“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone. You’re not the first to go through it; you’re not going to be the last to go through it.”

- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. This is a perfect time to increase our awareness and understanding of bullying. Bullying can be a potentially traumatic experience for students. Events that traumatize one person may not affect another because every person responds differently. Let’s stop the bullying.

We can’t monitor our kids 24 hours a day, but we can gain knowledge on these issues to protect our youth while they are using technology. This information is meant for you to use as a tool, and share what you learn with your peers, and your children to ensure online safety for our youth. Please click on link below and view resources.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects both children and adults worldwide. Signs and symptoms include impulsive behaviors, difficulty paying attention, being forgetful, losing things often, squirming, fidgeting, daydreaming a lot, making careless mistakes, having difficulty resisting temptations, and having difficulty getting along with others. It is ADHD Awareness Month in October, which is a time to reflect on what ADHD is and how we can support others.

Positive Attitude Month focuses on the positive side of life. Throughout October, we should focus on changing our outlook and embracing the difficulties of life with a smile. This month observes the way in which we as individuals can be more optimistic and happy.

October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week. Lets help promote the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle.

The following links are resources for some of the local organizations dedicated to assist victims of Domestic Violence. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Athens Police Department at 256-233-8700. Domestic violence victims are also encouraged to call Hope Place/Crisis Services at 256-716-1000.

Other Local Resources

• Limestone County Department of Human Resources 256-216-6380
• Athens-Limestone Family Resource Center 256-230-0880
• Family Services Center -Huntsville 256-551-1610

988 is now the active phone number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call, text or chat 988 to be connected to trained counselors who will listen and help, 24/7. This confidential support is for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Learn more at 988lifeline.org. *The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-TALK) will always remain available for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• World Smile Day-10/4
• Kindness To Animals Day-10/4
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month
  
• National Dyslexia Awareness Day- 10/8
• World Mental Health Day- 10/10

Athens-Limestone Counseling Center

Mental health screenings and treatment resources https://www.mhcnca.org/

School-Based Mental Health Therapist- Alice Kindred

Limestone County Health Department
COVID Vaccinations, Clinical, Environmental and Home Health services https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/limestone/

Caring House
Grief Support services https://hhcaringforlife.org/caring-house

United Way
DIAL 2-1-1 from your phone or search the database online to get help with non-emergency needs. https://www.uwca.org/get-help/2-1-1-call-center/

Limestone County DHR

https://dhr.alabama.gov/county-office-contact/

Limestone Child Advocacy Center
Prevention and intervention services for children and families https://www.limestonecac.com/contact

Family Resource Center
Housing, Rent, Utilities, Clothing, and Counseling https://alcfamilyresourcecenter.org/

Happi Health
Medical and Behavioral Health Services https://www.happiinc.com/

My goal is to provide and assist families with mental health resources within the community. Reach out if you have any questions!

Michael Ross

ACS Mental Health Services Coordinator

Email: michael.ross@acs-k12.org
Website: https://www.acs-k12.org/Domain/2168
Location: 100 U.S. 31, Athens, AL 35611, USA
Phone: 256-233-6600