Mental Health Tips for Challenging Family Dynamics

For many students, the time spent at a university is the first experience they have living without parents. For some, it may be an escape from an environment that was less than supportive.

As we all adjust to life as best we can thanks to COVID-19, we have created some messaging in partnership with the Carruth Center that can be used to communicate and spread awareness of such issues and how to best cope in these challenging times.

It might be hard to be home right now, and we get that. That's why we've created some tips to help you get through this time and keep your mental health in check while home with family: go.wvu.edu/families

Does going home pose more challenges to your mental health than benefits?

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It can be challenging to live with your family again after coming back from college. Use these tips to learn how you can limit any difficulties you may face from your family: go.wvu.edu/families

Use this tips to limit pressure and pain you may feel from family.

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The role you often play in your family may prevent you from growing as a person and being empowered in situations. Learn how some roles may play into family drama: go.wvu.edu/families

Take note of the role you play in your family, and know when to step out of it.

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Set aside time to spend with yourself while you're living with your family. You could retreat to your room, spend time outside, or put some headphones in and listen to something that you enjoy. Learn how else you can create a safe space during this time: go.wvu.edu/families

Create boundaries for yourself.

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We all need a space that is our own right now, but sometimes, it's not possible to have our own physical space. Creating a safe space in your mind can be helpful when living at home. Learn more: go.wvu.edu/families

Set up a safe space, both physically and mentally.

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So, you live at home with your family again ... It can be a hard time. Families especially have a way of zeroing in on our flaws, whether they're small jobs or outright emotional abuse. Learn how you can protect yourself during this time: go.wvu.edu/families

Know your strengths to protect yourself from feeling devalued.

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Living at home can be difficult. Don't let your family's negative opinions get to you. People often unload their feelings onto someone else so they don't feel things themselves. For more tips on dealing with challenging family dynamics, visit go.wvu.edu/families.

Remember that other people's negativity is not about you.

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We know living at home again is challenging. There can be a lot of intense feelings in one space. When things get hard, take some time to remember who you are and all the good things you've done. For more tips while you're at home, visit go.wvu.edu/families.

Spend time walking down 'memory lane' to remember the kind things you have done.

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We still need to stay connected during this isolating time. Get a break from your family by texting, calling, or video chatting with other Mountaineers. This is a hard time, but we'll get through this together. Get more tips on living at home at go.wvu.edu/families.

Connect with others, and get social support.

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Living at home can be challenging, and we recognize that some students may returned to abusive family situations. If you are ever in danger, please call 911. Their services are still available during this time.

If you are experiencing physical abuse, or feel that you are in danger, CALL 911.

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