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A.C.E.S. December 2020 Newsletter
December's Newsletter Topic-TEEN MENTAL HEALTH
In This Issue-Scroll and Skip to What Info. You Want to See
-Tips to Increase Overall Mental Health
-Infographic on 5 Ways Teens Ask For Help
-Where You Can Get Mental Health Support for Your Teen, Family Member, or Yourself
-Resources
December Newsletter-Mental Health
Email: leah.juarros@twinriversusd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/twinriversusd.org/counseling-with-ms-j/health-3
Location: Working from Home!
Phone: (916) 585-4570
Facebook: facebook.com/mrsjuarrosrtjh
Zoom Office Hours
I am available to Zoom with students EVERYDAY
Monday-Friday from 8:00-3:00
If a student wants to meet me on zoom they can text me any time during office hours at 916-585-4570 and I will hop on ASAP! They can join by clicking the link below after they text me.
Join Zoom Meeting link:
Meeting ID: 937 6297 9242
A.C.E.S. {Academics~Career & College~Emotional Support~Strategies & Resources}
Emotional Support-Is it Moodiness, Sadness, or Depression? (No time to read? Scroll below the article to watch a video)
SIGNS IT'S MORE THAN JUST THE BLUES OR BEING MOODY
- Changes in eating habits either eating much less or eating a lot more than normal.
- Sleep much more or much less than normal
- Lose interest in activities they normally enjoy such as video games, spending time with friends, being with family.
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt with no real reason.
- Having trouble concentrating or making decisions (if that was not their personality before).
- Having thoughts or making comments about "not being here anymore" or "better off without me" or even mentioning death.
Everyone has bad days. It’s perfectly normal to feel down or sad once in a while. It only becomes a problem if there seems to be no real reason for your student's sadness or if the sad and low feelings last longer than they should. If those symptoms and feelings interfere with your student's daily routine it's time to get some help! (See resources section)
TOPIC OF THE MONTH-TEEN MENTAL HEALTH
Tips to Help Increase Overall Mental Health
- STRUCTURE YOUR DAY. Give yourself something to do, even if you start small. Having some structure in your day can make a big difference in how you feel. Start with basic daily activities like showering or walking the dog
- EXERCISE. Daily physical activity improves your health and mood, and helps you get rid of stress.
- SLEEP. Getting 8-9 hours of sleep each night will help you feel better the next day.
- EAT HEALTHY. Eating a balanced diet gives your body the fuel it needs to help combat stress. Try not to skip meals and go easy on the junk food.
- GO OUTSIDE. Staying inside all the time can be really draining. Getting outside and enjoying the sun and fresh air can help you feel better. This is especially true during the pandemic. Practicing safe measures while in your own backyard can help you get the sunshine you need.
- TALK. Talk to the people in your support network about your feelings and concerns. Sharing your feelings with someone else can feel like a weight is lifted off your chest.
Where Can You Get Help for Your Teen, Family Member, or Yourself?
- CALL YOUR DR: If you have health insurance you can call your primary doctor and he/she can refer you to a counselor/mental health provider. They may want to see the patient or have a virtual appointment.
- CALL YOUR INSURANCE: Some insurances have a separate number you can call-look for it on the back of your insurance card or call the benefits number. Your insurance can tell you if you need a referral or not.
- CARE SOLACE: I can refer you to a mental health concierge, their service is free of charge and they will help you connect with a counselor or other mental health services that meets your needs whether you have insurance or not. (email me if you are interested, insurance co-pays may apply).
- SELF REFERRAL: You can use the self referral, confidential website and find your own resources. You can search by area, gender, specialty, and race. caresolace.com/TRUSD
- URGENT?: If it is an emergency, as in the person is threatening to hurt themselves, call 911.
*Many people are seeking help and so it may take time to get an appointment. While you are waiting you can utilize some of the tips and resources I have listed. Even if your student or family member are feeling better it is best to follow through with the appointment.
Resources for the Month
Need a Referral for Counseling or Mental Health Resources?
Care Solace is a 24/7 web-based tool that makes it easier for students, families and staff to connect with mental healthcare resources and providers in their communities. Care Solace can offer information with therapy, online therapy, hospitalization, family counseling, and other services in minutes including substance use help. The Care Concierge team can be contacted by a referral from me, by phone, email, and video chat:
- Phone: (888) 515-0595
- Website: caresolace.com/TRUSD
- Email: WeServe@CareSolace.org
- Referral: email me at leah.juarros@twinriversusd.org