June Mental Health Newsletter

It’s that time of year where many families and students are going through big transitions.  Whether you are graduating from high school and figuring out that next step, or transitioning from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, or even just changing to a new grade level, change is hard! When we don’t know what to expect, we tend to fill our minds with the what if’s and get caught up in our mind swirling.  We can lose our sense of control which leads to anxiety and uncertainty. Basically, the fear of the unknown can overcome us. Transition can also trigger feelings of loss. The loss of a beloved teacher, familiarity, leaving something behind, loss of relationships and friendships, and stepping into the unknown. So what can you do to ease the anxiety and embrace the change? 1. Find new ways to connect: this might mean stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.  It’s ok to grieve but also celebrate at the same time. Transitions are a time of growth! 2. Ensure support for yourself: Engage in activities that you enjoy, take care of your emotional well-being. 3. Embrace the unknown: Be flexible and open to the unpredictability transition can bring. You never know what new opportunities will present themselves 4. Mindfulness: Try to stay grounded and true to yourself.  Reframe transition as a time of opportunity instead of thinking about what you are leaving behind. It can be a great time for personal growth. 5. Grace: Give yourself grace and know that transition is hard and stressful. We all go through it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or even professionals. 6. Plan:  As much as possible, plan for the transition and prepare. Go visit your new school and become familiar with the campus, ask questions, make the unfamiliar familiar. Life transitions are challenging but can also be exciting.  Know that it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions and view this as a time of self-discovery. There is always help available. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Anyone can text 741741 or call 988 and get emotional support. It is free, confidential, and provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone of any age. Texting an be a great alternative due to the tremendous sense of privacy and anonymity. You can be anywhere and be able to reach out for help.  How does it work? 1.  For ANY painful emotion and anytime you need support, reach out to a volunteer Crisis Counselor. Your opening message can say anything (START, HELLO, HOME, etc). 2.  The first two responses are automated.  They tell you you are being connected to a Crisis Counselor. 3.  It usually takes less than 5 minutes to connect you with a Crisis Counselor.  When you’ve reached the Crisis Counselor, they will introduce themselves. 4.  You will then message back and forth.  You never have to share anything you don’t want to, 5.  The goal of any conversation is to get you to a calm, safe, place.  This could mean providing you with further help, and sometimes it just means being there and listening.

With the school year ending, we are fortunate to have our Mental Health Counselors continuing through the summer!  Roberta Martinelli (MHS Mental Health Counselor), Jessica Wells (MMS Mental Health Counselor) and Kayla White (Compass Health Counselor) will continue to meet with students on their current caseloads.  In person appointments are available for middle school students dependent on transportation, along with zoom.  Please reach out to Laura Lupo, Mental Health Coordinator, if you are interested at 360-318-2470.  All three will be working in the high school building.  Days/times will vary.

Here are additional resources for mental health needs over the summer:

I want to honor the feelings surrounding our community with the recent tragedy our Meridian family experienced. Grief is tricky and can look very different for each person. There are 5 stages of grief and no order to how you go through each stage (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance).  Please take a moment to read a quick article from a grief therapist: 10 Things I Know as a Grief Therapist.