
Mental Health Matters
March 2022
Your Words Matter
The Neuroscience Behind Our Words
You have heard that, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”. Business Relationship Management Research published an article that can refute those words. Scientific studies actually show that positive and negative words not only affect us on a deep psychological level, but they have a significant impact on the outcome of our lives.
In their neuroscience experiment, “Do Words Hurt?”, Maria Richter and collaborating scientists monitored subjects’ brain responses to auditory and imagined negative words. Their study proved that negative words release stress and anxiety-inducing hormones in subjects.
Additionally, a study found increased levels of anxiety in children associated with higher rates of negative self-talk. The results suggest negative self-talk plays a role in anxiety in normal children. So, negative words, whether spoken, heard, or thought, not only cause situational stress, but also contribute to long-term anxiety. If we know negative thoughts cause stress and anxiety hormones than we can assume that positive thoughts can produce peace and relaxation.
To see the whole article click the link below.
The Science of Happiness-The Soul Pancake Experiment
Soul Pancake performed a test to see if gratitude really improves someone's mood, as research says. They gather a selection of volunteers. First they took a test to gain a good idea of their current level of happiness. Then they were asked to close their eyes and to think of someone who was really influential in their lives. They wrote down as much as they could about why this person was so important. Then they were asked to call that person and read what they wrote about them.
For those who took the time to actually write something down but couldn’t make the phone call, happiness increase from 2 to 4%. Good but not exactly mind blowing.
Now for those who actually made the phone call and personally expressed their gratitude, happiness increased from 4 to 19%.
So either way, expressing your gratitude will make you a happier person.
The most interesting outcome of the experiment, the person who experienced the biggest jump in happiness was least happiest person who participated. That means if you are having a particularly tough time, trying this out will more likely have a greater impact on you.
To view the lesson plan for middle school students click the link below.
Thank you to our "We See You" Community Partners who supported Priceville Schools in Feburary
We want to thank you for supporting Priceville Schools! We See You and we appreciate you!
Shoal Creek Baptist
Somerville Baptist Church
Point Mallard Baptist Church
Hollie Blackwood with Re/Max Platinum
Please show support to these wonderful businesses and churches for supporting Priceville schools!
"We See You" West Morgan Schools in March
The MCS District Mental Health Team along with Community Resources will highlight a school or schools monthly to show appreciation and support to the all the staff for their hard work with our students.
In March we are highlighting the following schools:
West Morgan Elementary School
West Morgan Middle School
West Morgan High School
If you or your organization/business want to show support and encouragement to any of our schools, please contact Janice or Tessa, Mental Health Service Coordinators for Morgan County Schools our contacts are below. We will in turn promote your businesses by highlighting them on our website and social media to say thank you for supporting our schools.
Mental Health Awareness Walk
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We will be joined by other community agencies, churches, and businesses to promote Mental Health Awareness. Booths will be set up to give out goodies and resources. Free prizes and food will be available. Pets, on a leash are welcome!
Everyone is invited! Come and see change!
Saturday, May 14, 2022, 09:00 AM
Veterans Park, Decatur, AL, USA
Positive Self-Talk
Mental Health Team Contact Information
Patrick Patterson, Ed.S.-Mental Health Director MCSS
Secondary Ed. Director /Media Specialist/ Data Governance/State Accountability/Testing Coordinator/ Counseling Director
Patrick Patterson has a B.S. in Secondary Education, a Masters in Administration in Educational Leadership and an Educational Specialists degree. He has been working in education for 25 years and worked in administration for 16 years. He has served as a teacher and principal before becoming a director at Morgan County Schools.
Email: pepatterson@morgank12.org
Location: AL-67, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: 256-390-2100 .128
Janice Vest, LPC-Mental Health Service Coordinator MCSS
Email: jpvest@morgank12.org
Phone: 256-309-2100 .37046
Tessa Buttram, MSW-Mental Health Service Coordinator MCSS
Tessa Buttram is a licensed Masters level Social Worker who has worked with children and families during her time at the Department of Human Resources in Chilton County prior to becoming the Mental Health Service Coordinator for Morgan County Schools.
Email: tnbuttram@morgank12.org
Phone: 256-309-2100 .37049