School Psych Corner; September

Hello all,

Welcome to the School Psych Corner! The School Psych Corner is a monthly newsletter filled with interesting and fun concepts and topics that will help your child/student navigate through middle school. These topics touch on issues focus on mental health and academic challenges. Topics include executive functioning, sleep hygiene, test anxiety, positive self-talk, etc. Strategies will also be provided for you to incorporate with your child to give them opportunities to practice these skills and increase their ability to become successful. Updates and events will also be provided to keep you up to date. I look forward to providing you with these newsletters for the year!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, promote hope, and remind our community that support is available. Parents, caregivers, educators, and peers can all play an important role by recognizing when a young person may be struggling and helping them connect with a trusted adult or mental health professional.

Risk Factors to Be Aware Of:

Risk factors are any traits, behaviors, or surrounding conditions that raises a person's chance of developing a mental illness, emotional problem, or negative behavioral pattern (APA Dictionary of Psychology).

Risk factors do not necessarily mean that a young person is suicidal, but they may increase vulnerability, particularly when several occur together.

Risk Factors to be Aware of

• History of a previous suicide attempt or self-harm
• Depression, other mental health concerns, or substance use
• Recent loss, trauma, or significant life changes
• Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or relationship difficulties
• Social isolation or lack of supportive connections
• Family history of suicide or mental health concerns
• Exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior of others
• Access to lethal means

Pay Close Attention to Any of these Warning Signs

• Talking or writing about wanting to die or suicide
• Expressing hopelessness about the future
• Feeling like a burden to others or believing things will never get better
• Severe or overwhelming emotional distress
• Withdrawing from friends, family, activities, or social situations
• Significant changes in sleep or eating habits

Make sure to take concerns seriously and don't be afraid to ask directly about suicide. Listen without judgment, stay connected, and involve a trusted adult or mental health professional when you are concerned. If a young person talks about suicide or shows signs of immediate danger, seek help right away.

Help is available 24/7. In the United States, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis counselor.

Hello again!

My name is Simeon Bien-Aime, and I am one of the two School Psychologists here at Deal Middle School. I am also the author of the School Psych Corner! I am in my second year as a full-time school psychologist, and I am excited to continue supporting the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of our students. I am also here as a resource for students who may need mental health support throughout the school year.

I am originally from upstate New York, about 45 minutes from Albany, the state capital. I earned my Associate of Arts from Fulton-Montgomery Community College in 2016, my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in 2020, my Master's in Educational Psychology in 2024, and my Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology in 2025.

I moved to Washington, DC, in August 2025 after falling in love with the city years ago. I am excited to continue serving and getting to know the Deal community this year!

Some fun facts about me:

• I am a huge Marvel fan, especially Spider-Man!
• I am an avid video gamer.
• I am a die-hard New York Knicks fan.
• I am a big believer in wellness and self-care, including deep breathing, meditation, and other mindfulness practices.

Please keep your eyes peeled for future newsletters from me.