Supporting Students Over Winter Break: Help Your College Clients Prioritize Mental Health 

Winter break is an opportunity for college and grad students to take a step back from any academic pressures and to focus on their mental health. 
Students who are struggling may find it difficult to make the most of this opportunity without support. Whether it’s managing stress, anxiety, or more complex concerns like trauma or eating disorders, winter break can serve as a useful period to work on recovery and set the foundation for a successful return to campus. 
For parents, this is an excellent time to check in with your students, ensuring they have the resources they need to stay mentally well while on their education journey. 

At Skyway Behavioral Health, we’re here to help your young adult clients prioritizing self-care and working toward long-term mental wellness. 

How Parents Can Check in and Recognize the Signs of Struggle 

If your student has been away at school, it’s essential to have open and empathetic conversations about their experiences. Look out for signs that they may be struggling, such as: 

  • Changes in behavior: If your student seems withdrawn, avoids communication, or appears unusually anxious or irritable, it could be a sign they need additional support. 
  • Decline in academic performance or interest: A sudden drop in grades or lack of motivation may indicate underlying mental health challenges. 
  • Social withdrawal or isolation: If your student is avoiding social activities or friends they previously enjoyed, it could signal depression or anxiety. 
  • Physical symptoms: Persistent fatigue, changes in eating habits, or complaints of physical pain (headaches, stomachaches) might be linked to emotional distress. 

By recognizing these signs, parents can help their students take proactive steps toward improving their mental health and accessing support. 

How Skyway Behavioral Health Can Help 

At Skyway, we provide personalized care that meets each person’s unique needs. Our programs are designed to help clients gain the skills and tools they need to navigate the challenges they face—both on and off campus. Through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), we offer intensive care for a variety of mental health concerns, including: 

  • PTSD and Complex Trauma 
  • Mood and Anxiety Disorders  
  • Eating Disorders 
  • And much more 

Our programs provide a safe space for students to engage in therapy and develop skills that will support their mental health journey long after the winter break has ended. Whether your client needs a higher level of care or simply a supportive check-in, we are here to help them take the next step toward healing. 

Supporting Your Clients Through Winter Break 

If you are considering additional support options for your clients, our team at Skyway is ready to help. We understand the importance of a comprehensive, individualized approach to mental health care, and we are committed to supporting your clients in reaching their goals. 
If you’d like to learn more about our programs or schedule an assessment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to answer your questions and help you connect your clients with supportive resources. 

Take the Next Step 

If you’d like to connect with us, consider these options: