Siouxland Mental Health Center’s Post

On October 1, 2023, the Walton family faced an unimaginable loss when their 17-year-old son, Deegan, tragically took his own life. Deegan was a high school honor student, dual-enrolled at the University of Michigan. He had a job he loved, excelled as an athlete, and was a cherished friend, always smiling and caring for those around him. No one saw the signs. Less than 24 hours after his passing, the Waltons were asked, "What are you going to tell people?" Despite the stigma around mental health, they knew they had to share Deegan’s story, hoping to save others from the same heartbreak. The Waltons joined Jared Scott’s Culture Shift Program, which focuses on helping students process their personal traumas and emotions in a positive, empowering way. Through student-led initiatives, schools are able to shift their culture toward support and openness. In separate breakout sessions, school staff, families, and communities work together to foster this shift, leading to a powerful student-made movement. Since joining the program, the Waltons have worked directly with schools, sharing Deegan's story to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Their mission is clear: it's okay not to be okay. They've helped students recognize the signs they might otherwise miss in themselves or their peers, and they’ve taught parents and educators what they hadn’t seen in Deegan. What started as a hope to save just one person has grown. Many have reached out to the Waltons, sharing that they’re still here today because of Deegan’s story. Let’s continue to spread this important message. Let’s talk about mental health. Let’s save lives. www.jaredscottspeaks.com #MentalHealthMatters #CultureShift #SuicidePrevention #BreakTheStigma #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay

This report is truly incredible, highlighting leadership across the country this year- how superintendents and their teams have contemplated and created solutions around school-based mental health needs. Grateful for the role that superintendents play in their communities- and the incredible school systems across the country elevating healthy equity, and mental health equity. #superintendents #healthequity #youthmentalhealth #educationpolicy #prevention #earlyidentification #innovators

As mental health professionals, with many years of experience working with families, our team at LifeCatalyst understands the importance of effective communication and setting clear expectations, especially during significant life transitions. As the summer approaches and college students prepare to return home, it’s essential for both parents and students to establish realistic expectations to ensure a smooth and harmonious transition. Here are some practical tips for setting expectations and fostering a positive home environment for your returning college student. https://lnkd.in/g2F6fVwJ

Friends don’t let friends obsess over college rankings. Check out our fresh, new take on the college search - one that cares for students’ mental health. Forget The Rankings: The Values-Driven College Search is here. We are ready to change the narrative surrounding college admission! Join us 😃 #collegeadmission #collegecounseling #schoolcounseling

✨️For attention purposes we've attached the sweetest video from one our students doing a presentation on #cyberbullying.🌟 Bullying can have profound and lasting effects on a child's mental health and academic performance. At Homeschool Academy Australia, we understand the importance of a safe and nurturing environment for healing. By transitioning to homeschooling, children can escape the negative environment of traditional school settings, allowing them to rebuild their confidence and focus on their personal growth. Our tailored approach ensures that each child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. If you’re seeking a positive change for your child, consider how homeschooling might be the key to their recovery and success. #BullyingAwareness #Homeschooling #ChildWellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting Students' Well-Being As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, PENCIL emphasizes the importance of mental health for students. A strong educational journey includes emotional and psychological support. Here’s how we’re making a difference: Mentorship Programs: Connecting students with mentors for guidance and support. Community Building: Creating a supportive environment where students can share and connect.   Join us in promoting mental health awareness and supporting NYC students.   Learn more and get involved: link below

May is #MentalHealthAwareness month and this week we're spotlighting J. Pace Browne, MVA class of '21, for his work in this field. Here's what Pace has to say in regards to mental well-being: "This time of the year, for many students, academic hurdles can bring about severe anxiety. These demanding circumstances can be stressful at times, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. Times like these necessitate prosperous mental health, and at Florida State University, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of an organization that helps students achieve exactly that. Active Minds is an organization led by students dedicated to spreading awareness and ending the stigma around mental health. There are more than 600 chapters of Active Minds on college campuses across the U.S. focused on impacting students each year through awareness campaigns, events, and outreach. My involvement with the organization has enriched my understanding of what mental health really is while providing me with invaluable opportunities to promote well-being and understanding within my community. The contributions of this organization to national mental health have demonstrated to me the importance of supporting those around you, because you never know what challenges someone may be facing. Because academics are a primary focus for many young adults during this month, it is essential to ensure that equally as much time is being put towards personal well-being. Throughout the rest of May, I encourage you to continue to strive for academic success, but to also remember the importance of maintaining your mental well-being, as well as those around you.” Thank you, Pace, for your insightful words and for advocating for #MentalHealth. #mentalwellbeing #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #AlumniPerspective

Sharing is caring! I created a resource for my students as they learn to balance their academics, current news events, and new social justice education teachings. As I engage them in critical reflexivity, I would be unwise to pretend that our college students are unaffected by real-life social stressors. In this resource, I connect our teachings to their mental health, well-being, and feelings of safety as a learning community. Download it, share it, or edit it! #collectivehealing 💓

📚 Back-to-School: Packing Your Child’s Mental Health Backpack 🎒 As back-to-school time rolls around, it’s crucial to prepare not just with physical supplies like backpacks and lunchboxes, but also to focus on your child’s mental readiness. Here’s how to nurture their emotional well-being: **Open the Conversation:** - **Discuss Feelings:** Chat about the excitement and nerves of returning to school. This can help ease their mixed emotions. 🗣️ - **Address Concerns:** Listen to any worries they have and share your own school experiences as guidance. 🤝 - **Offer Reassurance:** Remind them they can come to you with any school-related issues, whether it’s academic or social. ❤️ **Understanding School Pressures:** - **Acknowledge Challenges:** School can be tough, and being open about this can help you support them better. 🤗 - **Build Confidence:** Regularly talk about school, celebrate all achievements, and offer a safe space for expressing concerns. 🎉 Let’s make sure our kids are as mentally and emotionally prepared as they are physically, packing their ‘mental health backpacks’ with confidence and our support. 🌟 #education #mentalhealth #child #parents #teacher #school #love #instagood #facebook #support #parents #education #teachers #principal #school #tiktok #anxiety #mentalhealthawareness

Catch the third episode of my five-part series - Boosting university students health and wellbeing. There’s huge excitement when a child starts university. But, as a parent, we need to be conscious that our young adults are heading into a new environment – one that can come with enormous pressure on many levels. So – what can we do to support them? In this episode, Cassey Chambers– Operations director at The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)– and I talk about the most common mental health conditions that university students face namely depression and anxiety. We also speak about must-know insights into red flags to look out for, and where and how to get help for a child that’s struggling. Cassey, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! As a parent of two university-going children, I feel much better equipped to recognize and help my children with any mental health challenges they may face after talking to you. If you’ve loved the episodes we’ve put out so far, then keep an eye out for the next interview in this series. Jennifer Van Oerle- Chief Operating Officer at Discovery Invest - and I chat about helping our student children to manage their money. #UniversityStudents #StudentLife #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety