Health & Wellness at Babson

The transition to college marks a significant developmental shift from family-based adolescence to semi-independent young adulthood. There are psychological stresses with any transition, and you can assist Babson and your child if you feel that this transition seems particularly difficult.

If your child has a history of mental illness or emotional difficulties for which he or she received treatment and/or medication, please help your child by sharing this information with Babson.

Do not assume that college will be a fresh start for your child if he or she has struggled with emotional difficulties. This is not a time to abandon established support in the form of treatment and/or medication. Attempting a “fresh start” approach may not provide a smooth and positive transition, or be in your child’s best interests.

If your child is currently on medication, please note that he or she should come to campus with an adequate supply for the first month or two. The Babson Counseling Program offers medication consultation and supervision in conjunction with counseling; however, students often do not arrange for an appointment soon enough and there may be a two- to three-week delay between requesting medication and an appointment (medical prescriptions that have been prescribed outside of Massachusetts may not be filled readily once students have relocated to Babson to begin their studies).

Take emotional issues seriously and encourage your student to talk with someone. Babson offers a variety of support resources, including peer mentors, resident assistants, Academic Services, Babson Counseling Program staff, Health Services, Residence Life, Campus Chaplains, and Student Affairs staff.

More information on each of these services and more can be found at the Undergraduate Experience web site.

Signs of emotional stress may include dramatic shifts in weight, personal hygiene, or appearance; loss of contact with reality (inappropriate references or hallucinations); and overly excitable or depressed mood states, possibly with fluctuations between the two extremes.

There are no guarantees that your child will always make the wisest choices when it comes to their own personal health, wellness, and use of alcohol and other drugs. While Babson holds a variety of programs throughout the year to help assist with making good life choices, your efforts are likely to have a great impact as well.

We want your child to flourish, to celebrate successes, and to learn from mistakes. However, through all the ups and downs of college, it is important that students take an active role in looking after their health.

Some ways you can help

• Talk openly about alcohol and other drugs
• Empower your son or daughter to say “no”
• Learn all you can about alcohol, “date rape drugs,” and other substances
• Try not to glorify your own college drinking days; recognize that things have changed on college campuses in this regard
• Help your child learn from mistakes and help him or her understand why there are consequences
• Leave the lines of communication open for mutually respectful, adult conversations, rather than judgments