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Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education
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Mental & Behavioral Health Newsletter |
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Welcome back to another exciting school year! As we gear up for a new chapter of learning and growth, our TEA Mental Health and Wellness team would like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of mental health and wellness in our school communities across the state. Returning to school can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, anxiety or stress. Whether you are an educator, parent or student our team encourages you to practice self-care and familiarize yourself with the mental health and wellness supports your school community has to offer. We wish you a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!
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Register Today for the Upcoming Mental and Behavioral Health Webinar Series |
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Texas Health and Human Services Commission Upcoming Suicide Prevention Trainings and Events |
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Register for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium: IN PERSON ONLY (select sessions will be recorded) – it is free to attend and will be in Mesquite, TX
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) 2024 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Webinar Series: The webinar schedule is listed below
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September 13, 2024 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. CDT: Thriving Together: Building Workplace Resilience Through Connection In this webinar learn how authentically engaging in reciprocity positively affects help-seeking, help-offering and prevents suicide. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5062437847919332445
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September 20, 2024 10:00a.m.–11:30 a.m. CDT: Warriors Burden: The Deadly Price of Silent Suffering and How We Can Heal our Military Heroes In this webinar participants will explore the critical issue of suicide prevention through the eyes of a veteran with lived experience. Delving into the profound struggles service members face when transitioning to civilian life, this talk exposes how the military code of silence has set a deadly precedent in help seeking, and offers strategies for fostering open dialogue and support to aid healing. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5998409215759474776
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September 27, 2024 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CDT: Lisa Morgan: Suicide Prevention for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder In this webinar, Lisa Morgan, Co-Chair of the Autism and Suicide Committee of the American Association of Suicidology, will share important ways to connect with individuals with autism spectrum disorder who may be thinking about suicide. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2968910534029238102
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LEA Highlight |
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Elgin ISD has partnered with Blue Bonnet Trails Community Services, their local mental health authority (LMHA), to provide voluntary substance abuse interventions for Discipline Alternative Education Program (DAEP) students from 7th to 12th grade. This partnership provides engaging group sessions for youth and a supportive space for them to work through their struggles. Within the groups, Elgin’s school-based mental health professionals focus on goal setting and problem solving with students.
When considering the Texas School Mental Health Framework, Elgin’s partnership with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services address multiple components of school mental health including substance use prevention and intervention, building relationships and decision making skills, mental health promotion, and a supportive school climate.
Click here to read more about Elgin ISD’s partnership with Blue Bonnet Trails Community Services. To learn more about Elgin’s student and family support services, visit their page.
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Mental & Behavioral Health Tips |
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The start of the school year is filled with joy and new beginnings for school communities across the state. While back-to-school time is exciting, for some of our students the transition can come with feelings of stress and fear. Below are some tips for families and educators to support a healthy transition back to school.
For Parents & Caregivers:
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Create Routines: A consistent routine fosters a sense of security in children. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, and setting aside time for homework and relaxation can help children adjust to the rhythm of the school year.
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Communicate: Encourage your child to express their feelings about going back to school. Acknowledge their fears, make them feel understood, and reassure them that it's perfectly normal to feel anxious about these changes.
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Encourage In-person Social Interactions: Facilitate interaction with classmates to rekindle old friendships and make new ones. Social relationships can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
For Educators:
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Create Safe Spaces: Children thrive in nurturing school environments where they feel safe to explore and express their feelings. Schools can promote this by establishing safe, caring spaces where students feel comfortable reaching out about their mental health without fear of judgement.
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Spot the Signs: Recognizing the signs of mental health concerns in students is key to connecting students to early mental health interventions. Knowledge of how to respond in such situations can ensure that students receive the support they need.
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Promote Positive Behaviors: Promoting positive behaviors will support students’ healthy decision-making skills. The skills students learn will reinforce positive peer interactions and promote resiliency.
Excerpts from: SAMHSA, “Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead” by Dr. Sunny Patel M.D., M.P.H. and SAMHSA, “Back to School: Mental Health Tips and Resources to Help Youth Thrive in – and out of – the Classroom” by Dr. Anita Everett, MD
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The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.
     
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