Ask For Help
When Needed
If your distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks seek support from a mental health professional (see list below). Signs to look out for include:
- Overwhelming feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear that don’t go away in a few days.
- Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels.
- Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images.
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes.
- Worsening of chronic health problems.
- Anger or short-temper.
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
For kids (in addition to those listed above)
- Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
- Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting).
- Excessive worry or sadness.
- Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens.
- Difficulty with attention and concentration.
As always, if it is an emergency never hesitate to call 911.
As always, if it is an emergency never hesitate to call 911.
If you have concerns for your own or your child’s mental health, the following resources are available around the clock:
If you have concerns for your own or your child’s mental health, the following resources are available around the clock:
or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Please let your administrator or HR department know if you would like more information or need more assistance. If you have any health concerns (including COVID-19) that may impact your ability to work, please communicate with your principal or Human Resources. As always, careful steps will be taken to protect your privacy.
Please let your administrator or HR department know if you would like more information or need more assistance. If you have any health concerns (including COVID-19) that may impact your ability to work, please communicate with your principal or Human Resources. As always, careful steps will be taken to protect your privacy.
For concerns regarding a student’s social and emotional wellbeing:
- Notify your principal (all schools) and your school counselor (middle and high schools).
- The counselor or a district mental health professional will assess necessary levels of support - i.e. whether crisis intervention is necessary, a "warm handoff" to a community mental health professional, or if they will provide some "virtual counseling" (following American School Counselor Association guidelines).
Remember that we are still following child neglect and abuse reporting procedures.
Remember that we are still following child neglect and abuse reporting procedures.