MENTAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER

This newsletter is designed to connect you with Mental Health Information. The information and resources can be utilized for yourself, students, or share with colleagues.

Welcome Back!

Welcome to a new school year! As we begin this fresh chapter, we want to place a strong emphasis on something just as important as academics: mental health and well-being. We understand that each student, educator, and family member brings unique experiences, challenges, and strengths into the new year. Let’s continue to look out for one another, show kindness, and give ourselves grace as we grow together. Mental health matters, and you are never alone.

Wishing you a meaningful and mindful school year ahead!

Self-Reflection

Definition: the ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as how they impact yourself and others.

Core Components:

Introspection: Examining your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
Self-Reflection: Analyzing your behaviors and reactions in different situations.
Understanding your impact on others: Recognizing how your actions and words affect those around you.
Identifying strengths and weaknesses: Being able to accurately assess your capabilities and areas for improvement.

Benefits:

Improved emotional intelligence: Allowing you to better manage your emotions and understand the emotions of others.
Stronger relationships: By understanding yourself and how you interact with others, you can build more authentic and fulfilling relationships.
Better decision-making: Make more informed and thoughtful decisions by considering your own values, beliefs, and motivations.
Increased confidence and self-acceptance: Can lead to greater self-acceptance and confidence in your abilities.
Reduced stress and anxiety

How to Develop Self-Awareness:

Practice mindfulness and meditation
Seek feedback from others
Reflect on your experiences
Journaling
Pay attention to your physical sensations
Be open to learning and growth

Resources

Back-To-School Mental Health Checklist by The Kids Mental Health Foundation
Back-To-School Mental Health Tools by Mental Health America
Creating Safe Spaces for Youth
FREE Webinars by Mindspring Mental Health Alliance
Lapeer County Resources

Professional Development

Trails Tier 1

TRAILS Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) builds skills that promote mental wellness. Over the course of 25 flexible, low-prep lessons, educators help students build self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills while strengthening academic engagement. This training incorporates active practice, practical and applicable examples, and an introduction to curriculum structure and core skills and theory to prepare participants to deliver SEL lessons in the classroom setting.

Register Here

Trauma-Informed Supports in Schools

TRAILS Trauma-Informed Support in Schools is an overview of trauma and its impact on school age children as well as an introduction to TRAILS trauma materials and supplemental group sessions. Information also provided on other CBT-based trauma programs and resources appropriate for the school setting. Includes discussion on the importance of self-care for those supporting students. This training is open to anyone who has already received TRAILS CBT and Mindfulness training. Training includes free SCECHs (Michigan partners) and social work CEUs.

Register Here

Self-Care Training

Working within education has always been challenging. Practicing self-care—prioritizing what you need to be a healthy, whole person—is key for preventing burnout and bringing one’s best self to school. TRAILS Self-Care for School Staff provides selfcare strategies for supporting mental health and wellness, as well as activities that can be used with students. Training includes free SCECHs (Michigan partners) and social work CEUs. Topics include: • Self-care basics: what it is and why it works • Personal self-care skills.

Register Here