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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: February 6, 2012
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and many couples choose to spend the day celebrating their relationship. However, this time of year can be very painful for those who have recently broken up with their significant other. Breaking up is a difficult experience for most, and it can be even more challenging for a college student who is also under academic stress. It is difficult for any parent to see their child suffering with pain and sadness. I’ve had many parents ask me how to help their child cope with these feelings of loss, and how to identify the signs that their child’s grief has become something of greater concern.
Everyone grieves differently. But in general, after the end of a relationship, your child might feel a range of emotions including sadness, numbness, shock, denial, or anger. It is not uncommon for the grieving person to temporarily shut down and withdraw from others. Crying, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite and low energy are common responses to a significant loss.
Some coping strategies to pass along to your child include:
What to do:
What to avoid:
What parents can do:
It is normal to experience depressive symptoms following a breakup, but if these symptoms continue (typically beyond two months) this may be cause for concern. How do you know if your child has become depressed and needs professional help? The best way to tell if grief has turned into depression is to examine your child’s level of functioning. For example, is your child getting out of bed in the morning? Is he or she going to class? Is your child maintaining his or her grades? Is your child continuing to participate in their typical activities such as sports, exercise, clubs, hobbies? Is your child still communicating with you and his or her friends? Is your child maintaining his or her physical health and appearance?
Below are some of the symptoms which may indicate clinical depression:
You can help your child recover from a break-up by providing them with coping techniques. These strategies will increase the likelihood of a more rapid return to normal functioning and emotional stability. Additionally, he or she will be less likely to develop longer-term depressive symptoms.
Parents and students are encouraged to contact the Georgia Tech Counseling Center for additional help. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the Student Services Building (Flag Building) and is open each day from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Counseling Center offers free consultations, as well as individual, couples and group counseling for enrolled Georgia Tech students. Additionally, we offer seminars and workshops on a variety of topics (stress management, time management, healthy relationships, depression and anxiety) throughout the semester. A schedule of dates and times can be found at www.counseling.gatech.edu. Students and parents can call our office for more information at 404-894-2575.
