Location Cost Services Registration SCHOOL BASED CLINIC

Talking about mental health is ok. School has wraparound services

Who is this guy and what is his main message? Gut: How did you feel listening to his story? What resonated with you? What do you identify with? VIDEO DISCUSSION

So what: How do you see this stigma acting out at your school? How do you think it affects your community? Where do you see the stigma he's referring to? VIDEO DISCUSSION

Now what: He says the first step is to recognize there's a problem. How can we do that? How can we teach acceptance of ourselves? How are you going to act differently to accept and spread the message that it is ok? How can we start talking about mental health more? How can the school better support reducing stigma around mental health struggles? VIDEO DISCUSSION

What is stigma? Why is there stigma around mental health? Why is that dangerous? Barriers to services Mental health counseling is about health; it’s not shameful the way that asthma or diabetes isn’t shameful Seeking help can take courage because of stigmas—be proud of yourself! STIGMA

MH disorders are not uncommon. Of children ages 9 to 17, what percent do you think have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder that causes at least minimal impairment? 21% In any given year, what percent of children with mental disorders do you think are identified and receive mental health services? 20% Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 15 to 24. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined. What percent of children and adolescents who commit suicide have a mental disorder? Over 90% STATS

What do you think happens in a therapy session? What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like? What is important Professional Straightforward Private Amount of session varies Sessions are driven by patients’ needs Equips you with tools to self-regulate better, i.e. reflecting on the situation & your feelings WHAT IS COUNSELING?

How can therapy help these issues? Gain control Learn exercises to help self-soothe, i.e. breathing exercises, meditation, positive affirmations, relaxing imagery, focusing on senses, etc. Get support, be able to talk through problems with a good listener Empower you to face problems Develop self knowledge, self awareness and confidence Know that we are all dealing with something, and getting help is brave WHAT ARE SOME COMMON ISSUES THAT TEENS TODAY STRUGGLE WITH?

On top of teenage years being a time of great change, it’s also a time when some mental health disorders can start to develop. Early intervention can be really helpful!

Ask for support Give yourself credit Seek help Know that you’re not alone and have a lot of resources, especially here at school. HOW TO HELP YOURSELF

Support, ask if they want to talk about it Listen, don’t judge Offer resources Respect their privacy Talk to an adult!!! HOW TO HELP A FRIEND

Social workers: suicidal thoughts, anxiety, sadness/depression, self-harm, grief/loss, housing or homeless issues, home issues, LGBTQ help Alcohol & drug technicians: drug or alcohol use for yourself, friend, or family member School psychologist: mental health/behavior, suicidal thoughts SBC—professional therapy services for suicidal thoughts, anxiety, sadness/depression, self-harm, grief/loss and relationship problems, community referrals, physical health, sexual health, health ed, nutrition SCHOOL RESOURCES All refer to each other! There is no wrong starting point

QUESTIONS??