The main message of the program is ACT: Acknowledge, Care, Tell
ü ACKNOWLEDGE – Listen to your friend; don’t ignore threats.
ü CARE – Let your friend know that you care, and that they need the help of an adult.
ü TELL – Tell a trusted adult that you have a concern for your friend.
Below are some signs of concern that can help you, as a parent, know whether your child has the “adolescent blues” or if it’s something more serious?
Ø Depressed mood (sad, down, grouchy, or irritable)
Ø Avoiding family or friends
Ø A decline in grades
Ø Struggling to complete simple tasks
Ø Not taking care of physical health or personal cleanliness
Ø Change in sleeping patterns, weight, and/or appetite
Ø Feelings of worthlessness and/or hopelessness
Ø Constant worry about body image
Ø Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Ø Thoughts or writing of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead
If any of these symptoms last over a period of weeks, you may decide to seek help outside the family. The school counselor can help you find appropriate resources.
Every year our counselors train our students to be aware and to help others. If you would like to know more about the content or purpose of the presentation, or how to reinforce the messages with your child, please feel free to contact your child’s counselor. If you prefer that your child not participate in the program, please respond in the google form sent out in the fall.