The SAP News
METUCHEN SCHOOL DISTRICT // WINTER 2023
The Student Assistance Program wants to remind you of the supports available to all students who may be struggling with the transition, or are looking for some additional support here in the school building.
The Student Assistance Program in partnership with Wellspring Center for Prevention provides CONFIDENTIAL mental health counseling to all students who may be dealing with the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief/loss
- Relationship issues
- Peer and family conflict
- Substance abuse
- Body image issues
- LGBTQ+
- Other symptoms that may be impacting the student's ability to be successful academically
Stop into Room 139 to see Ms. Rubin or Mrs. Gonnello!
Mental Health Moments
Tips to Beat the Winter Blues
Click here for simple tips on how to lift your mood when the dark and the cold are getting you down.
Mental Health Conversation Guide
Bring Change to Mind has a helpful Conversation Guide of tips to start a conversation with someone about concerns around mental health. The guide includes Do's (observe, communicate, respect) and Don'ts (assume, alienate, label).
Kahoot! Coping with Stress
MHS HONORS AWARENESS MONTHS
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Below you’ll find information and tools to help you talk to your child about healthy relationships, guidelines on how to navigate their world of cell phones and social networking and how to talk to your children about being an upstander vs. a bystander when it comes to bullying.
Starting the Conversation Early
- 10 Tips on Talking About Healthy Relationships with Teens
- Conversation Starters: Dating Abuse
- Conversation Starters: Respectful Relationships
- Talking to Your Young Teen About Friendship and Bullying
Warning Signs
- How Do You Know if Your Teen is in an Unhealthy Relationship?
- Know the Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship
Quizes
The Student Assistance Program hosted a table in all lunches on Monday February 27th to bring awareness and education surrounding healthy versus unhealthy relationships. Student were asked trivia questions about this topic, and if they answered correctly, they spun the wheel to win a prize!
International Boost Self-Esteem Month
Self-esteem, simply put, is how you feel about yourself and like many things, is ever-changing throughout life. There may be times when self-esteem is at an all time high, and others when it has taken an undesirable dip. Everyone has the power to develop their self-esteem, and the benefits are significant.
How to Boost Self Esteem
- Recognize what you're good at - We're all good at something, whether it's cooking, singing, doing puzzles or being a friend. We also tend to enjoy doing the things we're good at, which can help boost your mood.
- Build positive relationships - If you find certain people tend to bring you down, try to spend less time with them, or tell them how you feel about their words or actions. Try to build relationships with people who are positive and who appreciate you.
- Be kind to yourself - Being kind to yourself means being gentle to yourself at times when you feel like being self-critical. Think what you'd say to a friend in a similar situation. We often give far better advice to others than we do to ourselves.
- Learn to be assertive - Being assertive is about respecting other people's opinions and needs, and expecting the same from them. One trick is to look at other people who act assertively and copy what they do. It's not about pretending you're someone you're not. It's picking up hints and tips from people you admire and letting the real you come out.
- Start saying "no" - People with low self-esteem often feel they have to say yes to other people, even when they do not really want to. The risk is that you become overburdened, resentful, angry and depressed. For the most part, saying no does not upset relationships. It can be helpful to keep saying no, but in different ways, until they get the message.
- Give yourself a challenge - We all feel nervous or afraid to do things at times. People with healthy self-esteem do not let these feelings stop them trying new things or taking on challenges. Set yourself a goal, such as joining an exercise class or going to a social occasion. Achieving your goals will help to increase your self-esteem.
Self Love Selfie Station
The Student Assistance Program honored International Boost Esteem Month by hosting a "Self Love Selfie Station" where students were given the opportunity to practice self-love and spread positivity to those around them!
Students were given the opportunity to win a Self-Love Basket which included goodies such as cozy blanket, stress balls, mug and box of tea, candle, face masks, box of chocolates, gratitude journal and a $25 gift card to the movies!
Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we celebrate Strength through Experience and Knowledge. This week is an opportunity to focus on lived experiences and eating disorder education, which are essential catalysts for awareness and change.
More information can be found on www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.