Mental Health Resources

Every child faces emotional difficulties from time to time. Feelings such as sadness, anger, or emotional extremes are a normal part of growth and development. However, some children may develop inappropriate emotional and behavioral responses to situations in their lives that persist over time. Children can develop the same mental health conditions as adults, but their symptoms may differ. See below for information on different types of mental health disorders.
 

How have the mental health needs changed in school settings in recent years?   •  Starting younger •  More violent •  Intensity •  Students stay in school with major issues – in past may have been home •  More students on anti-psychotic meds, in regular education classrooms •  Parents may be in mental health crisis also •  Greater percentage of students with mental health issues/anxiety •  Incidence/Impact of substance abuse on youth with mental health issues     What are the gaps in terms of providing mental health services to students in your school/district?   •  Lack of understanding diagnosis   •  Transition of students back into district after placement   •  Communication     What can school staff do in general in order to promote better mental health for students?   •  Systemically embrace mental health issues with our students •  Become educated about mental illness and the stigma that accompanies it •  Adopt language that does not perpetuate the stigma and secrecy around mental illness •  Through training have a better understanding of mental health issues – signs and symptoms •  Awareness of mental health/illness and how it plays out in schools on a daily basis •  Understand different pressures students face now •  Teach and model mindfulness to students •  Provide accommodations and flexibility to students •  Promote self-reflection •  Allow culture that makes it appropriate for someone to voice they are struggling •  Appreciate/value students and families •  Teach and model mindfulness

Mental Health Resources: A Guide for Parents of Five to Ten Year-olds A Guide for Parents of Twelve to Fifteen Year-olds A Guide for Parents of Fifteen to Eighteen Year-Olds Helping Students with Anxiety Disorders National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   Suicide:A major, preventable mental health problem Suicide Prevention Information What Every Parent Needs to Know:Recognizing Suicide Risk in Your Child   What Every Teacher Needs to Know:Recognizing Suicide Risk in Students   What Every Student Needs to Know:The Warning Signs of Suicide Risk   Concepts for Understanding Trauma Responses in Children and Families when Injury/Death is Witnessed   Listen, Protect, Connect – A Guide for Teachers for Youth Witnessing a Suicide   Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Trauma; Assisting Schools in Addressing Trauma   After a Suicide Toolkit for Schools – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention   Suicide Prevention Resource Center will help schools create safe messages on topic of suicide   Guide for Families on Talking after a Suicide Attempt (free DVD)   Suicide Prevention Center New York (SPCNY) – What Every Parent Needs To Know – Recognizing Suicide Risk in your Child   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Suicide Prevention Awareness   Suicide Prevention Center New York - www.preventsuicideNY.org   New York State Center for School Health   Self-Injury and Recovery Research and Resources (SIRRR) - Cornell University   Drug Awareness Resources:   AHS Community Drug Awareness   Cayuga County Drug-Free Coalition   Cayuga County Health Project Refusal Skills   Substance Abuse and Suicide   Teen Drug Abuse

 

What should groups focus on in terms of mental health issues?
For Students:	For Staff:	For Parents:
•  Bringing parents into conversations •  Team approach •  Early intervention that’s family focused •  Teaching students how to handle stress, coping •  Reducing stigmas •  Name the mental health issues – explain and give coping mechanisms, give them power to handle their emotional wellness	•  Bringing parents and students into conversations and planning •  Respect student confidentiality •  Demonstrate empathy •  Educate yourself on mental health issues by reviewing resources and attending professional development •  Share concerns and problem-solve with student services team •  Be approachable and accessible •  Promote a positive classroom environment	•  Contact school psychologist for assistance •  Utilize outside agency supports for counseling and treatment planning •  Share pertinent information with school personnel •  Advocate on behalf of your child