The UMHT is so excited to see Titans back in Titan Territory! To celebrate your return, Sources of Strength Peer Leaders gathered to create a variety of welcoming signs and banners, some of which are featured here. Check them out, when you get a chance!
Meet Ms. Douts, school counselor for all students with last names F-I and seniors with last names D-E!
How long have you been working at Dominion High School?
This is my third year at Dominion. I also graduated from Dominion, so it's been great to be back working in my previous community!
What does a typical day at DHS look like for you?
Being a school counselor, there is no typical day because every day is different. This is one thing I love about my job! However, one of my main roles is to help students with social-emotional, academic, or mental health concerns. In addition, a large part of my job is postsecondary planning including the college application process.
What is your favorite part about being a school counselor?
My favorite part about being a school counselor is helping my students through their high school years. Students today are faced with many pressures and are often over scheduled, so my goal is to teach students healthy coping skills that they can implement the rest of their lives.
What is one thing you are doing to take care of yourself?
I just rescued a Corgi/Beagle named Rocky, and he takes care of me as much as I take care of him 🙂 Playing with him and taking him on walks is my form of self care.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I'm looking forward to working with my students in person after a long year of distance learning!
For those who are struggling, "mental health isn't always about seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist... Sometimes it's about becoming involved in your community. It's about making those connections, feeling that you belong."
This free 1-hour on-demand webinar recording is designed to support parents in managing their own stress around re-opening and help their child(ren) adjust to post-pandemic life.
How the connection between mind and body can be harnessed to keep you well.
This one-hour, interactive, and experiential learning experience will teach you how to author your own resilience, using Hollaback!’s resilience methodology. No cost to participate; register here.
Have you ever wondered "Why did I do that?" or "Why can't I just control my behavior?" Others may judge our reactions and think, "What's wrong with that person?" When questioning our emotions, it's easy to place the blame on ourselves; holding ourselves and those around us to an impossible standard. It's time we started asking a different question. Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” Join the PATH Foundation for this insightful conversation with Dr. Bruce Perry, co-author of the book “What Happened to You?” with Oprah Winfrey. No cost to participate; register here.
46Climbs strives to take positive action to overcome mental illness and suicide through challenging individuals across the country and beyond to set both physical and fundraising goals during an annual week climb. It doesn't matter if you have never climbed a mountain before or if it is your profession, you too can be part of this remarkable community. All you have to do is pick a mountain or group of mountains (large or small) and climb it anytime between Sept 3-12. Learn more and register here.
National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10). It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness. #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. Read and learn more here.
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 power of the mind, body, emotions, and relationships. No cost to participate, but donations are accepted; register here.
Join the 6th We're All Human 5K Color Run for Youth Suicide Prevention with a celebration of life! As we emerge from the impact of the last 18 months, mental health issues have sky rocketed (especially for young adults and youth), but the power of human connection, understanding, and support helps to build us up. You can join in-person at Woodgrove HS on Sept 19th or virtually between Sept 21-26. The $35 registration fee supports the youth mental health and suicide prevention programs delivered by the Ryan Bartel Foundation. Learn more and register here.
Loudoun Serenity House and Substance Abuse & Addition Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia are proud to announce the first annual Loudoun Recovery Fest! Come to the Algonkian Water Park Shelter from 12-4PM to learn about community resources available. This is a great opportunity to recognize Celebrate Recovery month with food, drinks, kids' games, raffle prizes, and fellowship.
In an emergency, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) deputy or officer.
There are resources available 24 hours, 7 days a week for youth experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, or other behavioral crises:
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