Site created by Allison Armour, MSW: DCSD School Social Worker / Behavioral Interventionist at Renaissance Elementary Magnet School
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Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health affects our thoughts, feelings, behaviors and our body. Mental health determines how we manage our internal and external stressors, our relations to others, and our choices.
Sigmund Freud defined mental health simply as the capacity "to work and to love".
Q: "So how do I know if something is going on with my kid?"
A: Look for changes in behaviors, habits and patterns (sleep, eating, peer groups, etc.)
Here are other things: What to Look for as a Parent
District Mental Health Staff:
Douglas County School mental health comprise of School Social Workers, School Psychologists and School Counselors.
School-based mental services professionals work with students, staff, and families by providing the consultation, assessment, intervention, and skill development necessary to support students in acquiring the educational foundation needed to lead meaningful and productive lives.
More DCSD Mental Health Information and Resources can be found on the District Website or the information from the Colorado Department of Education.
National School Mental Health Organizations and Resources:
Why Teenaged Brains Are So Hard to Understand
This TIME piece helps us understand why teenagers act the way they do, and gives insight on how their brains develop. "Teenaged brains has lots of plasticity, which means that is can change, adapt and respond to it's environment" so it's important to provide examples of healthy emotional responses and help your child navigate difficult situations. It's critical to make sure your teen is getting enough sleep and that you are talking to your teen about things you did when you were their age and ways to keep them safe.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
The AACAP developed Facts for Families to provide concise and up-to-date information on psychiatric issues that affect children, teenagers and their families. The AACAP provides this important information as a public service.
Mental Health America (MHA) - founded in 1909 - is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.
MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information. MentalHealth.gov aims to educate and guide:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (FFCMH)
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and their families.