Mood Prep 101: A Parent's Guide to Preventing Depression and Anxiety in College-Bound Teens
(Book)

"Depression in college students has reached a crisis and the prevalence continues to rise. The increasing psychological distress of the current generation, Gen Z, and their greater willingness to obtaining mental health care have overwhelmed most college counseling services. Despite this sobering news, parents can play a critically important role and the book describes a plan for supporting and preventing depression in young people. Each chapter concludes with practical suggestions and strategies for parents. There are four sections. The first section is a description of adolescent development and the types of depressive symptoms and disorders that may emerge. The second section details the foundation that students need in order to move toward a successful college experience, including family support, communication and assertiveness skills; the development of self-efficacy and problem-solving skills; the process of self-regulation, and distress tolerance. Barriers to self-regulation and optimal development include underage substance use and unsafe sexual relationships. The third section examines vulnerabilities to depression, including cognitive distortions, perfectionism, and the stress of being a sexual minority or an overweight and thus subject to harassment. Challenges faced by students are seen as "different," are explored. what happens to students who are seen as "different." The final section is a description of life on campus including the stresses of college life and the opportunities to develop friendships, relationships with faculty, and a more meaningful view of the future. There are chapters on how to access mental health services before and during college. The book concludes with a call to reduce stress on students and challenge the competitive individualistic culture"--