Student Support Solutions
ESD 123 Student Support Department Newsletter

March 2nd is World Teen Mental Wellness Day

Teachers, staff, and coaches may be the first to notice when a student isn’t doing well. Many young students aren’t comfortable reaching out or know that there is available support. Having an adult with more awareness can be the key to starting the conversation.

Signs a teen may be struggling:

Low mood or significant sadness for more than 2 weeks
Eating habits or weight change
Sleep patterns and energy levels have changed - either increased or decreased
Missing assignments, slipping grades, or skipping class
Increased complaints of physical pain like headaches and stomach aches

Ways to Help:

Let them know you care. If you’re worried about a friend let them know you care.
Involve trusted others. If a friend is in need, you don’t need to handle it alone. Ask a friend, parent, or even school counselor for help.
Just be there. Oftentimes you may feel helpless or like you don’t know what to say or do to “fix” things. Many times, just sitting with someone, being available to talk to, and having a sympathetic ear are a great relief to people who are struggling.

For more information on how to start the conversation, visit www.teenlink.org/a-teen-in-my-life.

teenage girl looking down sadly at cell phone while other teens look on in the background

Register for In Person classes for Youth and Adults

Recognizing Signs of Mental Health

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: FREE

April 20, 2022 │ 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM │ at ESD 123 Pasco

A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health or substance use problem. Learn an action plan to help. In person training by Kadlec Community Health/Neurological Resource Center. Location: Educational Service District 123, 3924 West Court Street, Pasco, WA

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training: FREE

September 28, 2022 │ 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM │ at ESD 123 Pasco
You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Almost half of all American adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. One in five American adults experience a mental health disorder in a single year.

How Are YOU Preparing for Mental Health Awareness Month in May?

Mental health is an incredibly important part of overall health. With a growing number of Americans experiencing mental health symptoms, we need to join to together to advocate for reducing the stigma.

Pledge to be Stigma Free

"Stigma is when someone, or even you yourself, views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or judgement from someone else. Stigma can even come from an internal place, confusing feeling bad with being bad." ( - NAMI)

Let others know that there is hope and understanding. You can change the way the world sees mental health. The Stigma Free campaign is an effort by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to end stigma and create hope. Stigma harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. Through powerful words and actions, we can shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental illness.

Learn More About Stigma

Self-Care Challenge

We know self-care can look different for everyone. Usually, self-care involves activities that relax you, are fun and energizing. This doesn’t have to be overcomplicated or expensive. Activities can be as simple as reading a book or even going for a walk. Self-care also means taking care of yourself by making sure you are eating regularly, getting enough sleep, and caring for your overall health. We know you are all working hard in your roles, but please remember to make self-care a priority this month. Think about at least one activity you can engage in each day and set a specific self-care goal for this month. For example, “I will walk 30 minutes every evening after dinner.” Make this a habit and see how effective it can be at reducing stress.

WWW.ESD123.ORG

The ESD 123 Student Support Department is here to provide you with assistance and additional resources as needed. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or needs.

Dana Camarena
ESD 123 Director of Student Support

dcamarena@esd123.org

ESD 123 Student Support Department | 3924 W Court St | Pasco, WA 99301 www.esd123.org

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3924 W. Court St.
Pasco, WA | 99301 US

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Student Support SolutionsESD 123 Student Support Department Newsletter