Fall Break offers students the chance to rest, relax and recharge.

However, this holiday can also result in a different kind of stress with increased anxiety and complicated emotions around family dynamics.

As Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) Director Cynthia Diefenbeck observed, this Thanksgiving may be the first time that many first-year students have returned home since starting college.

“As great as it feels to sleep in one’s own bed again and eat a home-cooked meal, the shift from significant independence back to parental supervision can cause a rub,” said Diefenbeck. “Students and parents may have to renegotiate their roles, rules and expectations of each other.”

Diefenbeck also noted that many students of all class years may be dealing with additional factors that could cause stress.

“Students who have a lost a loved one may experience a surge of grief as the reality of the loss is apparent,” she said. “Unhealthy family dynamics that have been on the back burner while at school may be on full display when one returns home. Some students are waiting to see their family members in person to have difficult conversations about topics they’ve never shared before.”

Diefenbeck also noted the dread some students may feel at having to be “on” and answering questions about school, careers and relationships can be exhausting.

CCSD aims to help students create a game plan to proactively consider how going home impacts everyone involved.

“We help students consider the range of emotions and problem-solve any areas of difficulty,” said Diefenbeck. “We can also help them think about their situation in new ways, with new perspective and coping skills. We want to normalize that a range of emotions and experiences is to be expected.”

She recommends a few simple ways to reframe your thought process to prepare for returning home.

“Think about how you have changed since last being home,” Diefenbeck said. “Think about what you may want or need from your family and how best you can ask for that. Also, be sensitive to how your family may have changed since last seeing you and what they may want, need or expect from you. Be willing to engage and compromise.”

For those looking for the best ways to pass the week peacefully, Diefenbeck recommends an equal combination of rest and productivity.

“Everyone is different and not all solutions fit everyone, but in general, it’s best to have a balance between structured activities and down time during fall break,” she said. “Too much structure might leave some feeling like they didn’t get an actual break during their break. Too much down time leaves others feeling like they didn’t use their time effectively to catch up on things they’re putting off or they find it difficult to rev back up and get back into the groove of the semester.”

Need additional help or resources? Visit CCSD in their new client reception area in 305 Warner Hall during business hours, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak to a counselor. Don’t forget, you can access TimelyCare 24/7 virtual mental health support no matter where you call home!