The holiday season is here. While for many the holidays are a joyous time with family and friends, for others that may not be the case. The change in daily routine, too much or too little socialization, too much or too little sleep, travel or gift expectations not met, the holiday blues may set in. What are the holiday blues and what can caregivers do to help alleviate symptoms? Read articles below.

Looking for some fun family centered activities over the holiday break, check out the SD Satewide Family Engagement Center list of family night activities .

The holidays mean family, friends, and probably lots of screen time. That's where Common Sense Media steps in. Need a great film for family movie night? A bedtime book to read curled up together? A captivating podcast for your seasonal downtime? Our expert picks make it easy to find engaging content for everyone.

Prepare for common holiday stressors during this free webinar. Prirotizing self-care can help bring gratitude both at work and at home. You'll learn to create a self-care plan and discuss strategies on suging self-care strategies daily and throughout the new year. Presented by Children's Home Socety.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 1-2 pm

Register Here

The pressures around the holidays can be even more challenging after the death of a family member. Here are some tips to consider that may help as you navigate the challenges, as well as a Holiday Plan Worksheet downloadable flyer to help you work through these decisions together as a family.

It's OK That's It's Not The Same - Grief At The Holidays postcast

Being a teenager is hard. Things like rejection, failure, breakups, trouble at school, family fights or a mental health condition can impact teens. So it’s important to spend time with your teen and ask them if they are struggling with intrusive suicidal thoughts. It is a myth that talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts. Talking about suicide provides an opportunity for communication.

Click on Ask the Question: Preventing Suicide in Teens below to know how you can help your teen.

Our MMS Natural Helpers will share a message with all MMS students next week reminding them about the 988 suicide and crisis hotline. All MMS students will receive a brochure and wallet card with 988 information.

-988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor

-988 is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or chat

-988 is free

-988 is not only for those having thoughts of suicide, but also for anyone in emotional distress

988

Learn about suicide, relevant risk and protective factors, and mental health support and resources. We will hear from Corey KEnnedy of Lost&Found, a nonprofit that delivers comprehensive, data drive and resilience-focused suicide prevention and postvention programs and services for youth (ages 10-34) and their support networks. Presented by Children's Home Socety.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 1-2 pm

Register Here

988 and 211 are answered by Helpline Center staff. Individuals can connect with either number, and the reasons for calling either number vary by need. To learn more about the the differences view the photo or check out this video.

Call or text 988 for crisis support and emotional distress 24/7. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor. You can also chat online .

For a list of community mental health resources in the Brookings Area view the Mental Health Guide or call 211.

Check out the October Avera family forum video on anxiety and absenteeism linked below.

Check out the November Avera video on social comparisons.

All MMS learners have the opportunity to sign up for counselor led interest groups for quarter 3 and quarter 4. Learners can sign up for a group, but also parents and teachers can refer learners. Learners will complete a sign up form during homeroom.

Small Group Info

Think your learner would benefit from a group, but do not see the topic listed in link above? Let us know. Interest groups are based on needs assessment of all MMS students, but we may consider adding additional groups based on interest. You can also refer your learner for individual counseling.

• Mr. Adamson
• Mrs. Hoffman
• Ms. Davids