• You can also download a printable version of the May 2022 newsletter.

    Social-Emotional Wellness May 2022 (Accessible Version)

    Created by: HEB ISD's Crisis Intervention & Prevention Team

     

    Our Team

    The Crisis Intervention & Prevention Team addresses mental health concerns, prevents suicide and self-harm, and creates a positive
    school environment for all students. You can submit a referral to our team with this link: Parent Referral to Crisis Team (Google Form)

    • Julia L. Harris, LSSP, NCSP (Team Lead) - 817-399-2562
    • Heather Andrews, LCSW - 817-399-2570
    • Irene Cedillo, LCSW (Spanish Speaking) - 817-399-3558

    Resource Suggestions

     

    Mental Health vs. Stress

    When stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risks for mental health problems and medical problems increase. Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, substance use problems, sleep problems, pain and bodily complaints such as muscle tension.

     

    Mental Health Awareness Month

    When is it time to start thinking about mental health? Mental Health America’s 2022 Mental Health Month toolkit takes us back to the basics with practical resources on starting your mental health journey for life.
    Learn more: mhanational.org/may

    Screening can help catch mental health problems early. Get screened at mhascreening.org. A screening only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished you will
    be given information about the next steps you should take based on the results.

    Mental Health Terms to Know

    Are you stressed? Take a stress screener HERE

     

    Mental Health Spectrum

    The mental health spectrum illustrates how our mental health can fluctuate and how we can take responsibility in maintaining our mental health.

    Healthy Phase

    • Attributes
      • Normal fluctuations in mood
      • Normal sleep patterns
      • Consistent performance
      • Socially active
      • Physically well and full of energy
    • Actions you can take
      • Focus on task at hand
      • Break problems into manageable chunks
      • Maintain healthy lifestyle
      • Identify & nurture positive support systems

    Coping Phase

    • Attributes
      • Nervousness, irritability, sadness
      • Trouble sleeping
      • Tired, low energy, muscle tension, etc.
      • Procrastination
      • Decreased social activity
    • Actions you can take
      • Recognize limits
      • Get Adequate rest, food, and exercise
      • Engage in healthy coping strategies
      • Identify & minimize stressors

    Struggling Phrase

    • Attributes
      • Anxiety, anger, pervasive sadness, hopelessness
      • Restless or disturbed sleep
      • Social withdrawal or avoidance
      • Decreased performance
      • Fatigue, aches, and pain
    • Actions you can take
      • Identify and understand own signs of distress
      • Talk with someone
      • Seek professional help
      • Seek social support vs. withdrawing

    Crisis Phase

    • Attributes
      • Excessive anxiety, easily enraged, depressed mood
      • Unable to fall or stay asleep
      • Exhaustion
      • Absenteeism
      • Isolation, avoiding social events
    • Actions you can take
      • Seek professional help
      • Follow healthcare provider treatment plan
      • Adhere to medication if part of treatment

     

    Social Media's Impact on Mental Health

    Social media use has been linked to depression, anxiety and loneliness. Recent studies referenced by The Child Mind Institute and The National Center for Health Research suggest people who frequently use social media feel more depressed and less happy with life than those who spend more time on non-screen-related activities.

    Almost Addictive - Social media apps and websites have the same kind of effect on the brain as playing a slot machine.

    Focusing on Interactions - More trouble can arise when you place too much emphasis on the interactions you receive (or don’t) on content you share. Filters are fun... But also Fake - feeling like we have to live up to these unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment, self-esteem issues, etc.

    Feelings of missing out (FOMO) - this can lead to distractions, less information retention and can impact you having real social connections.

    Learning people skills - the more we hyper-focus on social media interactions the less time we focus on true connections with other people. 

    Suggestions For Protecting Your Mental Health

    1. Limit time on social media
    2. Unfollow sites or people that make you feel bad even if that's not the page's intention
    3. Limit the amount you post and what you post
    4. Report posts that make you uncomfortable or are inappropriate
    5. Take a few days or weeks off of social media and reflect on how it impacts you. You'll be surprised about what you discover! 

    Information adapted from: https://lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/2021/september/the-effects-of-social-media-on-mental-health

     

    Additional Resources