Is Additional Support Needed Right Now?
Wondering Whether This Is Normal Stress or If More Support Might Help
Sometimes parents sense that something isn’t quite right—but aren’t sure what to do with that feeling.
This section isn’t meant to diagnose anything. It’s here to help you notice patterns, duration, and impact so you can decide whether your senior may benefit from additional support—or whether what you’re seeing still falls within a normal range for this season.
CHECK FIRST: Questions to Help You Gauge What You’re Seeing
Answer these based on what you’ve observed over time, not one hard day.
Changes & Duration
Has this been going on for more than two weeks?
Does it seem to be getting stronger, not easing?
Is this a noticeable change from how my senior usually is?
Daily Functioning
Is my senior still attending school or completing basic responsibilities?
Are sleep and eating mostly consistent?
Are they able to enjoy anything—even briefly?
Emotional Signals
Do they often seem sad, hopeless, or emotionally flat?
Do they make frequent negative statements about themselves or the future?
Are irritability or withdrawal becoming more common?
Connection
Do they still talk with at least one trusted person?
Are they pulling away from friends, family, or activities more than before?
When I check in, is there any openness—or complete shutdown?
A Simple Way to Think About What You’re Seeing
Instead of labeling, think in ranges.
🟢 This May Be Within a Typical Stress Range
Feelings come and go
Your senior is still functioning day to day
Stress seems tied to specific situations (school load, decisions, deadlines)
There are still moments of connection or enjoyment
→ Support, reduced pressure, and time may be enough right now.
🟡 This May Need More Attention
Feelings are present most days
Withdrawal or anxiety is more noticeable
Motivation has dropped significantly
Your senior seems stuck or overwhelmed much of the time
→ This may be a good moment to increase support, open conversation, or involve a school counselor or trusted adult.
🔴 This May Be a Signal to Seek Additional Help
Daily functioning is clearly affected (school, sleep, eating)
Hopeless or very negative statements are frequent
Isolation is increasing, not easing
Your concern isn’t going away—even when things seem “fine” on the surface
→ Seeking additional support isn’t an overreaction. It’s a way of caring well.
PAUSE
Getting extra support does not mean something is “wrong” with your senior. It means they’re going through something that deserves more care. Many seniors need short-term support during major transitions—and that doesn’t define who they are or where they’re headed. You’re allowed to take this one step at a time.
NOTES / REFLECTION
If it helps, reflect on:
What changes am I noticing most clearly?
How long has this been going on?
What kind of support feels appropriate right now?
You can return to this section whenever questions resurface.