When some parents think of the obstacles their children face at college, they think of written exams and big books. Too few parents think of abuse and suicide.

College life -- academically -- is stressful and unapologetic. But when students are consumed by addiction, depression, gambling, eating disorders and destructive relationships, the least of their problems are school-related.

Some parents miss the warning signs: a sharp drop in the amount of communication, excessive requests for money, weight fluctuation, depression and fatigue, along with failing grades. Students with serious issues may also be academically successful and could look perfectly normal on paper.

Good grades aren't impossible for college students with problems, as long as those problems are recognized and addressed. Experts say while the students' family members should act as a main source of support, students should not have to rely on them for all resolutions because professional help may be needed. So if an on-campus counselor isn't available, students should speak with the staff in their school's health center, according to Studenthealth101.com.

According to the latest findings in the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment, which surveyed a group of more than 20,000 respondents in the fall of 2007, more than half of college students described themselves as having excellent or very good health. Out of all the students, 82 percent reported one or more health issues. Of those, 18.9 percent reported having depression and 13.1 percent reported having anxiety.

Of course, there are many students who will never have the chance to communicate their troubles. Experts say that's why it's so important for parents to take the necessary steps toward speaking with their children about what is really going on at school.

First, parents and students should know what the school's policies are. Colleges have a wide variety of rules that address alcohol, drugs, academic shortcomings and medical leave of absence which must be followed.

Second, parents should look out for the warning signs in their children's behavior. According to Outsidetheclassroom.org, a Boston-based company that addresses health issues in higher education, the introductory weeks are when many abusive habits are formed among college students. With many back-to-school parties taking place, the first six weeks of college is when new problems commonly arise.

Third, parents should communicate with their children as often as possible. They need to listen to what their children are saying and, more importantly, they need to listen for any mention of unhealthy activities or feelings. Anything that can't be helped with parental advice (such as "get good sleep" or "eat right") should be taken seriously. If necessary, a professional should be sought, according to Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association).

If addressed, many problems faced by college students will be resolved by the end of the semester. Yet some, unfortunately, are never resolved. They can lead to sadness and tragedy instead.

But as more responsible parents learn to recognize the challenges their children face in college, pitfalls of academia can be avoided.