It is a cruel irony that some students may find that this time in their life when they have the most social interaction is also the time when they feel most isolated. The holiday season offers parents a unique opportunity to gauge their student's adjustment and provide support before they return for second semester.

A life -- yours or someone else's -- is worth whatever it takes to protect it, including changing a culture that can lead to despair and working to remove the stigma that surrounds mental illness of any type. Our community needs every single one of you.