Mental Health Resources

A note on stress/anxiety:
If you are feeling anxious and stressed, you are not alone – many families are experiencing higher than normal stress and anxiety levels right now. 

• Breathe deeply: See JustBreathe for tips on how to relieve stress through slow, deep breathing. Take five slow, deep breaths right now and feel yourself calm down.
• Practice staying in the present moment: Worrying will not change or help the situation; try meditation or guided imagery. Use the CALM app to guide you.
• Use Cognitive-Behavioral skills: Remember, how you think affects how you feel and how you behave. If you are having a negative thought (e.g., “I might get sick.”), change it to a positive (e.g., “I will stay healthy by taking good self-care and practicing good infection control practices.”). Repeat these positive thinking statements several times a day.
• Stay active: Physical activity can help relieve stress. Even short walks can help.
• Talk to someone: Tell an adult family member or friend how you are feeling. Please see the following resources if fears and anxiety begin to interfere with your functioning.

If you have an urgent mental health concern for the safety of a student, please contact 911 or the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) Mobile Crisis Unit at (315) 462-1080 or (585) 509-6606 immediately and they will send a counselor out to check on that person's well being.

Explore these helpful anxiety resources to learn about the types of anxiety, signs of the disorder, and how to support anxious kids in school and at home.

Substance Use Prevention & Treatment 

Families and school personnel play a critical role in helping to reestablish a sense of normalcy and security after an act of violence occurs. Here are some valuable tips for parents and educators to talk to children about violence.

Explore these helpful resources for depression in children to learn how to recognize the signs of depression and other mood disorders - and help kids who may be struggling.

National Institute of Mental Health

Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness

National Association of School Psychologists

Preventing Teen Suicide – Tips for Peers

Preventing Teen Suicide – Tips for Parents & Educators

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Teens & Suicide – What Parents Should Know

The Partnership for Ontario County

Empower Ontario County – EmpowerRoc.org

National Eating Disorders Association

Help & Support – Where Do I Start?

MHANYS Wellness Bingo

Family Wellness Bingo Board

MHANYS Give and Take

Build Your Wellness Backpack

Animal Coloring Sheets:
Chameleon
Dragonfly
Rabbit
Lion

More Resources for Parents

Find helpful https://tigconsortium.org/resources/resources here and links for times of crisis.

Explore some great ways to establish healthy sleep patterns with your children.