Mental Health Awareness

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is an integral aspect of our overall well-being, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It's shaped by a combination of biological factors, personal experiences, and environmental influences, making it a unique experience for everyone. Just as we nurture our bodies, it's vital to understand, recognize, and care for our mental and emotional needs, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling life.

What we're seeing:

While most CCSD#1 students report feeling happy and supported, it is not uncommon for a child to report feelings of stress, anxiety and depression at times. The challenges of modern life, academic pressures, and societal expectations can be overwhelming.

Local resources:

Campbell County School District: Connect with your child's school counselor for school counseling, community support groups, and outside mental health referrals. Additionally, schools counselors are great connectors for community resources for students and families in need.

What You Can Do:

Stay connected with your child. Regularly check-in, listen without judgment, and encourage open dialogue about feelings and challenges. Educate yourself about signs of mental distress to provide timely support.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Understanding the Signs:

It's vital to recognize signs that someone might be thinking about suicide. These can include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, withdrawing from activities, and exhibiting extreme mood swings

What we're seeing:

An unsettling increase in reported feelings of hopelessness and incidents of self-harm among youth. It's imperative to approach this subject with care, ensuring that our students have safe spaces to share and seek help. Students want and need to feel supported and cared for when dealing with these emotions.

Local resources:

988: Call/Text for confidential crisis resources and support.
Behavior Health Services through Campbell County Health: Inpatient and outpatient services for behavioral disorders, mental health conditions, and substance use. Crisis Line: 307-688-5555.
Yes House: The Y.E.S. House Crisis Shelter is available to youth ages 10 to 17 and their families on a 24-hour basis. While at the Crisis Shelter, youth continue to attend school, participate in corrective thinking and life skills groups, study time, volunteer in the community, and do chores. The Crisis Shelter is just one of 13 programs the YES House provides from enrichment, prevention, intervention and treatment.

What You Can Do:

Educate yourself and your child about the signs and resources available. Ensure they know they can talk to someone if they or a friend are struggling. Foster a home environment where feelings and concerns can be shared openly and without judgment. Always take any mention or indication of suicide seriously.

What to do if your child is suicidal

Ensure Safety: Remove potential self-harm tools (e.g., medications, sharp objects). As well as secure self-harm tools such as firearms.
Listen Actively: Approach with empathy; avoid judgment or dismissal.
Get Professional Help: Contact a therapist or emergency services if the threat is immediate.
Stay Connected: Regularly check in, providing emotional support.
Use Resources: Familiarize with local helplines and mental health services