Counseling Newsletter
Mental Health & Wellness
Welcome to our December issue!
Mental Health
What To Do When a Friend Is In Crisis by Eric Scroggin
Let’s say that you know someone who isn’t doing so well. A good friend of yours has come to you and communicated that they wish they weren’t around anymore and that they’ve thought about ending it. Suicidal Ideation, or the act of thinking about taking one’s own life, is an issue that affects many teenagers, with more cases being seen every day. If you know someone who feels this way, you might be frightened and concerned, but confused about what to do. There are many things to consider when someone shares these feelings, and we will discuss the best way to deal with them here.
Your first instinct when someone mentions hurting or killing themselves might be to dismiss the statement as either dramatic or intending to be sarcastic and funny. And while it is the case that we can joke about serious topics, your first instinct when you hear these kinds of comments is to check with the person saying it if it reflects their true feelings. You might ask, in a concerned tone “Do you really think about doing that?” or “Are you joking or are you for real?” While we all say things we don’t mean, it’s possible that throwing out a serious comment like this is a way of seeing how people that care about them might react. You might call this a “cry for help” or a “trial balloon” a way of determining if someone will show concern and take them seriously. If you laugh it off as a weird comment or a dark joke, the person may then learn that this is the way their friend will respond to the seriousness of their feelings.
Hopefully, as you read this, you will not ever need to use this information. It can be scary and intimidating to be put in a situation where a friend shares this kind of story with you, but you should know you do not have to respond to it alone. Listen, show concern, and encourage direct action. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please do not hesitate to reach out to your counselor, the school social worker, or the health and wellness counselor as soon as possible. Below are crisis hotlines available to you.
The Power of Gratitude by Julia Loverdi
What is gratitude? Gratitude is pausing to focus on what is good in our lives and being thankful for the things that we have (https://kidshealth.org).
Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. When looking at the research associated with gratitude, it is strongly associated with greater happiness (https://www.health.harvard.edu).
Take a look at some ways practicing gratitude can be beneficial to your overall well being (https://www.forbes.com).
1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
2. Gratitude improves physical health.
3. Gratitude improves psychological health.
4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
5. Grateful people sleep better.
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem
7. Gratitude increases mental strength.
- Notice the good things in your life. Start a gratitude journal.
- Savor the feeling of gratitude. Pause. Notice and absorb that feeling of true, genuine gratitude. Let it sink in. Soak it up. Savor your blessings at the moment they happen.
- Express gratitude. Act with kindness or thoughtfulness.
Stop the Stigma
Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress During COVID
Wellness & Self-Care
Here are some coping strategies for stress and anxiety from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America:
Take a time-out. Listen to music, practice mindfulness, learn some relaxation techniques, go for a walk, step outside, and breathe in the fresh air. Stepping back from the problems helps clear your head.
Exercise Daily to help relieve stress and stay healthy
Welcome Humor. A good laugh goes a long way
Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly. Count to ten slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective. Is it really as bad as you think?
Maintain a positive attitude. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Get involved. Volunteer or connect with your peers and family members safely.
Learn what triggers your everyday anxiety. Is it school? family? Look for a pattern and keep a journal.
Practice self-care. Do something for yourself that you love or enjoy.
Talk to someone. Let friends and family you are feeling overwhelmed and how they can help.
School counselors are also available to help!

Coping with COVID-19
Helpful Resources
Crisis Resources
Mobile Crisis Support 24 hours 7 days a week Montgomery County Mobile Crisis provides not only immediate support for crisis situations, but also assistance with managing recurring or future crises. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-855-634-HOPE (4673). This service is available to anyone in Montgomery County, including children, teens, adults, and families. | See it report it! 1-844-SAF2SAY Or Get the App | Peer SupportFor Teens: Call 866-825-5856 Text: 215-703-8411 Email: teentalkline@accessservices.org Hours: Seven days a week from 1:00PM – 9:00PM |
Mobile Crisis Support 24 hours 7 days a week
Peer Support
For Teens: Call 866-825-5856
Text: 215-703-8411
Email: teentalkline@accessservices.org
Hours: Seven days a week from 1:00PM – 9:00PM
Julia Loverdi MA CCTP Mental Health & Wellness Counselor Harriton High School 610-658-3957 Open Office Hours available M-F 11:30-12:00. Please email to receive the zoom link. | Eric Scroggin MA BSL Mental Health & Wellness Counselor Lower Merion High School 610-645-1919 Open office hours available M-F 12:00-12:30. Please email to receive the zoom link. |
Julia Loverdi MA CCTP
Harriton High School
610-658-3957
Open Office Hours available M-F 11:30-12:00. Please email to receive the zoom link.
Eric Scroggin MA BSL
Lower Merion High School
610-645-1919
Open office hours available M-F 12:00-12:30. Please email to receive the zoom link.