Page 11 - 2019 BPS NEWS

Taking a Proactive Approach to Student Mental Health
By Janean Knight, Resource Teacher, Student Services
Creating a pathway to positive mental health for our students has been the focus of the Student Services department since Senate Bill 7026 was passed last spring, requiring increased mental health initiatives for Florida public schools. So, what does this mean for our BPS students and families?
We recognize that parents are the first level of support for positive mental health in our students. However, if additional intervention is needed, there are several steps we can take. First and foremost, parents, teachers and students must know they can request support when they observe a noticeable change in a student’s behavior, appearance or emotions. It is important to recognize early warning signs that indicate our students might be overwhelmed or experiencing stress.
We are encouraging teachers, as well as fellow students, who recognize a change in a student/friend, to complete a mental health support request form. Parents might recognize a change in their child, such as apathy toward school, withdrawing from friends and family, or increased anger and outbursts, and would like to seek support.
This form can be completed and turned in to the school counselor or the school based social worker.
Once the form is received by the school the process can begin. Supports offered at the school can range from checking in with the student by a counselor or social
worker, to the student participating in a social skills support group at the school. If the school can’t meet the support needed for the student, parents may decide to seek counseling services from a community mental health agency. Together, the parent and school counselor can complete a referral to an agency. Brevard Public Schools currently has seven community mental health agencies with contracts to see students during the school day, if requested by the parent. Parents may choose for their child to be seen in the agency offices, which can also be arranged after the completion of the referral. Parents will need to access their insurance to determine the type of counseling available to their child.
Most students need support short term especially when we can intervene early. Keeping students physically and emotionally safe is essential for them to learn and grow into healthy citizens.
Please contact the Office of Student Support Services for more information on the pathway to positive mental health at 321-633-1000 x 525 or 567.
For more information on mental health resources and suicide prevention dial 211 or go to www.211brevard.org. Start the conversation by being there for a young person, who may be struggling, STOP, ASK, LISTEN and ACT. Warning signs for suicide can be found at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Actively listen before offering your advice
Surround them with healthy adults
Teach them how to be safe
Respond calmly when their emotion are elevated
How to nurture a child’s mental health
Be consistent and follow through with what you promise
Model healthy behavior
Believe them and them
Set and respect boundaries
Have scheduled famil time
Use open ended questions
Model forgiveness
Share your feeling and validate theirs
Practice relaxation exercises together
Tell the truth
Recognize positive choices
Limit electronic time for everyone
Reach out and hug them
Be present
© 2018 Mental Fills Counseling Store
Be patient