Dragons Dig Deep
September
A MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEWSLETTER FROM CHS COUNSELORS
WELCOME DRAGON STUDENTS & PARENTS
Carroll High School Counseling Office is excited to welcome students and parents to a brand new school year! Let’s work together to make this a wonderful and memorable year at Carroll High School. It is our goal for our students to feel happy, safe and supported at school, and we're here to help our students build and maintain healthy relationships. This newsletter contains important information about upcoming programs including Mental Heath and Wellness Monthly Topics, Event Dates, and so much more.
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 10: Curriculum Night: 6:00-7:30
September 13: Coffee with the Counselors 9am
September 18-21: 9th and 10th grade guidance
September 24: Rachel's Challenge Assembly
On October 10th, at 8am CHS will administer the Pre-ACT for all 9th graders while all 10th graders will be administered the PSAT. No registration is necessary. These practice tests are unofficial and are given so that our students may gain exposure to college entrance exams in a timed setting.
MENTAL HEALTH
It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance. While most youth are healthy, physically and emotionally, one in every four to five youth in the general population meet criteria for a lifetime mental disorder. As with physical health, mental health includes emotional well-being, psychological well-being, social well-being and involves being able to
- navigate successfully the complexities of life,
- develop fulfilling relationships,
- adapt to change,
- utilize appropriate coping mechanisms to achieve well-being without discrimination.
- realize their potential,
- have their needs met, and
- develop skills that help them navigate the different environments they inhabit.
SPECIFIC DISORDERS
There are many types of mental health disorders that affect youth such as Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts
RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS
There are a wide range of risk factors and protective factors that influence Mental Health. Here is a link to a wealth of information about these risk and protective factors. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health/risk-and-protective-factors-youth
WARNING SIGNS
If a young person has a variety of risk factors, it is important to seek assistance for the young person and his or her family. If a family member or friend is concerned, discussing the issue with another family member, friend, spiritual counselor, family pediatrician, or primary doctor could be helpful. Signs and behaviors to look for include, among others:
- Marked fall in school performance
- Poor grades in school despite trying very hard
- Severe worry or anxiety, as shown by regular refusal to go to school, go to sleep or take part in activities that are normal for the child's age
- Frequent physical complaints
- Marked changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Extreme difficulties in concentrating that get in the way at school or at home
- Sexual acting out
- Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death
- Severe mood swings
- Strong worries or anxieties that get in the way of daily life, such as at school or socializing
- Repeated use of alcohol and/or drugs.
Information for this section on Mental Health was from the Youth.Gov website.
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health
STRESS AND YOUTH
Copied from https://www.psycom.net/common-triggers-teen-stress/
According to data collected by the American Psychological Association for the Stress in America Survey, teen stress rivals that of adults. Results of the survey show that not only do teens identify that their stress levels are not healthy, but they also underestimate the impact stress has on their mental and physical health.
- For teens, the most commonly reported sources of stress are school (83 percent), getting into a good college or deciding what to do after high school (69 percent), and financial concerns for their family (65 percent).
- Many teens report lying awake at night (35 percent), overeating or eating unhealthy foods (26 percent), and skipping meals (23 percent) due to stress in the past month.
- Forty percent of teens report feeling irritable or angry, 36 percent report feeling nervous or anxious, 36 percent report feeling fatigued or tired, and 31 percent report feeling overwhelmed due to stress in the past month.
- More than one-quarter of teens (26 percent) say they snapped at or were short with classmates or teammates when stressed in the last month. Fifty-one percent of teens say someone tells them they seem stressed at least once a month.
- Teens report that during the school year they have an average stress level of 5.8 on a 10-point scale, compared with a level of 4.6 during the summer.
Signs of Stress
All teens experience some amount of stress, and some stress can even be healthy. Many teens, however, struggle with significant stress levels that interfere with learning, relationships, and other areas of functioning. Stress can manifest in different ways, and some symptoms of stress mimic normal teen behavior. To that end, stress can sneak up on teens. It’s important to know what to look for when it comes to teen stress:
- Emotional changes: Your teen might appear agitated, anxious, and/or depressed. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
- Physical changes: Teens under stress are likely to get sick more often and complain of headaches, stomachaches, and other aches and pains.
- Behavioral changes: Look for changes in eating or sleeping habits, and avoidance of normal daily activities.
- Cognitive changes: You might notice decreased concentration, forgetfulness, and/or the appearance of carelessness.
Common Triggers of Teen Stress
All teens are different and stress can be triggered by a number of factors. The results of the Stress in America Survey show that there are some common sources of stress in the teen population. The best way to understand how your teen processes stress and where the stress stems from is to engage in open and honest communication about stress. It’s important for parents to normalize the concept of stress and empower teens to utilize adaptive coping strategies.
Consider these potential sources of stress for teens:
Academic Stress
From grades to test scores to applying to college, teens experience high levels of school-related stress. Many teens worry about meeting academic demands, pleasing teachers and parents, and keeping up with their classmates. Poor time management skills or feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work can play into academic stress as well.
Social Stress
Teens place a high value on their social lives. They spend the majority of their waking hours among their peers, and finding and keeping their tribes can include stress at times. Bullying and subtle instances of relational aggression are clear sources of stress on teens, but learning to manage healthy conflict and work through romantic relationships are no easy tasks for the developing teen. Peer pressure is an additional stress during the teen years. In an effort to establish and maintain friendships, teens can engage in behavior outside of their comfort zones to appease their peers.
Family Discord
Stress trickles down, and anything that impacts the family can affect the teen. Unrealistic expectations, marital problems, strained sibling relationships (including sibling bullying), illness in the family, and financial stress on the family can all trigger a spike in teen stress.
World Events
School shootings, acts of terrorism, and natural disasters worry parents, but they also trigger stress for teens. Teens are often privy to the 24-hour news cycle, and hearing bits and pieces of scary news, both domestic and abroad, can leave teens wondering about their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
Traumatic Events
Death of a family member or friend, accidents, sickness, or enduring emotional or physical abuse can have a lasting impact on teen stress levels. It’s also important to note that teen dating violence affects approximately 10% of teens.
Significant Life Changes
Like adults, teens experience stress due to significant life changes. Moving, starting a new school, and changes in the makeup of the family (including divorce and blended families) can trigger stress for teens. Not knowing how to cope with big changes is overwhelming and can be confusing for the developing teen.
The https://www.psycom.net/ has a wealth of information on how to help your student who may be struggling with Mental Health issues and/or Stress.
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH
In the U.S., a suicide is committed every 14 minutes and is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10 -24. Females attempt more than 3 times as often as males; males die by suicide more than 4 times that of females. LGBTQ youth are often at a higher risk for suicide than their heterosexual peers. Contrary to myth, talking to your child about suicide does not encourage him/her to commit suicide. We cannot afford to ignore the topic when children’s lives are at stake. Although warning signs may not always be present, they are present more often than not.
Be Familiar with Warning Signs (Arranged in the acronym, FACTS)
Feelings - Hopelessness, worthlessness, despair, emptiness, feeling anxious or trapped - these are examples of feelings that should really concern us.
Actions - includes things like trying to get access to a gun or pills, reckless behaviors, increasing drug or alcohol use, fighting.
Changes – change in attitude, moods or behaviors. Students who were active may become withdrawn, quit athletic teams, stop paying attention to personal appearance, daydream or fall asleep in the classroom or simply cut class.
Threats- can be specific like verbal statements of intent like “I‘m tired of living” or “I’m thinking of killing myself” or worrisome innuendos in writing or other class assignments. They can also be vague such as “You won’t have me around any longer to bother you.” Whether specific or vague, what these threats tell us is that the student is thinking about death or suicide, and that is what escalates our level of concern.
Situation(s)- may serve as triggers for the suicide. Your child’s coping skills may be challenged, and therefore, he/she may not see a viable solution. Situations include events like loss (family divorce, health problems, and economic problems) or death, getting into trouble at home, in school, or with legal authorities, personal losses of things like a break up with a boyfriend/girlfriend; impending changes or uncertainty.
Discussion Points at School
CHS Staff has been trained in the signs of suicide in teens and is committed to helping all of our students feel like they are important and valued at CMS. We will
- Encourage students to be kind and compassionate towards others,
- Encourage students to talk to a safe adult if they are hurting, or know someone in danger of hurting themselves,
- Help foster positive relationships with trusted adults, and
- Join with you in teaching our students resiliency.
Discussion Points at Home
- Actively listen to your child and validate what they feel.
- Focus on your concern for his/her well – being.
- Convey to him/her that he/she is important to you, and that you love him/her.
- Encourage your child to come to you when he/she (or a friend) is having thoughts of hurting or killing him/herself.
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional help for your child.
In cases of emergency, dial 911 or go to a hospital.
Crises Numbers:
Suicide Crises Center Hotline 214. 828.1000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800. 273.TALK (8255)
Suicide and Crises Center of North Texas 866.672.5100
CISD RESILIENCY PROJECT
As part of the District Resiliency Project, CISD Student Services has provided a wealth of resources to support you as you parent and lead your student. Please click on the link below to access information about Self-Care and Mental Wellness as well as the separate link for Suicide Prevention.
CISD STUDENT SERVICES - SELF-CARE AND MENTAL WELLNESS LINK
CISD STUDENT SERVICES - SUICIDE PREVENTION LINK
HOW CAN MY CHILD MEET WITH THEIR COUNSELOR?
There are several ways students can see us:
1. Parent Referral
2. Self Referral
3. Teacher Referral
We meet with students for many reasons:
1. Academic - Goal-setting; course-selection: GPA discussion; college admission process
2. Friendship/ Peer/Social Concerns
3. Personal Concerns
4. Behavioral Concerns
5. Stress/Anxiety
6. Responsive Services - meeting their immediate needs and concerns
If you have a concern and you would like for a counselor to meet with your child, please contact your child's grade level counselor via email or phone.
Thank you!
CHS COUNSELING STAFF
Melissa Watson (A-D): melissa.watson@southlakcarroll.edu
Sherry McCoy (E-K): sherry.mccoy@southlakecarroll.edu
Becca Piriano (L-Q): becca.piriano@southlakecarroll.edu
Tammy Pulse (R-Z): tammy.pulse@southlakecarroll.edu