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Answers to a variety of mental health questions for students and parents/guardians
Emotional wellbeing is increasingly important during this time of reduced social contact. Under the leadership of Dr Nita Kumar, the team of administrators and teachers that form the district Return to School Mental Wellness committee developed the following.
For studentsWhat can I do to help manage my anxiety, depression, or mental health?
Change to Chill: Mindfulness and Stress Relief for Teens and Students - Online and printable tools and resources that help teens become more aware of what stress is, what causes it and how to manage it. It also provides resources for parents, educators and adults to positively impact the mental health of someone they care about.
Virtual calming room - This website provides sounds/music, visual relaxation, guided imagery, apps and other resources to help calm students when stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious.
Self-help articles for children and teens - This website from Children’s Minnesota provides numerous articles on coping with feelings, behaviors, problems, and relationships at home and school.
Who at the school can help?You can engage in mental health therapy services right at your school. Check out more information about the school-based mental health programming and find the therapist at your site. Please visit your school website for student support resource personnel, contact details and availability (Support menu, the, Emotional and behavioral, select Mental health on left).
What should I do if I am experiencing a mental health emergency?Students and parents/guardians may:
- Call 911
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis text line: Text MN to 741741 for free confidential help.
What should I do if a friend is experiencing a mental health emergency?
Check out this Helping a Friend document from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Any additional resources?See this overview document for mental health crisis links.
To help parents/guardians with their student(s)How do I identify if my student is struggling with their mental health?
Check out this Anoka-Hennepin document on the Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues.
How can I support my student who is experiencing challenges with stress, anxiety, depressed mood, or mental wellness?Stress Management for Teens and Teen Mental Health Resources - Resources to help you positively impact the mental health of someone you care about.
Childhood Traumatic Grief: Information for Parents and Caregivers - Provides information to parents and caregivers on childhood traumatic grief. This fact sheet outlines how children grieve, what childhood traumatic grief is, who develops childhood traumatic grief, the signs a child might have childhood traumatic grief, and what parents or caregivers can do to help.
Helping Your Child Cope with COVID-19 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to support your student during the pandemic.
Anxiety Resources: Elementary Age Students - Tips for parenting the anxious child. Includes websites, books for parents, and books for children.
Books on Anxiety (for children)
Supporting Your Child During COVID-19 - This link provides seven articles or videos to help parents support their children during COVID-19.
Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19 - For parents struggling to balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries under control.
Who at school can help?Please visit your school website for student support resource personnel, contact details and availability. (Support menu, the, Emotional and behavioral, select Mental health on left).
What community resources are available?Community resources - This link provides mental health resources for both Anoka and Hennepin counties, including counseling services, day treatment programs, chemical dependency programs, and residential/inpatient programs.
Where can I find information on routines/schedules?Homework: A Guide for Parents - A list of ways to organize your space and create a system for homework and completing tasks at home, including time limits and expectations.
The following are samples of charts and planners to help you, and your student, organize their day:- Daily Routine Chart - Sample chart; appropriate for elementary age children.
- Routine Chart (blank)
- Tasks to Do (secondary)
- Family Meeting Planner
- Family Schedule Template