Hello from the SACs
Dear RIH Community,
As we move into February, we’re thrilled to say that we’ve made it through January and what a chilly month it was! With those freezing temperatures, you would think we would all be iced out, but this community is just too warm and connected to let a little frost get in the way. Whether it’s a kind smile in the hallway, a supportive conversation, or the way we all look out for each other, it’s clear that our shared care and connection can weather even the coldest days.
This month, we’re leaning into the warmth of Valentine’s season as a reminder to prioritize love not just for others, but for ourselves as well. In this newsletter, we’ll share ideas on how to practice self-care, tips for maintaining strong mental health, information on substance use awareness, and resources to help students and families thrive.
As your student assistance counselors, we are always here to support you whether you need a listening ear, help finding resources, or just want to pop by to say hello (which, by the way, always makes our day). Hearing from students we have worked with in the past and seeing how far they have come is truly one of the best parts of what we do. It reminds us that this work is all about building lasting connections and making a difference in each other’s lives.
So, let’s keep the love going this February showing kindness, embracing self-care, and leaning into the warmth of this amazing community. As always, we are here for you!
Ms. Mantashian and Ms. Saladino
RIH Student Assistance Counselors
The Gift of Self-Love
Valentine’s Day is often a time to show love to others, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we show love to ourselves. Practicing self-love isn’t just about treating yourself; it’s about making choices that prioritize your mental health and allow you to live authentically and confidently.
As teenagers, this can be especially challenging. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, when you’re learning who you are, forming connections outside of your family, and trying to create your identity in relation to your peers. In the process, it’s natural to feel conflicted between staying true to yourself and fitting in with your friend group. The fear of rejection, exclusion, or judgment can make it difficult to set boundaries, use your voice, or ask for help, yet these are essential acts of self-love.
Here are a few ways to prioritize yourself and your mental health:
Set Goals That Reflect Your True Desires: Take time to think about what truly matters to you. What do you want to achieve, not for others, but for yourself? Setting meaningful goals gives you a sense of purpose and helps you stay focused on your values.
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Well-Being: It’s okay to say no. Whether it’s turning down plans to take a break or protecting your energy from negativity, boundaries show others and yourself that you value your time and mental health.
Use Your Voice to Speak Your Truth: Sharing how you feel or what you need can feel scary, especially if you’re worried about how others will respond. But using your voice is an important way to express self-respect. The right people will value and honor your honesty. It’s never easy but something we all need to practice.
Ask for Help When You Need It: Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s an act of courage and self-care. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, teacher, parent, or counselor, reaching out can help you work through challenges and feel less alone.
It’s completely normal to struggle with these practices, especially during adolescence. You might feel torn between wanting to assert yourself and wanting to be accepted by your peers. The fear of rejection can make you hesitate to speak up or set boundaries, and that’s okay; it’s all part of learning and growing. But remember, your voice matters. Your needs matter and prioritizing your mental health is an act of self-love that will serve you in every relationship, including the one you have with yourself.
How Do I Know I’m Operating From My True Authentic Self?
How do I know if I’m being true to myself? It’s a big, sometimes overwhelming question and one we revisit throughout our entire lives. We often wonder if the choices we’re making reflect who we truly are or if they are influenced by outside pressures. Are we pursuing a path because it excites us, or because it’s what’s expected? Are we staying in a situation out of comfort or fear of failure? These questions are tough, but asking them is a step toward understanding and honoring your authentic self.
Sometimes, we find ourselves acting from a place of fear, self-doubt, or the need to please others. These feelings are natural; everyone experiences them. However, living authentically requires tuning into your inner self, being curious about your feelings, and trusting the parts of you that align with your true values.
One way to explore this is through the concept of the 8 C’s Of Self-Leadership. This idea developed by Dr. Richard Schwarts from the Internal Family Systems Institute, suggests that when we’re operating from our authentic self, we feel connected to certain core qualities which guide us and ground us.
These qualities, all conveniently starting with the letter C can help us recognize when we’re in alignment with our true self:
1. Calm: Serenity regardless of the circumstances. The ability to react to triggering situations mindfully.
2. Curiosity: A strong desire to nonjudgmentally explore and learn something new about a topic, situation, or person. To have a sense of wonder about the world.
3. Compassion: Seeing beyond others’ anger and reactive parts and recognizing the fear and pain behind them. Caring for another who is suffering and a desire to help without being overwhelmed by their pain.
4. Confidence: Trusting that even if you’ve made a mistake, you are worthy and growth happens from self-acceptance and trust in oneself and others.
5. Courage: Having the strength to overcome adversity and taking responsibility for one’s actions with a willingness to reflect and improve.
6. Clarity: The ability to perceive situations clearly, without distortion caused by beliefs. Remaining objective in situations where you have an interest in the outcome.
7. Creativity: Being in a flow state where your creative potential is limitless and exploration and novelty is non threatening.
8. Connectedness: True human nature is to feel connected to others, and the sense of separation we experience often comes from the defenses we've created, which go against that natural desire for connection.
When you notice these qualities showing up in your decisions, chances are, you’re living authentically. You’re making choices that reflect your values, your passions, and your unique identity; not choices driven by fear, anxiety, or external expectations.
Of course, this isn’t always easy. Life is filled with moments of uncertainty, and it’s natural to feel unsure about whether your actions reflect your true self. If you’re feeling unsure about your path, know that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, teacher, or counselor, exploring these questions with support can bring clarity and connection to your journey. We’re always here to help guide you along the way!
More Zyn Factories In the US = More Nicotine in Our Schools
During last school year, we saw a noticeable increase in the use of Zyn, a nicotine product, among our high school students. Zyn is not a nicotine cessation product, nor is it legal for anyone under the age of 21. It is a nicotine pouch placed between the lip and gum, making it harder to detect than traditional tobacco products like cigarettes or vapes. This easy to conceal product contributes to its growing appeal among young people, who may be unaware of the health risks associated with nicotine use.
Zyn is not a safe alternative to smoking or vaping. While it doesn’t produce smoke or vapor, it still delivers nicotine, which is highly addictive and can have significant long-term impacts on brain development in young users. Unfortunately, Philip Morris International, which owns Zinn, is investing millions of dollars in expanding their production in the U.S. to meet the growing demand, making these products even more accessible to young people. Zyn remains the market leader, and PMI recently announced that 385 million cans were sold in 2023, a 62% increase over 2022. Click here to read the article.
We encourage parents and students to be aware of the rise in use of nicotine products like Zyn. As SACs who offer early intervention for substance use, we are here to offer support and education on the dangers of nicotine and to help students make healthier choices.
Community Resources
High Focus Centers provides outpatient treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction, mental health, and eating disorders.
GenPsych (Wayne, Rochelle Park)
GenPsych offers psychiatric evaluations, medication protocols, substance abuse treatment, military programs, group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. GenPsych operates a Partial Care Program (PCP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and an Ambulatory (Outpatient) Detox Program.
Guardian Recovery Network (Montville)
Guardian Recovery Network’s Montville Adolescent Center in New Jersey provides effective substance use disorder and mental health treatment options to adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17. The majority of clients begin their treatment journeys in medical detox and then transition into residential treatment in the same facility. Most clients stay engaged in their multi-staged program for slightly longer than one full month.
