Junior High SEL & Wellness

It’s May and spring is officially here. Flowers are blooming. Kids are playing outside. Birds are chirping. This time of year is often associated with growth, renewal, hope and positivity—a perfect time to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month and a perfect time to focus on our own mental health and wellness. Self-care is essential for mental health and overall well-being. I am encouraged to see more and more people prioritizing their mental health, just as they would their physical health. We have seen professional athletes, actors and actresses, and other high-profile public figures putting their jobs on hold to put their mental health first. This is such a healthy and important step because by raising awareness and acceptance of mental health, we not only empower ourselves, but we also help remove stigma, enforce the message that it is okay to not be okay and encourage people to seek help when they need it. When you take care of your mental health, your physical and emotional health improves; you become more resilient; and it makes it easier to find ways to manage life stressors in a healthy and positive way.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the importance of nurturing our children’s mental health, which has become a hot topic in recent years. While we have made great strides in supporting our children’s mental health, we still have a long way to go to ensure our children lead healthy lives and thrive. According to statistics, nearly 20% of American children will be diagnosed with a mental illness, which shows how essential it is to ensure we can find solutions that address mental health concerns in our children, just as we would their physical health concerns.

What can we do to support our children’s mental health? Here are five fun activities to help you get started:

• Exercise Together - Exercise is an excellent way to promote a healthy mindset. When we exercise, endorphins are released in our bodies, leading to feelings of happiness. Exercising as a family can be a fun and engaging way to stay active and spend quality time together. Some of our favorite family exercises include going for a walk or a bike ride, playing sports together or even trying a family workout routine.

• Practice Mindfulness - Practicing mindfulness is a powerful method to decrease stress and anxiety while cultivating feelings of relaxation. While meditation and deep breathing exercises are popular mindfulness activities, exploring creative avenues such as coloring or drawing can help your child express and process their emotions.

• Cook Healthy Meals Together - Family time in the kitchen is priceless. Cooking together as a family not only fosters healthy eating habits but also provides another opportunity for bonding. Consider planning and preparing meals together, experimenting with new recipes or even starting a family garden to grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Connect with Nature - Spending time in nature has been shown to positively impact mental health, with research indicating that it can reduce stress, enhance mood and foster feelings of happiness and well-being. As a family, try planning outdoor activities such as hiking, camping or spending time in your backyard. You can also engage in nature-based activities such as birdwatching or even gardening.

• Play Games - Who doesn’t love family game nights? Playing games together can reduce stress, build resilience and promote feelings of happiness and unity. Certain games, such as card games or board games, may even enhance cognitive skills. To incorporate game nights into your family routine, consider scheduling a weekly or monthly event, with each family member taking turns choosing the game. Alternatively, you can make game night a spur-of-the-moment occurrence, choosing a game to play together after dinner or on a relaxed weekend afternoon.

TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine) provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to children within Cuero ISD. TCHATT also helps to identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services. Cuero ISD is proud to be part of this program that helps students get access to mental health treatment and resources. If you would like more information about TCHATT, you can visit their website https://tcmhcc.utsystem.edu/tchatt/ or contact Courtney Schacherl at cschacherl@cueroisd.org.

Ruby Rodriguez, M.Ed. ~ Director of Special Programs

Courtney Schacherl, M.S., LPC ~ Junior High School Climate Specialist

Lacy Timpone, M.Ed., LPC ~ High School School Climate Specialist

Kathy F. Scott, LMSW ~ Elementary School Climate Specialist

960 East Broadway Street, Cuero, TX, USA

(361)275-1900