identify and handle the emotions of the transition to college or university. This can result in feelings of depression, loneliness, or social anxiety. 

Build a Mental Health Tool Box

Reducing stress and improving well-being through self-compassion can enable teens to gain more adaptive strategies for coping and build healthy emotion regulation skills. Teens who learn how to be kind and supportive to themselves are better positioned to tackle stressors associated with change. Self-compassion has been shown to be a protective factor for teens which can lead to less depression, anxiety, and stress (Bluth, 2023). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy skills such as thought challenging and mindfulness can help to build one’s mental health “tool box”.

Preparation is Key.

The transition does not have to be scary. Leaning into the excitement and embracing the opportunities for social connection and learning can help young people better tolerate stressors. Socializing and getting involved with events, activities, sports, or other campus activities can be protective factors that help to build resiliency (Cage et al., 2021).

Preparing in advance for the transition is the first step towards a successful start.

Brookside is Here to Help

If you are teen who is looking for support with coping with an upcoming transition, such as beginning post-secondary studies, or if you are a parent who believes your child could benefit from mental health skill building, contact Brookside to be matched with a suitable therapist. Many therapists offer virtual appointments so that services can continue after school begins. Contact us today at 905-335-5300.

References

Adams, K. L., Saunders, K. E., Keown-Stoneman, C. D. G., & Duffy, A. C. (2021). Mental health trajectories in undergraduate students over the first year of university: a longitudinal cohort study. BMJ open, 11(12), e047393. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047393

Bluth, K. (2023). How Self-Compassion Can Improve Teen Mental Health. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-mindful-teen/202301/how-self-compassion-can-improve-teen-mental-health

Cage, E., Jones, E., Ryan, G., Hughes, G., & Spanner, L. (2021). Student mental health and transitions into, through and out of university: student and staff perspectives. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 45(8), 1076–1089. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2021.1875203