You know your child better than anyone else on earth. So even after he heads off to college, you should still keep alert to signs of change, upset, and distress. If you notice symptoms of the following problems or simply sense that something is wrong, don't wait but don't panic either. Start a dialogue with your child that will open the door to support and help.
Symptoms of Depression

Major depression shows itself in a combination of symptoms that interfere with normal life functioning. Clinicians believe that depression should be considered when five or more of the following symptoms (including one or both of the first two symptoms) are present over a two-week period:
Depressed mood most of the day
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities
Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite
Insomnia or increased sleeping
Restlessness or slowing down of body movements
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent thoughts of suicide, or a suicide attempt
Symptoms of Sleep Disorder

Sleep problems may be an early signal of emotional upset. Talk to your children about their sleep habits and listen for these tell-tale symptoms:
Difficulty falling asleep
Early morning wakening
Waking up during the night
Exceptional trouble getting out of bed in the morning
Symptoms of Substance Abuse

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism tells parents to watch for these signs of alcohol abuse. They are also signs of other forms of drug abuse:
Lower grades
Never available or reluctant to talk with you
Unwilling to talk about activities with friends
Trouble with campus authorities
Serious mood changes
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

There is a difference between normal feelings of concern about college academics and social activities and the kind of worry that accompanies a generalized anxiety disorder. When your child talks to you about college life, listen for these signs that she may need help:
Constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life events and activities, lasting at least six months
Almost always anticipating the worst even though there is little reason to expect it
Worrisome thoughts accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache, or nausea