WCPSS School Psychologists took part in the NAMI Walk for Mental Health to help raise awareness and funds for mental health. Through small steps we change the lives of the students and families we support. #StigmaFree
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition, as 1 in 5 U.S. adults will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. WCPSS School Psychologists took part in the NAMI Walk for Mental Health to help raise awareness and funds for mental health. Through small steps we change the lives of the students and families we support. #StigmaFree
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Today is Valentines Day and I wanted to share my love for public education. If you love public education too
Let local and state-level decision makers know you care! When decision-makers see us making public schools a priority, they’ll know we want them to make public schools a priority, too. Let your legislators and local leaders know WHY you love your public school. Send your legislators a Valentine (or better yet, deliver one in person!), sharing the reasons why you love your public schools. The 2016 presidential election has had a significant impact on many families in America, and feelings of uncertainty are particularly heightened as various communities and families struggle to understand its effect on their future. This marks an important time for families and schools to work together to foster supportive relationships, to help children understand their emotional reactions, and to teach effective coping and conflict resolution strategies. The tips and related resources in this document are intended to help you support your children.
It is important for parents to understand the effect of stressors and trauma on life functioning. Experiencing stress and adversity can contribute to both internal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, grief, fear, anger, and isolation) and external behaviors (such as reactivity, aggression, and behavior problems). Children, in particular, may not understand the political process and may be fearful about impending changes. They may also have concerns regarding statements that have been communicated in the media. Recent events in their communities or reported in the media may cause children to fear that they or their family and friends may be targeted because of their gender, cultural background, religious background, or sexual orientation. The following represent concerning reactions that you should monitor in your children.
You can promote a sense of safety for children by doing the following.
Adult reactions can influence children’s’ reactions. Children may look to adults to determine how to respond and cope with stress. You can model appropriate coping strategies in the following ways.
Reinforce and focus on your child’s strengths, and promote their sense of belonging. All children and families bring unique skills, strengths, and knowledge to our society. Build and emphasize those strengths in the following ways.
Remember that at any time, should you or your children struggle with feelings of stress, please reach out to your school and community organizations for support. While many families may fear drawing attention to their diverse backgrounds, there are individuals and organizations who want to help. Talk to representatives of your school or local cultural or faith organizations. Other organizations include:
This information was taken from NASP School Safety and Crisis Handout: Supporting Vulnerable Students in Stressful Times Our final Girls On The Run meeting of the year. I LOVED coaching these phenomenal girls. They worked so hard and learned some great skills along the way.Working in WCPSS has given me the opportunity to work with some truly amazing educators/students/families. As a psychologist I have always had the supports needed to grow. Every time I have an idea it is welcomed with an open mind. I am encouraged to grow as a professional. I am very grateful for all of the kindness given during School Psychology Awareness week.What a wonderful way to kick off School Psychology Awareness week. Today I was presented with two certificates recognizing my hard work.
Solid advice on how to disagree. Its okay to disagree but it's not okay to be mean. Let's treat people like they are PEOPLE, people! Here is Kid President's 6 Steps to learning how to disagree with people.Today I had my first GoZen! group. I wanted to share out how much I LOVE and support this program. The students were engaged and learning the entire session.
It’s no secret there’s a serious stigma attached to mental illness. According to the CDC, only 25 percent of people with mental health issues feel that other people are compassionate and sympathetic toward them. It’s a shameful statistic when one in four people have been touched by some form of mental illness.
The Huffington Post |
Deirdre Martyn
School Psychologist Archives
May 2017
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