Health and Coping
A certified school counselor is available at each building site. Students are encouraged to see their counselor regarding personal or academic problems. They may see a counselor with permission of a teacher or principal, but preferably with pre-arranged appointment. If teachers send student to the counselor they should give some information on the problem when possible. Counselor visits should not be too lengthy.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 200+ crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via a medium people already use and trust: text.
Did you know that if you text HELLO to 741741 when you are feeling anxious, depressed, struggling with big feelings or suicidal, a crisis worker will text you back immediately and continue to text with you.
Many people don’t like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting. It's a FREE service to ANYONE - teens, adults, etc. - who lives in the U.S. It's run by The Crisis Text Line.
YOU. MATTER.
Tips to help with anxiety
Stop and Breathe
When anxiety flares, take a time out and think about what it is that is making you so nervous. Anxiety is typically experienced as worrying about a future or past event. Anxiety loses its grip when you clear your mind of worry and bring your awareness back to the present.
The next time your anxiety starts to take you out of the present, regain control by sitting down and taking a few deep breaths. Simply stopping and breathing can help restore a sense of personal balance and bring you back to the present moment. Practice this simple breathing technique:
Begin by getting into a comfortable seated position.
Close your eyes and inhale slowly through your nose. Follow this inhalation with a deep exhalation.
Continue to breathe deeply and fully, in and out of your nose.
From: https://www.verywellmind.com/manage-your-anxiety-2584184
Focus on Something Less Anxiety-Provoking
At times, it may be most helpful to simply redirect yourself to focus on something other than your anxiety. You may want to reach out to others, do some work around your home, or engage in an enjoyable activity or hobby. Here are a few ideas of things you can do to thwart off anxiety:
Listen to music
Go for a walk or engage in some other form of physical exercise
Do some chores or organizing around the house
Engage in a creative activity, such as drawing, painting, or writing
Read a good book or watch a funny movie
Pray or meditate
From: https://www.verywellmind.com/manage-your-anxiety-2584184
Coping Tips from Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Coping Strategies
Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed:
Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.
Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
From: https://adaa.org/tips