Category Archives: Press

Written by Marc Lehman

Family therapist and owner of U ARE HEARD

Having mental health issues is something  that affects many college students, but unfortunately, it is often overlooked. This is due in part to the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and the negative connotations associated with them. Unfortunately, this stigma can be even more pronounced among college students who are grappling with mental health issues themselves. This phenomenon is known as self-stigma – when individuals internalize negative messages about their own mental illness. It’s important for parents of college students to understand self-stigma and how it can impact their children’s mental health.

What Is Self-Stigma?

Self-stigma occurs when individuals internalize society’s negative attitudes towards mental illness and begin to believe those attitudes themselves. It manifests as feelings of shame, embarrassment, guilt, and low self-esteem. It can also lead to fear of seeking help or treatment because individuals fear being judged or labeled negatively by others. The result is that people may hide their mental illness from family members, friends, and healthcare professionals, which can lead to further deterioration of their condition.

How Can Parents Help?

Parents can play an important role in helping their college student children overcome self-stigma by showing acceptance and understanding of the situation and offering support without judgement. They should also provide resources such as mental health services on campus or in the community that they feel may be useful for their child. Additionally, it’s important for parents to talk openly about the importance of maintaining good physical and emotional wellbeing during college years and beyond. This conversation should emphasize that there is no shame in seeking help if needed – just like visiting a doctor for any other medical issue – so that your child knows you are supportive regardless of what they may be going through mentally or emotionally.

Self-stigma surrounding mental health issues can have a huge impact on college students who are struggling with these issues themselves. It’s up to parents to understand what self-stigma is and how it affects their children so they can best support them during this crucial time in life. Showing acceptance, providing resources, and emphasizing the importance of seeking help if needed are all ways that parents can help their kids navigate these difficult waters while maintaining good physical and emotional wellbeing overall.  By doing this, parents will go a long way towards helping their child overcome self-stigma related to mental health issues while ensuring they receive the care they need during this difficult transition period into adulthood.

Written by Marc Lehman from U ARE HEARD LLC

Being a college student can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many tasks to juggle and responsibilities to fulfill. It is easy to feel like you are a burden to those around you, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here are some tips on what you can do when you feel like you’re a burden.

Seek Help from Others

If you need help with something, don’t be afraid to ask for it! Let your friends, family, or even professors know when you need extra support. They will likely be more than happy to help and offer advice on how best to tackle the issue. Don’t forget that there are also plenty of resources available on campus, such as academic advisors and counseling centers, that can provide additional assistance if needed.

Make Time for Self-Care

It is important not just to take care of your academics or social life but also yourself. Allotting time each day for self-care activities such as yoga, journaling, or even just watching a fun movie can be incredibly beneficial in reducing stress levels and boosting your mood. Making sure that your mental health is in check is essential for avoiding feelings of being a burden on others.

Focus on What You Can Do

When we feel overwhelmed by our own lives, it is easy to forget the good things we do every day—big and small alike! Whether it’s helping out another student with their assignment or bringing in snacks for a study group session, focusing on what we can do instead of what we cannot helps us recognize the positive impact we have on our community. Doing this will make us realize that rather than being burdensome, we can actually provide valuable contributions!

Feeling like a burden can be hard when managing all the responsibilities of being a college student. However, taking care of yourself and reaching out for help when necessary are two key steps towards overcoming these feelings of inadequacy. Focusing on what you can do instead of what you cannot will also remind you that your presence does matter—and that no matter how small the task may seem, it makes a difference! So don’t hesitate—start making changes today!

Written by Marc Lehman

Family therapist and owner of U ARE HEARD

As parents, we all want the best for our college students. We want them to excel in their studies, make new friends, and maintain good mental health. Unfortunately, college can be a very stressful time for young adults as they take on more academic responsibility than ever before. Fortunately, there are some easy methods that your student can use to relax and de-stress so that they can tackle their studies without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Exercise: Exercise is one of the most effective methods for reducing stress. Exercise releases endorphins which help to ease tension and improve mood. Even if it’s just a quick jog around the block or some simple yoga poses, any form of physical activity can do wonders for improving mental health. Encourage your college student to make time for some regular exercise each week so that they can stay healthy and happy during this challenging period in their life.
2. Get Enough Sleep: It’s no secret that sleep deprivation affects both physical and mental health negatively. Make sure your college student knows how important it is to get enough rest each night so that they have the energy and focus necessary to tackle their academic responsibilities during the day. If your student has difficulty getting enough sleep due to anxiety or stress, suggest strategies such as keeping a consistent sleep schedule or trying relaxation exercises before bedtime.
3. Connect with Friends: Being away from home in a new environment can be isolating at times, but remind your college student that having a strong social support system is essential for managing stress levels while at school. Suggest that they reach out to old friends from high school or join a club on campus — whatever helps them feel connected and supported during this exciting yet challenging transition period in life!

College is an exciting but often stressful experience for young adults as they transition from high school into adulthood. As parents of college students, we want our kids to succeed academically but also mentally thrive during this chapter of their lives. By encouraging our kids to exercise regularly, get enough sleep each night, and connect with friends and peers who share similar interests or goals, we are helping them manage stress levels while at school so that they can make the most out of this unique opportunity!

Written by Marc Lehman

Owner of U ARE HEARD and Licensed Clinician

The start of the second semester of college is fast approaching and students are probably feeling the pressure. As a parent, it’s important to help your student get off on the right foot this semester so that they can finish strong. Here are some tips on how you can help get your child ready to start the semester off right.

**Set Goals and Priorities

Talk to your student about their goals for this semester and what their priorities should be. Help them decide which classes should take priority over others. Encourage them to set realistic goals and make sure they understand that it is ok if things don’t always go according to plan. Be sure to remind them that it’s important to stay organized and focused throughout the semester in order to reach their goals.

**Get Academic Support

It’s vital that your student gets the academic support they need in order to succeed in college. Look into what resources are available on campus, such as tutoring centers or group study sessions, and encourage your student to take advantage of these opportunities when necessary. If there aren’t any resources available on campus, look into online tutoring services or private tutors for additional assistance.

**Take Care of Their Health and Mental Health

Your student’s health and mental health should always be a top priority during any semester at college, but especially during the second semester when fatigue can really start to set in from all the studying and exams they’ve done over the course of the year. Encourage them to get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and eat healthy meals throughout their day so that they have enough energy for all their studies and extracurricular activities. Also remind them not forget about taking time out just for themselves every now and then too!

Starting second semester off right is essential for college students wanting to end strong academically by finishing out their school year with good grades. As a parent, you can play an important role in helping your student achieve success by setting goals with them, providing academic support when needed, and making sure they’re taking care of themselves both mentally and physically throughout their second semesters at college. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to help ensure that your student starts second semester off on the right foot!

Written By Marc Lehman, Owner and Family Therapist at

U ARE HEARD LLC

It can be difficult for parents to understand why their college student may be dealing with anxiety or depression. For many, this is a new experience outside of the home and navigating those emotions can be intimidating. Being aware of the most common reasons why students may become anxious or depressed while at college can help parents better support their children through this challenging time.

Pressure From Peers and Professors

The pressure to succeed—both academically and socially—can become overwhelming for some college students. The fear of not being accepted by peers, or the feeling that they are not measuring up to expectations from professors, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which in turn can cause depression and anxiety. Additionally, if students strive too much for perfection, their unrealistic expectations can also lead to stress, fear of failure, and even depression.

Lack Of Support System

In many cases, college students may feel isolated or alone as they are away from home for the first time. Without a strong support system in place it can be hard for students to find someone to talk to about their worries and concerns. This lack of emotional support can contribute significantly to feelings of loneliness and helplessness which could lead to depression or anxiety issues.

Financial Stressors

For many college students’ money is tight; tuition fees have risen in recent years leaving more families struggling with high costs. This financial burden on top of other expenses such as rent, food costs and textbooks could cause immense stress which may result in mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. Even something as small as not being able to afford the same clothes that others have could make a student feel inadequate or excluded leading them down a slippery slope emotionally speaking.

It’s important for parents to understand what might be causing their college student’s mental health challenges so that they can provide adequate support during this difficult time away from home. Being aware of the potential pressures from peers or professors, lack of a supportive network or family system, or financial difficulties will help both parents and students navigate these issues together successfully until graduation day! With proper understanding and compassion from family members especially parents, college students will have an easier time managing any depression or anxiety that arises during these formative years away from home.

Written By Marc Lehman

Owner and Family Therapist at U ARE HEARD LLC

As a parent, it can be tough to let go and trust your college student to make good decisions on their own. But it’s important to remember that part of the college experience is learning how to manage independence. With that said, there are certain warning signs that may indicate your student is having difficulty adjusting to college life.

If you see any of these 5 warning signs, it may be time to have a conversation with your student.

1. Your student is skipping class more often than they’re attending.

One of the most important things college students can do is attend class regularly. If you notice your student is missing class more often than they’re going, it may be time to check in and see how they’re doing. Skipping class can lead to poor grades and eventually getting dropped from the course altogether. It can also be a sign that your student is struggling to keep up with the material.

2. Your student’s grades have slipped.

If you’ve been checking in on your student’s grades and you’ve noticed a significant drop from their previous academic performance, it may be cause for concern. A drop in grades can indicate that your student is struggling with the material, or it might suggest they’re not prioritizing school as much as they should be. In either case, it’s worth checking in with your student to see how they’re doing academically and what might be causing the decline in their grades.

3. Your student is isolate themselves from friends and family.

It’s normal for college students to want some space and privacy as they adjust to their new independence. But if you notice your student isolate themselves completely—not just from family but from friends too—it may be cause for concern. This behavior could indicate that your student is struggling emotionally or socially, and might benefit from some additional support.

4. Your student seems overly stressed or anxious.

Stress is a normal part of the college experience, but if you notice your student seems unusually stressed or anxious, it might be a sign that they’re struggling to cope with the demands of college life. Stress and anxiety can manifest in different ways, so pay attention to changes in your student’s behavior or mood—such as withdrawing from social activities, biting their nails, or excessive outbursts of anger—that might suggest they’re struggling emotionally.

5. Your intuition tells you something isn’t right.

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else—so trust your gut if you feel like something isn’t right. If you have a sneaking suspicion that something might be wrong, even if you can’t put your finger on it, reach out to your student and see how they’re doing. They may not open up right away, but starting a conversation about how they’re really feeling can help identify any underlying issues before they become bigger problems down the road.

 

The college years can be both an exciting and challenging time for students and parents alike. It’s important to trust your instincts when it comes to your child’s well-being and always err on the side of caution if you feel like something might be wrong. If you see any of these 5 warning signs in your college student, reach out and start a conversation—it could make all the difference in helping them succeed in college and beyond!

Written By Marc Lehman

Owner and Family Therapist at U ARE HEARD LLC

It’s that time of year again. The end of the semester is upon us, and with it comes finals week. For many college students, this can be a very stressful and anxiety-inducing time. If your child is struggling with finals anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them get through it.

Here are a few tips for helping your college student deal with finals anxiety:

1. Encourage Them to Create a Study Schedule: One of the best ways to deal with finals anxiety is to be prepared. Help your child create a study schedule that breaks down what they need to study for each final and when they will study it. This will help them feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

 

2. Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Sleep: It’s important that your child gets enough sleep during this time so that they can function well on exams. Make sure they’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and try to avoid letting them pull all-nighters.

 

3. Encourage Them to Eat Healthy Meals: Eating healthy meals will help improve your child’s concentration and energy levels. Make sure they’re eating plenty of nutritious food. Also, avoid letting them eat sugary or fatty foods as these can make them feel sluggish.

 

4. Help Them Find an Activity to Relax Their Mind: It’s also important that your child takes some time to relax their mind so that they don’t become overwhelmed by stress. Encourage them to find an activity that they enjoy, such as reading, hiking, or yoga, and make sure they set aside some time each day to do it.

 

Finals week is a stressful time for many college students. If your child is struggling with anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them get through it. Encourage them to create a study schedule, make sure they’re getting enough sleep, encourage them to eat healthy meals, and help them find an activity to relax their mind. By following these tips, you can help your child reduce their stress levels and do well on their exams.