OCTOBER 2021

National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign in the United States founded in 2006 by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. The campaign is held during the month of October and unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. To learn more about this campaign's history and find ways to show your support, go to PACER's website, here.

Everyone occasionally has bouts of sadness, but these feelings are usually fleeting. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life and normal functioning. Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but it can affect anyone at any time. So, it is important to take that next step and seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed. Depression is a highly treatable condition with many different options available, but a professional should be sought out to help determine the best course of action for every individual that is suffering from it.

These weekly teen meet-ups hosted by the Ryan Bartel Foundation encourage connection, friendship, fun, and sharing for all teens. Enjoy icebreaker games, great discussions, and a challenge to help keep everyone motivated and get to know one another. Learn more and register here.

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). Learn more at the National Alliance on Mental Illness's website.

In this interactive workshop, parents will learn how the Sources of Strength program increases connection among students and provides hope, help, and strength to students. LCPS-certified trainers will provide an overview of the student-driven, upstream, evidence-based wellness module for improving mental health outcomes in schools and communities across the globe. Parents will participate in breakout sessions to gain first hand experience, and learn how to implement strength-based strategies at home. Registration is required via this link and limited to the first 100 participants.

Whether for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or depression, health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of serious illness and can reach people who might not otherwise seek professional medical advice. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare, as major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 6.7% (more than 16 million) of American adults each year. To learn more and take an online screening, visit the Mental Health America website.

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMIWalks promotes awareness of mental health, raises funds for NAMI’s free, top-rated programs, and builds community by letting people know they are not alone. Join Lane's family and friends at the Cascades Community Center on his birthday for a memorial walk. To register or donate, click here.

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. Learn more at the World Health Organization's website.

Lindsay Orme, Ed.D., LCPS Social Emotional Learning Specialist, and SEL Consulting Teachers, Devon Becker and Meredith Miller, will introduce the five core competencies of social-emotional learning (SEL) and how SEL skills support academic learning and social development. Participants will explore the concepts and strategies taught through SEL and how they support learning across content areas. Choose from 1 of 2 sessions (9-10:30am OR 6:30-8pm). Learn more and register here.

National Health Education Week is focused on increasing national awareness on major public health issues and promoting a better understanding of the role of health education. Join the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) as it works to raise awareness of the importance of our future health education specialists in improving consumer health and wellness. Learn more at the SOPHE website.

FORTitude virtual teen workshops use evidence-led best practices in mindfulness and positive psychology to help teens develop a positive sense of identity and well-being. This series will focus on the value of one's mind, body, emotions, and relationships. No cost to participate, but donations are accepted; register here.

The FORT is a place for teens to connect, make friends, be themselves without pressure, and participate in workshops that help them deal with the stresses of everyday life. This month you may select 3 out of 4 workshops (Mindfulness, Meditation, & Movement; Origami; Art Therapy Experience; Canine Experience). The October workshop will take place at InMed Partnership for Children (21630 Ridgetop Circle Suite 130, Sterling, VA 20166) from 2-5pm. The cost to participate is $25. Learn more and register here.