Most people would agree that teenagers are extremely emotional and quite difficult to deal with because they are learning to think abstractly, and their biology is changing rapidly as well. In other words, teenagers are prone to overreacting to everything because of developmental growth. Most confusingly, teens must have an immediate answer to questions such as: “Does my outfit fit in with what the other kids are wearing? Do I have the right car? Is my boyfriend or girlfriend cool enough? How embarrassing is my family?”

Nothing—no idea, feeling, or thought—is left subjectively or personally unevaluated. So, it is not surprising that the unknown journey to college creates anxiety and stress. I always wonder what specific problems or insecurities the college-bound teenager is confronting. Are they worried about friendships, sexual encounters, or their grades? There is a certain quality concerning college obsessions that is more intense than other normal teenage obsessions.

Having lived through college stress syndrome many times with my own children and with other teenagers who asked for help with their applications and adjustment to college life, I know that confusion and trauma disrupt a teenager’s state of mind and the family’s peace. Sometimes, it feels like reality and rationality are being questioned endlessly,........

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