CHHS's Mental Health Library Collection & Current Events
The CHHS Media Center team is currently housing a collection of poems on a website, called the CHHS Poetry Anthology Project. The vision for this project is for any lover of poetry or the written word can come to this website and receive the gift of motivation and inspiration at any time. Visit this website to hear amazing poems read by our own CHHS staff and students!
CHHS Mental Health Library Collection
Click the link above to view the CHHS Mental Health Library Collection, which includes books on Mindfulness, Positivity, Anxiety, and Stress.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Posted by Erich Priest on 5/14/2020
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This month's work is centered around the awareness and promotion of mental health, and in reducing the stigma associated with seeking support. Now more than ever we may find ourselves becoming aware of just how much our mental health impacts our overall well-being: our thoughts, feelings, comfort level, productivity, and sleep. This month give yourself permission to see your mental health as integral to your overall health. Realize that mental health and wellness is something that we are all working towards in one way or another, and is not just something to be of concern for those who have specific challenges. All of us will need support at some point in our lives - and this does not mean that we are weak, broken, or incapable. It takes courage to reach out when we are not sure that there is a helping hand waiting for us. Let us work to be those helping hands for each other during this time. Check out the mental health resources provided in this Tiger Tidbit to get started, and let your Administrators, Teachers, Counselors, Social Workers, and/or Mental Health Specilaist know how we can reach out for you!
Supporting Friends During COVID-19
NAMI Online Knowledge Center HelpLink
Working towards Happiness and Feeling Calm
Posted by Erich Priest on 4/29/2020
Most of us know that Happiness is a feeling, and can also be described as a thought. The same can be said for having a sense of Calmness. Yet how do we work towards having more of these Happy times in our busy and overwhelming day-to-day lives? Is this even possible? Science says, Yes! While genetics and circumstances may impact your level of Happiness, research shows that our actions and efforts can help balance the scales - AND can help us to increase our "ability to combat stress" and the impacts of trauma (NIHCM). Some actions that we can take involve developing habits that help us feel calm and centered. These include: having a routine or ritual to create a sense of certainty, trying not to take things personally, intentionally creating habits to cope with stress, and reducing the "noise" of our day (zenhabits.net). Working towards experiencing more Happiness and Calmness is a journey and a process. Check out the resources provided in this Tiger Tidbit, and let your CHHS staff and Student Services know how we can stand beside you on your journey!
NIHCM's The Science of Happiness, Health, & Well-Being
NIHCM's The Science of Well-Being & Why it Matters (webinar)
Maintaining Connections during Physical Distancing
Posted by Erich Priest on 4/15/2020
As our students, staff, and families begin Phase 2 of Extended Learning we also continue the work of finding different ways to learn and commuicate, take care of others, and take care of ourselves. Now more than ever we can see that having connections with others is a basic human need. Yet how do we do that with physical distancing, and still persever? Researchers are telling us that many of these strategies can be pretty basic: Use "I" statments and practice active listening to improve communication skills, try small acts of gratitude and kindness, and take care of your mind and body through mindfulness, exercise, and regular sleep. Examples can include making time to plan fun activities, spending time talking about goals and values, taking mindfulness walks together, and checking in with friends and family on the phone or virtually. These types of strategies can also help us feel more productive and motivated to continue the work of Extended Learning. Continue to reach out to CHHS staff and Student Services with any questions, concerns, or ideas about how to stay connected.
Psychology Today: Practice Physical Distancing, Not Social Distancing (online article)
Extended Learning/At-Home Learning
Posted by Erich Priest on 4/1/2020
In the wake of COVID-19 (coronavirus) we have already faced so many changes, challenges, and unprecedented transitions, and yet it is in these challenges that we Tigers strive to see opportunities to learn about ourselves and each other. Our school system and communities have also had to shift drastically to be able to respond to these ever-changing circumstances, including public school closures through May 15th, 2020, and a shift to "Extended Learning" (aka At-Home Learning). In order to help students, families, and staff navigate the transition to Extended Learning, which began 3/30/2020, the CHCCS District has created a website (https://www.chccs.org/domain/4023) that features Expectations, Student/Family Resources, Learning Plans, and Tech Support. CHHS would also like to remind students and families that we will all be learning and discovering together. CHHS Student Services is still here to support that learning process. CHHS Counselors, School Social Workers, the School Nurse, and the Mental Health Specialist are all working together to discover how we can better address the continued and evolving needs of our CHHS students and families. Please continue to reach out and help us learn the best ways we can all work together to ensure a healthy and rewarding experience this school year.
Student School Avoidance
Posted by Erich Priest on 3/18/2020
School avoidance, sometimes referred to "school refusal" when behaviors become more severe, is not a new phenomenon; although, if your teen begins to show possible signs and symptoms it can certainly feel like it came out of nowhere. School avoidance can look like skipping class, wanting to stay home sick, spending time in the nurse's office or wandering out of class, and/or leaving school early without permission. Typically, a teen tries to use these undesirable strategies to avoid stressful parts of the day, such as feeling unsafe, feeling unprepared for a class, and/or feeling that they may be harshly criticized (AADA.org). The trouble with avoidance is that it may only work well in the short term; eventually homework piles up, teachers beginning contacting parents/guardians, and the student feels more pressure to perform. Experts recommend that caregivers be on the lookout for signs of avoidance, gradually increase exposure to school, talk with your teen about their thoughts and fears, communicate with Student Services and teachers, make staying at home boring, emphasize the positive aspects of school, and help your teen build a responsive support system at school of peers and adults alike (Burch, 2018; AADA.org). Reach out to your student's assigned Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, and/or Mental Health Specialist for additional information and resources.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/school-refusal-when-a-child-wont-go-to-school-2018091814756
https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/school-refusal
Self-Harm/Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)
Posted by Erich Priest on 3/3/2020
Self harm, also known as "Non-suidical self-injury (NSSI) has become more common than most people expect" (teenmentalhealth.org). NSSI includes actions such as cutting, burning, hitting, and/or scratching oneself on purpose without the intention of suicide. Females, and those experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, are statistically more likely to self-harm due to increased risk factors; although, the behavior is seen in different ages, cultures, races, and socio-economic status. There are many reasons why a teen may engage in self-harm behavior, such as emotional turmoil, breakups, bullying, and high self-criticism. There may be physcial signs (e.g. unexplained cuts, bruises, covering up) and/or emotional clues (e.g. difficulty with intense emotions, low self-esteem). Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the motivation behind the behavior, such as if self-harm is being used as a coping strategy to help escape intense emotions. This is why it is important to talk with your teen about the thoughts and emotions behind the self harm, and follow up with a medical and/or therapeutic provider if they are at immediate risk of hurting themselves in a life-threatening way. Reach out to your student's assigned Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, and/or Mental Health Specialist for additional information and resources.
https://www.crisistextline.org/
http://teenmentalhealth.org/understanding-self-injury-self-harm/
https://www.verywellmind.com/teen-cutting-and-self-harm-behaviors-2633862
http://sioutreach.org/learn-self-injury/parents-and-families/
http://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/perch/resources/parenting-2.pdf
National African-American/Black History Month
Posted by Erich Priest on 2/19/2020
February is National African-American (Black) History Month. As students learn about important historical and modern figures, such as Solomon Carter Fuller - the first African-American psychiatrist, there is also an opportunity to talk about current inequalities. A recent study from ACT found that less than half of high school students of color felt comfortable reaching out to a teacher or counselor for mental health support (diverseeducation.com). One of the barriers contributing to this discomfort is the lack of representation for students, and the stigma that comes with engaging in mental health services. While teachers and staff participate in cultural competency training it is also important for schools to promote and raise awareness of mental health services available on campus and in the community. Help start the conversation with your teen about exploring mental health resources at school and in the community, including who they can reach out to for support. Help your teen identify barriers or challenges to seeking out support, and share these with their assigned Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, and/or Mental Health Specialist.
February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Posted by Erich Priest on 2/5/2020
"Nationwide, youth age 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault" (Youth.gov.). "1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner" (loveisrespect.org). These alarming statistics are some of the reasons why February has become National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Teens in abusive relationships are more likely to repeat these negative patterns in future relationships, and are at higher risk for for long-term behavioral and emotional difficulties (e.g. suicide attempts, eating disorders). Take some time to talk with your teen about possible signs of dating abuse and what healthy relationships can look like (e.g. respect, support, privacy). Sometimes discussing relationships that are portrayed in the media can be a great way to start a conversation about values, healthy boundaries, and consent. Talk with your teen about their experiences in their relationships, and reach out to your student's assigned Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, and/or Mental Health Specialist for additional information/resources.
CHHS Teen Vaping Awareness & Prevention Panel
Posted by Erich Priest on 1/22/2020
CHHS Teen Vaping Awareness Panel Discussion, Wednesday, February 5 at 6pm Students and families are invited to a Vaping Panel Discussion on February 5th at 6:00pm at Chapel Hill High School in the Media Center. Discussion topics will include types of vaping products, why they are harmful, the prevalence in our schools, vaping policies and laws, how to protect yourself from this dangerous trend, and resources for additional information. Our panelists will be:
· Dr. Ilona Jaspers, UNC Director of Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine & Professor in Pediatrics at UNC
· Charles Blanchard, CHHS Principal
· Officer Gary Beneville, Chapel Hill Police Department, CHHS School Resource Officer
· CHHS Students for a first-hand account
Fighting The Winter Blues
Posted by Erich Priest on 1/8/2020
Welcome back Tigers and Tiger Families! CHHS hopes that you and yours had an excellent and relaxing Winter Break. As we return to focus on school as the days start to get longer once again it is still important to engage in self care to positively manage mental health. The winter months can certainly take a toll on our physical and emotional health, so staying proactive is a great defense against the "Winter Blues." Mental Health First Aid recommends getting exercise, exposure to full-spectrum light, and relaxation training, such as "tensing and relaxing muscle groups" to help support a balanced mood and physical health. January is also known as "Get Organized Month" and many people find that taking some time to get organized can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Students can be encouraged to take some time to simply get organized, and/or meet with their assigned school counselor to discuss helpful strategies for staying organized and on top of their work. Talk with your teen about how they can work to improve their mental health through self care and organization, and reach out to your student's assigned Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, and/or Mental Health Specialist for additional information/resources.
Trauma-Informed Schools & SPARCS
Posted by Erich Priest on 12/18/2019
Knowing that Trauma exists, and the new research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that shows that by age 16 more than 2/3rds of children reported experiencing at least one traumatic event, is a vital step in moving towards building safe and supportive relationships in schools (Staton, 2019). The traumatic events reported by children included "psychological, physical or sexual abuse; community or school violence; domestic violence; assault; or the sudden or violent loss of a loved one," yet may also include car accidents, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. Trauma can be thought of as an injury that may require medical attention, and through which people can recover with the support of consistent, reliable, and trustworthy caregivers. CHHS has been actively working to improve its "trauma competency" by educating teachers and staff to know the possible signs and symptoms of trauma exposure, and create space for dialogue to happen on campus between students and staff. One specific intervention being offered at CHHS is the 16-session trauma-focused SPARCS group. SPARCS stands for Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress, and was designed to help adolescents who have experienced chronic traumatic events to build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop problem solving and self-advocacy skills. Talk with your teen about their experiences and reach out to your student's assigned Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, and/or Mental Health Specialist for additional information/resources.
December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Posted by Erich Priest on 12/4/2019
The National Association of Drug Court Professionals describes the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day as "one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America's roadways due to an increase in impaired driving," which is why December has been recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Holidays are a time to celebrate gratitude and togetherness, yet many are left to live with the consequences of impaired (i.e. distracted, drugged, or drunk) driving. Youth.gov reports that almost 20 percent of people aged 16-25 have driven drunk according to a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Even if your student is not yet driving you can talk with them about advocating for their own safety when riding in cars with friends and/of family members who may be impaired. Encourage them to role play these situations with you in advance, so that they feel more confident speaking up in the moment. Please view the following websites for safe driving campaigns, including pictures, brochures, fact sheets, and news releases concerning this important topic.
https://youth.gov/feature-article/december-national-impaired-driving-prevention-month
https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/parent-resources/impaired-driving
CHHS Teen Vaping Awareness & Prevention
Posted by Erich Priest on 11/20/2019
By the end of this month CHHS will begin an anti-vaping campaign with the support of the CHHS SAVE Promise Club. E-cigarette use poses significant health risks to our students and community. Brain and behavior problems, addiction, using additional tobacco products, and even second-hand exposure are all risks associated with E-cigarette use. The anti-vaping campaign will include public messaging, posters around campus, daily announcements, distribution of support guides to CHHS teachers and staff, and linking students with vaping cessation resources. Encourage your teen to talk to you about how vaping and/or E-cigarette use impacts them. Try using a tip sheet or video if you need help in getting the conversation started, and talk to your health care provider to share these risks with your teen as well.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/tobacconicotine-vaping
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
https://childmind.org/article/teen-vaping-what-you-need-to-know/
Unhealthy Coping: Smoking and Drinking
Posted by Erich Priest on 11/6/2019
November is not only a time for us to celebrate all things Fall, but also time to focus on Weapon Safety, and The Great American Smokeout to help support those who are making a plan to quit smoking. Due to the changes in weather and light - as well as additional opportunities to "celebrate" the holidays - many teens may seek out unhealthy coping skills, such as smoking, and/or feel peer pressure to try out illicit substances. It is important for parent(s)/guardian(s) to recognize some of the signs and symptoms of drug use in adolescents, as this may lead to more impulsive and risk-taking behavior. Common signs and symptoms of recent substance use may include slurred speech, paranoia, confusion, lack of coordination, and/or marked difference in appetite. Be sure to talk with your teen and express any concern that you may have about their possible substance use and/or safety. Seek out consultation with other parent(s)/guardian(s) and follow up with community health professionals as necessary.
https://www.tobaccofreecampus.org/the-great-american-smokeout
https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//recognizing_drug_use_in_adolescents.pdf
October is Bullying Prevention Month
Posted by Erich Priest on 10/23/2019
October is Bullying Prevention Month as well as LGBTQ History Month. Research shows that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) youth, AND those who are perceived to be LGBTQ are at an increased risk of being bullied both on school property and online. Having inclusive curriculum and conversations, as well as positive representations can help improve student experiences (GLSEN). Safe Schools NC (https://www.safeschoolsnc.org/) will also be having its 5th Annual LGBTQ+ Conference for Educators and School Communities on November 16th. Talk with your teen about how they may be experiening and/or witnessing bullying at school or on social media, and connect with the assigned Administrator, Social Worker, Counselor, and/or Mental Health Specialist with any concerns.
https://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/groups/lgbt/index.html
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
Posted by Erich Priest on 10/9/2019
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. Depression is a medical illness that can impact many areas of a teenager's life, including sleep, eating, studying, and relationships. Screening for depression, such as with a primary care physician or with a mental health provider, can help identify whether a teen may be living with depression. Common symptoms may include sleep disturbances, isolating from others, and losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression is not a sign of weakness, yet most teenagers need treatment in order to find relief. Follow up with a medical provider for screening if you have concerns about whether or not your teen may be dealing with depression.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression/index.shtml
September Suicide Prevention
Posted by Erich Priest on 9/25/2019
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Parents, Teachers, Students, and School Staff have an important role to play in helping to prevent suicide. Research indicates that asking direct questions about suicide, and keeping an eye out for common signs and sypmtoms (e.g. depression, changes in mood, sleep difficulties, substance abuse, withdrawal) can help prevent suicide. Please read the following article regarding common myths about suicide, and reach out to your student, medical provider, Teachers, Staff, and Student Services with any questions and/or concerns.