Concern for a Troubled Family Member or Friend
Relationships and friendships add a wonderful dimension to any college life: they help celebrate the good times, and they help make it through the tough times. Family and friends can help you study for a test, come with with you to a game or just be a sounding board for what is going on in your life. Having a strong, supportive social network has been associated with lower levels of stress, increased longevity, and greater levels of happiness. But there are times when these relationships can interrupt our daily routines. Sometimes when our family or friends have trouble, we can experience the effects as well.
In 2006, according to the NCHA (National College Health Assessment), the University of Utah had 19.1% of students that suffer academically from concern for a troubled family member. This can mean anything from missing class to comfort a friend, to not finishing an assignment because you had family obligations. While there is little you can do to prevent these occurrences, there is a lot you can do to help these friends and family members to get back on track.
Sometimes, as a close friend, roommate, housemate, partner, sorority sister or fraternity brother, classmate, or fellow athlete, you are the person who may realize your friend is not acting like him or herself. You may realize that your friend or family member is engaging in dangerous or self damaging behaviors, or you may be worried about them because they seem severely depressed and may not be doing as well in school.
This can be a difficult situation, as you might really want to help but may be unsure of the right approach. You might worry about upsetting your friend or family member even more, or that they will be angry with you. These are common concerns. Although it can be challenging, reaching out could be an important step toward encouraging them to get the help they need. However, you are not on your own! The University of Utah has many resources to help both your and the person you are concerned for out.
