The Tiger's Mind
Tallassee City Schools Mental Health & Wellness Newsletter
January 2024
8th Edition
Did you brush your teeth today?
Mental Health is health, and it should be a priority in the same way brushing our teeth is!
The comparison between mental health and brushing your teeth makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?
In the early 20th century, forward-thinking dentists revolutionized dental hygiene by promoting preventive oral care in schools. Dental hygienists regularly visited elementary school classrooms to teach children about dental care and to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. These days it's second nature for most of us to brush our teeth daily, starting from the arrival of the first baby tooth.
One of the core initiatives to having a Mental Health Services Coordinator at our school district is promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention for our students, families, faculty & staff, and community. But we can't do it alone. Like the routine of brushing teeth, mental health routines start and are enforced in the home.
Mental health should be part of our daily routine – a habit to maintain our well-being.
What we need is the mental health equivalent of brushing our teeth. We need clear consistent habits that protect the health of our minds. It’s not that humans by nature require fluoride toothpaste and a vinyl toothbrush. It’s more that in the context of our modern diet and lifestyle, this is how we can protect our teeth. There are a lot of mind sugars out there such as social media, immediate gratification, unlimited communications that without mental hygiene can become corrosive over time.
Soaring rates of anxiety and depression mean that not thinking about mental health until there’s a serious issue is like not brushing your teeth until you need a root canal. Prevention doesn’t mean you won’t have issues, but it does mean those issues will be less severe and less costly. Also, the reason to focus on prevention isn’t because you will experience issues. Even if you have no reason to feel you are at risk for mental health conditions, mental health hygiene can support a more vital, energized life.
Read more about "mental health sugar" and mindcare in a high sugar world here, Why We Need the Mental Health Version of Brushing Teeth (Psychology Today)
Mental Wellness Awareness month is a reminder to take better care of your mental health, release stress and become happier, and improve the quality of your relationships. You can participate by spending more time with your loved ones, being grateful for what you have in life, planning a trip, and becoming skilled at self-care.
Wellness Reminder
Laugh More!
Did you know people who laugh are generally healthier?
It's true...it boosts our mood, our immune system, and our overall health! Check out these 10 Benefits of Laughter if you're curious! :)
I challenge you to laugh like you're six again, and try to make others laugh like they're six too! :)
~Mrs. Brittany Spencer, Southside Middle School Principal
Emotional Wellness Toolkit
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS: The ability to successfully handle life's stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.
How you feel can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities, your relationships, and your overall mental health. How you react to your experiences and feelings can change over time.
(National Institutes on Health)
Build resiliance
People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster. This quality is called resilience. Learning healthy ways to cope and how to draw from resources in your community can help you build resilience.
Reduce stress
Get quality sleep
Strenghten social connections
Social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health—both emotionally and physically. Whether with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, or others, social connections can influence our biology and well-being.
Cope with loss
When someone you love dies, your world changes. There is no right or wrong way to mourn. Although the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, most people can make it through the grieving process with the support of family and friends. Learn healthy ways to help you through difficult times.
Be mindful
The concept of mindfulness is simple. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you. It means not living your life on “autopilot.” Becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Love and mental health are quite intricately connected. Being in a loving and supportive relationship can have a positive impact on your mental health and promote happiness. Several research studies provided evidence that a happy and stable relationship is connected to
- Improved mental health,
- Lower levels of stress, and
- Reduced levels of depression.
Read more here: Love and Mental Health (Mind Help)
FREE mental health education webinars coming soon!
Understanding Motivation and Procrastination | Thurs 2/1 | 12-1:00p CST
Almost everyone procrastinates sometimes. But if you continue to put things off, then regret it and feel bad about yourself afterward, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle that can impact your physical & mental health. Explore the reasons why people procrastinate and learn techniques to get and stay motivated in this one-hour seminar.
Register here https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716886587868/WN_-McQVRTaRZelMqM_o4hFzw
Understanding Stress Responses: Effects on Your Body and Behavior | Tues 2/6 | 12-1:00p CST
The term ‘stress’ is used loosely in our culture. What does it really mean and how vulnerable are you? Understand the biology of stress and explore realistic and practical ways to manage distress in this one-hour seminar.
Register here https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716886587868/WN_O1_BlRAqSm6ibLytxCmI_Q
Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships | Wed 2/14 | 12-1:00p CST
Maintaining a balance between caring for loved ones and setting healthy boundaries for yourself can be challenging. Learn how to express your own needs without guilt, strike a healthy balance between caregiving and self-care, and tips for negotiating compromises with a licensed therapist.
Register here https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716886587868/WN_8nXy8Wc1SBS4fqZqj9ivOQ
TCS School Based Mental Health Services Continue to Grow
School-Based Therapy Is Helpful to Children & Teens
TCS SBMH provides comprehensive mental health services to students who might need extra help with various issues, for example, new adjustments, processing grief & trauma, anxiety and addressing any signs and symptoms of mental health that is disrupting the students' ability to live, love, and learn.
Since November over 25 referrals for mental health services have been received to provide our TCS students with additional support beyond social emotional topics (self-esteem, learning skills, academic goals) the guidance counselor can provide.
Our therapist conducts therapeutic sessions at the school during the school day. This approach removes scheduling difficulties for parents and results in less learning time lost for students.
Benefits of students receiving therapy at school often include improved self-esteem, access to care, less interruption in learning, increased quality of everyday life and relationships, strengthening the use of their emotions, and increased self-awareness.
If you or someone you know is in need of extra support, let's talk about your concerns and make a plan for support and connection!
See contact info below.
No Shame!
If you or someone else is in crisis, you can immediately call, chat or text a mental health professional free by contacting 988.
Click here to watch a video from the No Shame Campaign. Learn the warning signs of someone in a mental health crisis, and how to reach out for help, for yourself or a loved one.
Mrs. Jen Bafford
Tallassee City Schools
Mental Health Services Coordinator
Email: Jen.Bafford@tcschools.com
Location: 901 E B Payne Sr Dr, Tallassee, AL 36078
Call or Text: 334-415-4125
Facebook: facebook.com/MrsJenBafford
NEW page on TCS Website: https://www.tcschools.com/page/mental-health-wellness