Halloween is just around the corner and what’s better than dressing up in a costume and enjoying the spookiest time of the year? However, there are things that we need to watch out for besides things that go bump in the night.
Did you know that nearly 4000 Halloween-related accidents occur each year? Falls, unsafe driving, and substance use can increase the chance of injury for yourself and those around you. However, with a little caution, you can still have a fun and safe Halloween.
Here are some tips:
Even though we may intend to be safe, things do not always go according to plan. If anything happens this weekend that you want to talk about, you can always come to Suite 250. Have a happy Halloween and stay safe!
Stay healthy Chaps,
Katie, Brooke, Chelsey, and Izzy
Did you know that nearly 4000 Halloween-related accidents occur each year? Falls, unsafe driving, and substance use can increase the chance of injury for yourself and those around you. However, with a little caution, you can still have a fun and safe Halloween.
Here are some tips:
- Be careful when you’re driving. It’s hard to concentrate on the road when you’re driving around with your friends but this is when you need to be the most aware, especially in neighborhoods. It’s dark outside and children and parents may be walking in the streets to get to the next house. Limit distractions like your phone, music, or conversations with friends while you’re behind the wheel. And if anyone is going to drink, make sure there’s a designated driver in your group or take an Uber home.
- It may be tempting to prank others, like egging or TP’ing houses, but it’s never ok to vandalize other people’s homes. Pranks like these are disrespectful; not only that, but there can be some serious consequences if you mess up someone’s property. Let’s stick to treats and not tricks this Halloween.
- Stay in a group. There is safety in numbers, especially if you are in an unfamiliar setting. Watch out for each other and make sure everyone in your group stays near each other. If you need to leave the group, tell others where you are going, have someone come with you and keep your phone on you.
- There are some things you can do to set yourself up for safety: charge your phone before you go out, make sure you tell your parents where you are going, and avoid drinking or drugs so you can be aware of your surroundings.
Even though we may intend to be safe, things do not always go according to plan. If anything happens this weekend that you want to talk about, you can always come to Suite 250. Have a happy Halloween and stay safe!
Stay healthy Chaps,
Katie, Brooke, Chelsey, and Izzy
World Mental Health Day
Adolescence and young adulthood present many new opportunities. New things and new experiences can be really great, but this time of change can also be stressful and cause depression. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, read on…
What you should know
•Depression can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness.
•It’s an illness characterized by persistent sadness or irritability and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by difficulty in carrying out daily activities.
•Other signs include withdrawal from others, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fatigue, restlessness and difficulties with schoolwork. You might also be experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
•You might be inclined to take more risks than normal and sometimes think about harming yourself. •
•There are lots of things that you can do to prevent and treat depression.
What you can do if you are feeling down, or think you may be depressed
• Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
• Seek professional help – your local health-care worker or doctor is a good place to start.
• Stay connected with friends and family.
• Exercise regularly – even if it’s just a short walk.
• Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits.
• Try to keep doing things that you’ve always enjoyed – even when you don’t feel like it.
• Be kind to yourself and try to focus on the positive.
• Congratulate yourself on your achievements – past and present, no matter how small.
What you should know
•Depression can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness.
•It’s an illness characterized by persistent sadness or irritability and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by difficulty in carrying out daily activities.
•Other signs include withdrawal from others, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fatigue, restlessness and difficulties with schoolwork. You might also be experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
•You might be inclined to take more risks than normal and sometimes think about harming yourself. •
•There are lots of things that you can do to prevent and treat depression.
What you can do if you are feeling down, or think you may be depressed
• Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
• Seek professional help – your local health-care worker or doctor is a good place to start.
• Stay connected with friends and family.
• Exercise regularly – even if it’s just a short walk.
• Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits.
• Try to keep doing things that you’ve always enjoyed – even when you don’t feel like it.
• Be kind to yourself and try to focus on the positive.
• Congratulate yourself on your achievements – past and present, no matter how small.
We are always here to help you if you should notice any of these warning signs or want to talk. Stop by Suite 250 and let someone know how you are feeling. The first step is talking about it.
Stay Healthy, Chaps!
Brooke, Katie, Chelsey and Izzy
Stay Healthy, Chaps!
Brooke, Katie, Chelsey and Izzy
self-Care
As school is getting into full-swing, check in with yourself: are you practicing self-care?
We have all heard a lot about self-care in the past few months but it goes beyond bubble baths and an extra cookie after dinner (although those are great options too!). Self-care means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Think of yourself like a cup: you can’t give any of your skills or talents to others if your cup is empty.
Let’s make self-care a priority by taking some time this week to identify healthy forms of self-care. We can use these to fill our cups after a busy school-day and prepare us for conquering the next day.
Here are some suggestions:
Again, these are only suggestions; there are many other ways to take care of yourself that may be a better fit for you.
Don’t forget, you can always reach out to us for more self-care tips. We are here to help!
Stay healthy, Chaps,
Katie, Brooke, Izzy, and Chelsey
We have all heard a lot about self-care in the past few months but it goes beyond bubble baths and an extra cookie after dinner (although those are great options too!). Self-care means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Think of yourself like a cup: you can’t give any of your skills or talents to others if your cup is empty.
Let’s make self-care a priority by taking some time this week to identify healthy forms of self-care. We can use these to fill our cups after a busy school-day and prepare us for conquering the next day.
Here are some suggestions:
Again, these are only suggestions; there are many other ways to take care of yourself that may be a better fit for you.
Don’t forget, you can always reach out to us for more self-care tips. We are here to help!
Stay healthy, Chaps,
Katie, Brooke, Izzy, and Chelsey
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
9/8/2021
Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young Texans aged 15-34? Or that for every completed suicide there are 25 attempted suicides?
Parents can play a key role in early detection of warning signs and behaviors indicating that a child may be considering suicide. Trouble focusing, increased withdrawal from family, friends, and school, a lack of interest in favorite activities and risk-taking behaviors are a few signs that indicate suicide risk.
Parents can play a key role in early detection of warning signs and behaviors indicating that a child may be considering suicide. Trouble focusing, increased withdrawal from family, friends, and school, a lack of interest in favorite activities and risk-taking behaviors are a few signs that indicate suicide risk.
In the times of COVID, it has become especially clear how important CONNECTION is. When people feel connected, they may no longer feel isolated and are, therefore, at a DECREASED risk of suicide.
Research has found that about 90% of individuals who die by suicide experience mental illness. A number of other things may put a person at risk of suicide, including:
This year we are challenging everyone to #BeThe1To ASK, BE THERE, KEEP THEM SAFE, HELP THEM CONNECT, FOLLOW UP.
Research has found that about 90% of individuals who die by suicide experience mental illness. A number of other things may put a person at risk of suicide, including:
- Prolonged stress.
- Isolation.
- Age. People under age 24 or above age 65 are at a higher risk for suicide.
- A recent tragedy or loss.
- A family history of suicide.
- Substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol can result in mental highs and lows that exacerbate suicidal thoughts.
- Intoxication. More than one in three people who die from suicide are found to be currently under the influence.
- Access to firearms.
- A serious or chronic medical illness.
- Gender. Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide.
- A history of trauma or abuse.
- Agitation and sleep deprivation
This year we are challenging everyone to #BeThe1To ASK, BE THERE, KEEP THEM SAFE, HELP THEM CONNECT, FOLLOW UP.
ASK - Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation.
BE THERE - Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
KEEP THEM SAFE - A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
HELP THEM CONNECT - Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
FOLLOW UP - Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
BE THERE - Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
KEEP THEM SAFE - A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
HELP THEM CONNECT - Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
FOLLOW UP - Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
To support our students we are asking all Westlake students to download A Friend Asks onto their iPads. A Friend Asks is a user-friendly app to learn more about the warning signs of suicide and mental health illness and how to access help! We recommend that parents download this app as well as it's extremely informative.
Additional resources for HELPING THEM CONNECT to have saved in your phone!
Crisis Text Line - Text “HELLO” to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline
800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
800-442-HOPE (4673)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255)
The Trevor Lifeline
866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386)
MCOT – Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
512-472-HELP
Finally, just a reminder that there is tons of support at school, including two UT School of Social Work interns this year. Contact us at any time!
Stay Healthy, Chaps!
Katie, Brooke and Chelsey
Crisis Text Line - Text “HELLO” to 741-741
National Suicide Hotline
800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
800-442-HOPE (4673)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255)
The Trevor Lifeline
866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386)
MCOT – Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
512-472-HELP
Finally, just a reminder that there is tons of support at school, including two UT School of Social Work interns this year. Contact us at any time!
Stay Healthy, Chaps!
Katie, Brooke and Chelsey
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