Jan 31, 2017 02:31 PM EST By Chris Brandt, UniversityHerald Reporter

There are times when parents become confused with how their college kids behave and often dispel it as part of their transition into adulthood. However, the recent result from the National College Health Assessment revealed that it's more than just normal as one out of five students is affected by mental health problems. How do parents know that their child is suffering from one?

According to the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), there are telling signs in a person's behavior if she or he is experiencing some mental health problems. Some of the things parents have to look out for first is a change in their sleeping pattern, irritability, fatigue, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Aside from that, there are also some changes in their social behavior. When they start skipping class. show poor performance at school, and express their disinterest in continuing their education, that should also be a cause of worry for parents.

People who are suffering from mental problems will also have difficulty maintaining their relationships whether it is friendship or romance.

Not all changes should be a cause of alarm but when they start to express suicidal thoughts as well as expressing frustrations, sadness, nervousness, and anger more often than normal, they should be closely observed.

There are also several ways a parent can do to help their child suffering from mental problems. An open communication with their child as they explore their feelings is encouraged. However, parents should not be insistent but rather, throw ideas and solutions that their child can think about and decide on their own.

It is also recommended to encourage college students experiencing mental problems to seek help from their school's mental health officer. Seeking professional help is encouraged as a last resort if the problem is already serious. Finally, be aware of the child's suicidal tendencies. According to the NCHA, one percent of college students attempt suicide; thus, encouraging them to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will greatly help them.

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