Counselling Information for Parents, Guardians and Partners

The short answer is everything, really! They deal with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety/panic attacks, transitions, mental health difficulties, bereavement and loss, interpersonal or relationship problems, family difficulties, self-esteem, trauma, including sexual trauma, academic issues, eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal thinking. Whatever issue your student may have, we encourage them to seek support.

Students can contact the counselling service in any of the following ways:

• Call the Student Counselling Service Administrator on +353 (0)90 646 8063.
• Email counselling.midlands@tus.ie
• Use our walk-in service between 2pm – 3pm daily
• The Student Counselling service is located in the Student Health Centre on the first floor of the Count John McCormack building.

Staff at the Student Counselling service are available to talk to concerned parents/guardians, but they will not be able to tell you if your student is attending the service. Neither will they be able to share any information about their wellbeing due to confidentiality. However we are able to advise you in general terms about possible support and resources.

Many first- year students will experience some homesickness which is understandable given the tremendous transition that students face at university. It is important to remember most students do settle in. Be encouraging and supportive to them during their transition, keep talking to them, and help them identify practical steps that they can take to support themselves.

– Preparation – any improvement in practical skills will really help – cooking, budgeting, shopping, cleaning, or timetabling – just talking about these things can help improve confidence

– Expectations – Help your student develop flexible expectation by encouraging them to think about different scenarios they may encounter both positive and negative. It can be helpful to rehearse with them lots of potential versions of how it might be.

– Emotions – Let them know that negative feelings are okay. Talk to them about the fact that ups and downs are normal, encourage them to look after themselves, do things they enjoy early on, stay active and get involved in university as much as possible.

–  Friends – Encourage them to think about the type of friends they would like to have and where they might find them at university. They may make friends in their student accommodation or on their course, but it is important to keep an open mind. Help them to investigate what clubs and societies are available that they could join.

– Stay in touch – Agree when you will be in contact with each other to give you both reassurance and space

Every student will have their own unique experience of university. Most students focus on socially integrating at the beginning and on their studies later. The first 6 weeks can often be the most difficult as your student adjusts to the new changes/environment – reassure them that this usually passes.

Talk – ask them how they are getting on but avoid interrogation. Gentle open-ended questions can help such as ‘How are things going for you so far?’ or ‘How are you managing the academic side of things?’  Reassure them that it is normal to feel anxious at start of university life but also to check in with them especially if you feel they are not themselves ‘You seem quieter than usual is everything ok in university?’

Support – keep in good contact and encourage them while they are acclimatising to their new surroundings.  You could agree a visit and get a sense of their new environment, meet their friends, become familiar with Athlone

Avoid making any significant changes at home for at least the first semester if possible – they are already adjusting to their new university environment, too much change can be very unsettling

Coming home may require some adjustment from both you and your student; as they may have changed in their appearance, views and expectations

Moving to university represents a significant step towards adulthood for your student. Whether they continue to live at home or go away to attend university, the move represents an emotional separation for both you and your student. Your role undoubtedly changes, supporting them more from afar while they negotiate their new learning environment and build their independence.

Adjusting to this change can be challenging as a parent/guardian and you may experience a range of emotions.  It is okay to feel excited, nervous, upset, sense of loss, set free or anything else that comes along!