Student drops out of college due to mental health struggles

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend’s daughter has been struggling with her mental health for some time now, and it’s difficult to watch. She recently made the tough decision to withdraw from college for the semester because she was feeling overwhelmed, and now she’s unsure if she wants to go back at all. It’s heartbreaking because she’s such a bright, ambitious young woman who has always dreamed of becoming a lawyer. I know how much pressure college can put on students, especially those with big career goals like hers, and I completely understand that she needs time to take care of herself. At the same time, I worry that stepping away might make it harder for her to return, and I don’t want her to lose sight of her dreams. I want to be supportive, but I’m not sure of the correct approach.