Parent Information

Signs Students May Need Help

For many young adults, college is their first time away from home, friends, and familiar support systems. Research shows that two-thirds of overwhelmed students never seek help. Regular communication can make a big difference—listen closely for any signs of distress when talking with your student:

  • Being sad most or all of the time
  • Feeling life has no meaning, or there is no hope for the future
  • No longer enjoying things they once liked to do
  • Sleeping a lot more than usual, waking up often, or having trouble falling asleep
  • Excessive drinking or partying
  • Loss of appetite, or developing odd eating or exercise habits
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Being tired all of the time
  • Having low self-confidence
  • Thinking about death and/or suicide

If your child experiences any of these signs, please don’t assume it is a phase they will outgrow. Feeling stressed or sad for weeks and months can indicate more than just difficulty adjusting to life’s changes. Encourage your child to get help from the confidential services offered at Student Counseling Services (SCS) at no additional cost to them. For more information on our services, please look at our services page.

Students also have access to immediate, 24/7 mental health help through the TELUS Health App. Click here for information on how to access/download the app and get started.

Reporting Options

The Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Team, is a team of university staff and faculty and was created so that anyone (including parents) who is concerned about a student that may be at risk of harm to self or others, can refer them quickly and efficiently. Learn more about CARE Team and how to refer a student that you may be concerned about. If you feel that your student could be in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

We are glad to answer any questions that you may have about our services. Due to confidentiality, it will not be possible for us to confirm or deny if your student is seeking our services. When you call, the administrative assistant will take your number and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

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