If you need assistance or have questions/concerns please feel free to contact (during the school year):
Montana Weaver - Middle and High School Counselor 715-349-2277 ext 313 or mweaver@siren.k12.wi.us
Brooke Treichel - Elementary School Counselor 715- 349-2278 ext 105 or btreichel@siren.k12.wi.us
If you need assistance during out of school time (summer or school breaks) please check the Community Resources page.
What can you do if you are concerned about a student?
ACT = Acknowledge, Care and Tell
Acknowledge feelings rather than minimize them. Telling a student to "get over it" or "move on" is not a realistic outcome when dealing with a person with depression. Instead say something like "I'm sorry to hear about this. It sounds really hard."
Show Care and Concern for the student by taking the next step. "I'm worried about you. I don't want anything bad to happen to you or for you to be hurt".
Tell a member of your crisis team. They know how to work with students who have concerns like these. "Let's go talk with someone in the counseling office."
Know the Signs (Get the FACTS)
Feelings:
Hopelessness
Rage, Uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Feeling Trapped - like there is no way out
No sense of purpose in life
Actions:
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Increased alcohol or drug use
Giving away prized possessions
Changes:
Decline in quality of school work
Dramatic mood changes
Anxiety, agitation, change of eating/sleeping habits
Threats:
Threatening/talking about hurting self