Mental Notes

Shan Guillory, LPC-S

A collaborative effort between Region 5 ESC, Spindletop Center and Burke Center in fulfillment of requirements outlined in H.B. 19

Providing mental health information, resources and self care tips!

Hello everyone! I hope your new school year has been off to a great start! Welcome back to another exciting newsletter! It's September already and there's some exciting things coming up this month!

Make sure to check out the student presentations available and let's get something on the schedule! Keep reading for more information!

Highlights from June, July and August:

• Presented to the Summer students at Odom Academy on Substance Use Prevention. Thanks for having me!
• I also participated in many great training with Spindletop's MHFA Outreach Worker, Seterria Anderson! We were able to train the staff at Lamar University and the Nursing Students at Lamar State College Orange! Such a fun time!
• I introduced a NEW virtual training/workshop for Parents! June's Topic was on Positive Discipline and July's Topic was on Raising Confident Kids. We had 2 amazing guest speakers at each workshop! Such a great turn out and such a fun time!
• Another great Summer with IEA! I presented at the Summer Camp Bright Star on Vaping Prevention and Drug Prevention. The students were very engaged and had tons of questions!
• Participated in the Federal Prison Health Fair for the first time and made some great connections! It was a great time spreading the word about our Local MH Authority and the services that we provide!

Check out some of the photos below!

Reach out to me if you’d like to talk about bringing a specific presentation to your school, having a booth set up to provide resources, staff trainings or a health & wellness fair to your school!

Have any ideas for a specific training or resource that YOUR SCHOOL needs???

Send me an email or call me and lets discuss!

All services provided by ESC Mental Health Resource Coordinator are FREE to your school.

Download the flyer below for more information on ways that I can support you in the implementation of initiatives related to mental health and substance use prevention!

Email: shan.guillory@stctr.org
Phone: (409) 926-4416

Print these flyers off and post them in the restroom for your students to check out throughout the month.

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Warning Signs

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

Download the flyer below for more information and 5 Action Steps to help someone in emotional pain

Virtual Parent Workshop

Tea With The Therapist: Internet Safety

Protect your children in the digital world by joining our upcoming live virtual parent workshop.

The Digital Reality

The internet opens doors to learning but it also exposes children to cyberbullying, predators, and inappropriate content. Banning screens entirely is rarely a sustainable option; instead, parents must learn to guide their children through these online spaces safely.

Here is what you can expect:

• Convenient & Virtual: Sessions will be held once a month for just 30 minutes. You can join while cooking dinner, on your commute, or during a break!
• Expert Q&A: Each session features an interactive Q&A with a specialist. Bring your real-life scenarios and leave with practical, actionable strategies.
• Exciting Giveaways: Your time is valuable. As a thank you for your dedication to our youth, we will raffle off a gift card at the end of every session!

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM CST
Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Got questions? Submit them when you register so we can answer them live during the session!

So, are you ready to join me for TEA With The Therapist? Grab your favorite mug, the one that represents exactly who you, pour your favorite tea and let's get into the real strategies.

Reserve Your Spot

Do not wait for an online safety crisis to happen. Take a proactive step toward protecting your family's peace of mind today.

To Sign up click the link below or scan the QR Code on the flyer

https://forms.gle/sL5CGK5skPBStw537

For questions or more information

Contact: Shan.Guillory@stctr.org

409-926-4416

Sign up for Youth Mental Health First Aid

To sign up contact:

Seterria Anderson

Tell her Shan sent you!

Email: seterria.anderson@stctr.org
Phone: 409-790-6043

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.

There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Both are considered synthetic opioids. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.

However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.

For more information on fentanyl facts and ways to protect your adolescent from fentanyl

Click the link below

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep and mental health are closely connected. Sleep deprivation affects your psychological state and mental health. And those with mental health problems are more likely to have insomnia or other sleep disorders.

If you're having problems sleeping, you might:

• be more likely to feel anxious, depressed or suicidal
• be more likely to have psychotic episodes – poor sleep can trigger mania, psychosis or paranoia, or make existing symptoms worse
• feel lonely or isolated – for example, if you don't have the energy to see people or they don't seem to understand
• struggle to concentrate, or make plans and decisions
• feel irritable or not have energy to do things
• have problems with day to day life – for example, at work or with family and friends
• be more affected by other health problems, including mental health problems

Click the photo below for more information