Embedded Files
The Counseling Staff at RAHS are here to support your student's needs both now and transitioning to the future. Individual meetings with a counselor are highly recommended if you are concerned for your child. Mental health care is important for all individuals, and especially those who have been diagnosed. Common concerns for high school students include: anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, and peer or family conflict. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 children ages 13-15 have, or will have, a serious mental illness. The following links can provide tools for you to manage your own mental health on a day-to-day basis.
Coping.pdf100 Ideas on how to Cope with Today (Helpful for anxiety, anger and/or depression)
Suicide Prevention- How to have a discussion with your child
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Resources
Juuling/Vaping- As a Parent/Guardian, what do I need to know?
Juuling/Vaping- As a Parent/Guardian, what do I need to know?
This epidemic has been addressed by the American Lung Association, with overwhelming information that indicates it is not safe, especially for youth.
These are tobacco products (even if they state non-nicotine) and almost always contain harmful ingredients.
Many youth begin with flavored pens, but the vapor often includes heavy metals and carcinogens. Data has shown that those who begin with flavored use increases the likelihood of using combustable cigarettes.
Conversation tips with your student: www.thevapetalk.org
"13 Reasons Why" Netflix Series - Parents/Guardians, Please Speak with your Student(s)
"13 Reasons Why" Netflix Series - Parents/Guardians, Please Speak with your Student(s)
In 2017, Netflix released a series about a student (Hannah) who completed suicide and released 13 audio recordings depicting events and individuals with whom the main character blames for why she took her life.
The series graphically depicts a suicide death and addresses in wrenching detail a number of difficult topics, such as bullying, rape, drunk driving, and shaming. The series also highlights the consequences of teenagers witnessing assaults and bullying (i.e., bystanders) and not taking action to address the situation (e.g., not speaking out against the incident, not telling an adult about the incident). NASP, 2017
This series is not appropriate for all individuals, especially those who are already vulnerable regarding these topics. We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series. "Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies. They may easily identify with the experiences portrayed and recognize both the intentional and unintentional effects on the central character. Unfortunately, adult characters in the show, including the second school counselor who inadequately addresses Hannah’s pleas for help, do not inspire a sense of trust or ability to help" (WI School Safety Coordinators Newsletter, May 2017).
Parents/Guardians, we encourage you to ask your student if they have watched this show. If he or she has, provide support by asking questions and helping your child understand the topic. Avoid judgement about your child's reactions to the show; listen and remember what your child has said. Encourage your child to speak to an adult about their concerns and that how TV portrays educators and counselors is not necessarily true. Most importantly, suicide is NOT a solution to the problem.
Take all warning signs seriously! Seek support ASAP.
13453_AFSP_TipsForParents_2017_Flyer_d4 _ v5.pdfIt is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when your child may need help.
Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviors:
Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
Seriously trying to harm or kill himself or herself, or making plans to do so
Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make himself or herself lose weight
Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting himself or herself in physical danger or causing problems in school
Using drugs or alcohol repeatedly
Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality
Because children often can’t understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:
Loss of a loved one
Divorce or separation of their parents
Any major transition – new home, new school, etc.
Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
Teasing or bullying
Difficulties in school or with classmates
If you believe your student needs more support, please do not hesitate to ask a school counselor for references to other professional counselors in the area.
If you believe your student needs immediate assistance, please consider calling the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or Reedsburg Police Department (1-608-524-2376).
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