Back to School Anxiety Support

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, your child may begin to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Parents can play a vital role in easing this anxiety and helping to make the back-to-school transition an easy one. Here are 5 tips from FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy on how to support your child this fall.

 

FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy Newsletter

School-Based Mental Health

May 2021

The month of May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month. A time where everyone is encouraged to take stock of their mental health and set goals for improvement. Mental health incorporates emotional, social, and psychological aspects of your health. All of these areas affect your physical health and vice versa.

We can see the ways mental and physical health go hand-in-hand in our current beautiful spring weather. Most feel the general trend of our moods lifting this time of year because we’re able to spend more time outside, the sun is shining, and we can be a bit more social. When you get to talk with someone or feel encouraged by someone; that improves your mental health. A hug. A smile. A walk. A nap. All of these things are physical, but can improve your mental health.

FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy encourages you to bring awareness of your mental health this month by doing a short mental health check-in.

 

We encourage you to take a few moments to ask yourself these questions and reflect honestly on your answers. Revisit these questions throughout the year for a check assessment of your mental health. This check –in is also great to ask your partner, spouse, family member, or children.

If you ever feel like there have been changes you’d like to talk with someone about, please reach out to one of our trained clinicians at FamilyMeans. You can also start by talking with a family member, close friend, or a coworker. Your mental health is yours, and yours to work on. You’ve already done a big step in asking yourself these questions and reading this article. Our country is slowly turning the tables and reducing the stigma around mental health and treatment. Help further this trend by opening up to family and friends about your mental health experience. Share what you are comfortable with, whether it is a struggle you are facing, a success you’ve had handling a stressor, or even just how you are feeling today; it might just help your overall mental health.

 

 

FamilyMeans School-Based Mental Health Blog
March 2021

Building Resilience

Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations. Over the last year, the resiliency of our students, staff, parents, and community has been tested in many ways. The New Richmond School District stands by our community as we continue to face the challenges that come with Covid-19. Resiliency is so important for all of us as we face the uncertainty of the months ahead. We can all build on our resilience to help protect our mental health when challenges arise. 

FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy provides mental health support to the students, staff, and parents of our district. They have provided a 5 part video series to help you to learn how to build resiliency, and prepare for challenges that you may face. Click here to view series. 

Looking for more mental health support? Contact your school counselor for more information about how FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy can support you and your family.   

Link to Video Series:
https://www.familymeans.org/articles/2021/02/15/building-resilience-video-series/ 

Daily 6 Minute Self-Care Routine

Make a habit out of nurturing your mental and physical health each day.
Follow these two simple practices to begin this journey. 

Gratitude Practice for Mental Health 

Spend 3 minutes writing (our thinking) about what you are grateful for.
Here are some ideas: 

• What is something you are looking forward to?
• What did you accomplish today? 
• What is your favorite food? When was the last time you ate it? 
• Who is someone in your life that you are grateful for? Why?
• Think back to a happy memory. Who was there? How did you feel? 
• What books, music, television shows, or movies are you grateful for? 
• Name something that you are grateful that you have. 
• What is the best gift you have ever received? 

 

Gentle Yoga Practice for Physical Health 

Spend 20 seconds holding each of the poses below.
While in these poses, focus your mind on your breathe and
how strong your body feels as you move through each move

Looking for more self-care ideas/ support? Visit the FamilyMeans blog page. FamilyMeans provides mental health support to parents, students, and faculty in your school district. Make an appointment today with a school-based counselor by calling 651-439-480 or visiting FamilyMeans.org 

FamilyMeans Website - https://www.familymeans.org/articles/2021/02/05/6-minute-self-care-routine/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMeans/posts/10157402477052003

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/p/CLCKdeIF7CJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

 

Move for your Mental Health!

 

As virtual classes continue, and the weather gets colder, your children might find it even harder to get up and move throughout the day. Professionals recommend 5 minutes of activity each hour to support good mental and physical health. Encourage your children to move in a way that is fun for them, making it something to look forward to rather than another item to add to the to-do list. 

 

Information provided by FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy, providing school-based mental health support in our school district. Learn more and make an appointment at FamilyMeans.org.

Website Link – https://www.familymeans.org/articles/2021/01/04/move-for-your-mental-health!/

 

Facebook Post Link - https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMeans/posts/10157322769952003

Distance learning, changes to holiday plans, being apart from family and friends, staying safe at home – our lives are challenging right now, and likely, everyone in your family could use some holiday cheer. Get your 5 senses working with these fun holiday activities! Spend some time with your family reflecting on feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations that come with each activity. 

SIGHT
Look at lights! Go for a walk/drive and see homes and businesses aglow with festive light displays.

SOUND
Play your favorite holiday tunes! Have each person in your family choose their favorite holiday song. Play the music while you make dinner together, or have a dance party!

TOUCH
Get comfy! Grab your favorite soft sweater, or wrap up in a blanket. Take time to notice the feeling of the material on your skin. Appreciate the warmth and comfort that it provides.

TASTE
Make a special meal or treat! Take time to prepare something delicious together. Be mindful of each bite and how the food makes you feel, memories it brings, or appreciation of the nourishment it will bring to your body.

SMELL
Scavenger hunt for some good smelling items – holiday spices, candles, flowers, or foods. Reflect on where the smells take your memories, or how they make you feel

Encourage your children to practice this reflection on feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations daily, prompt them if you can! This type of mindful thinking helps to take a break from life’s stressors, slow down and take notice of themselves. If you are noticing that your child’s behavior is changing, sleep is disrupted, or just need some extra support, schedule an appointment to meet with our school-based therapist. Providing sessions via telehealth to support students, parents, and families. 

FamilyMeans School-Based Therapists are wishing you joy, love, and laughter this holiday season. 

 

 https://www.familymeans.org/articles/2020/12/10/holiday-activities-to-ignite-5-senses-and-promote-mindfulness/

 

https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMeans/posts/10157272486917003

 

Link to Facebook Post

 

Link to Blog at FamilyMeans.org

 

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a time dedicated to creating awareness about mental health issues around the world. This year, each and every one of us is experiencing more challenges as a result of Covid-19. That is why now, more than ever before, it is important to take inventory of your own mental health and work towards making improvements for a healthier life.

Follow the guide below, provided by FamilyMeans therapists, to help in taking inventory of your mental health. This is great practice for children as well, and as a parent you can support them by reading the steps aloud and helping them to understand the feelings and emotions that may arise. 

1. Find a comfortable space where you can lay down. Perhaps this is your bed, couch, or even the floor with a few pillows. Move around a bit to get comfortable. Then lay still with your hands on your stomach or chest. 

 

1. Focus on your breathing. Take a big, deep breath and hold for three seconds, exhale completely, pushing all the air out of your lungs. Do this two more times. Feel your hands move up and down on your chest/stomach as you breathe. Take as much time in this step as you wish, connecting with your breath and finding calm.

 

1. Now move your attention to your body. Start at the top of your head and move your thoughts down your body until you reach your toes. How does each body part/muscle feel? Do you have any tightness or tension? Are you warm or cold, hungry or thirsty? Feel the heaviness of your body against the bed, couch, or floor. Appreciate your body and what it has done for you today.

 

1. What is your emotional state? How are you feeling in this moment, perhaps relaxed or calm? Maybe the weight of the day still lingers, making you feel stress, anxious, or sad. If you are in a good mood spend some time with this feeling; smile and reflect on why you are happy. If you are in a bad mood, take a few more deep breathes and begin to think of ways that you can improve this mood. Maybe taking a bath, going for a walk, or connecting with a friend or family member. 

 

1. Slowly begin moving out of this relaxed state by gently moving your fingers and toes, then move up to larger actions such as moving your head back and forth to stretch your neck, and stretching your arms and legs. In your own time, come to a seated position. 

 

Reflect on how this exercise made you feel. Do you feel empowered and ready to take on the day? Or did this practice bring up emotions for which you need more support? As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, we hope that you found some time to take inventory of where you are at with your mental health. FamilyMeans provides therapeutic counseling to support children, teens, and adults through any mental health challenge that they face. You are not alone. Visit FamilyMeans.org or call 651-439-4840 to learn more and set-up an appointment today.

Back to School Mental Health Tips

As we begin the new academic year, parents, students, teachers, and school staff are faced with uncertainty and worry.  Whether you are starting school in-person, online, or in a hybrid model, there are added challenges that can affect your mental health. Here are some tips from our clinicians on how to support your mental health during this challenging time.

In-Person Learning

Fear/Anxiety Surrounding Contracting COVID-19 – Keep following the good measures that you have been practicing to keep safe (wash hands, wear a mask, socially distance). Limit the information you receive. Too much news can be overwhelming, only take in what is needed from trusted sources. Also, sticking to routine (which includes some time for fun) and maintaining healthy behaviors such as getting enough sleep and eating healthy is important.

Online Virtual Learning

Increased Screen Time – Time staring at a screen is not good for our mental or physical health. However, increased screen time is a necessity for online learning. Set boundaries regarding screen time, such as no screen usage 2 hours before bed or for every one hour of screen time, get 10 minutes of physical activity.

Isolation/Peer-to-Peer Interactions – Keeping relationships with friends and family is so important while we socially distance. They are your support systems and even small interactions can help to combat feelings of isolation/loneliness. Stay connected virtually by planning an online game night, or after school homework session.

Hybrid Model (part in-person, part online)

Routine Changes – Routine is so important to good mental health. Having established bed time and wake times will help you to sleep better and have more energy throughout the day. Keeping the same routine both when you are doing online and in-person learning will help your mental health immensely.

Coping with Change – Going from time together in school to online classes can be hard. Acknowledge this challenge and talk with a trusted person about your feelings surrounding these changes.

FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy can help to support the mental health of individuals and families no matter what challenges the new school year brings.

Did you know that FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy provides school-based mental health services in 5 school districts on both sides of the St. Croix River?

Stillwater 834  | North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oak Dale 622  |  Hudson  |  New Richmond  | Prescott

 

Supporting the mental health of students is more important now than ever before.

 

-Click Here to Learn More-

- Click Here to Make an Appointment-

Tough Decisions and the Emotions That Come with Them

August always has a buzz about it. We all are trying to cram in those last summer activities; stores bustle
with shoppers buying school supplies; and sports/clubs begin meeting to prep for the new year. There is
excitement and anticipation in the air. But, this year is different and promises to be like nothing we
have seen before. As parents, we are feeling stress and anxiety as we try and answer the questions: Do
we send our kids to school? Do we keep them home? Do we juggle a hybrid option? What if I send my
kid(s) and they get sick? What if I don’t send my kid(s) and they get further behind in their studies? How
am I supposed to work with the school schedule in flux? How do we all keep our sanity?
These are tough questions, and it is overwhelming. You are not alone. Every student, parent, teacher,
and school staff person is feeling the same way as the school year approaches. There seems to be so
much pressure to get schools open, yet how are we going to do this safely and productively? How are
you going to make the best decision for your family?

The FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy team urges you to take on these challenges one step at a time.
You don’t have to make every decision at once, and looking at the bigger picture can be overwhelming.
Start by gathering information on your specific district and building. Understand the facts and
requirements, then think about/discuss with trusted others how do you really feel about sending your
kid(s), or ourselves, back into the building. Trust your gut. No matter what decision you make –which
feels best for the moment-- you are brave and strong to carry out that decision.

When it comes to other people’s decisions, be mindful. Each family is faced with these tough decisions,
and you don’t know all the deciding factors for different families. Maybe there is an underlying health
condition. Maybe there are older family members for whom they care. Maybe there is fear and anxiety,
or even anger No matter what the reason for a family’s decision, it is their choice and what works for
them. Honor it and understand that there is no one-size-fits-all option.

If you or your family are struggling with these decisions, or the emotions that come along with this
difficult situation, FamilyMeans is here to help. Our clinical staff can provide individual, couple, or family
therapy sessions to help you work through life’s challenges such as this. Learn more or set-up an
appointment today by calling 651-439-4840 or visit FamilyMeans.org!

Written by Melena Nelson
FamilyMeans
Communications Coordinator