WHAT WE TOLD TRINA

While you may have changed a lot since you went away, your parents probably have not changed much, or at all, while you were away. Having been away, you may now find their behavior and the condition of your home more difficult to cope with than before.

Breaks from college are supposed to be for recharging and relaxing. If visits home make you feel depressed and anxious, reconsider where you spend your time during these periods. Would it help to shorten your stay at home and spend the rest of your vacation elsewhere? What would happen if you didn’t go home at all for a break, but made other plans? Would you feel better upon returning to college? More relaxed? Or, would you be worried about your parents back home? To help you make your decisions, make a list of pros and cons for visiting home. Make your own emotional health a priority. If you have to go home, talk to a counselor about it beforehand to help prepare you emotionally for the visit.

Many students make tough choices and choose alternatives to going home during breaks. Since many college residence halls are open through the holidays, staying in campus housing over vacation can be a good alternative. Working, studying abroad, going to summer school or getting an internship are some other ways to keep yourself occupied and away from long stays at home during your college years.