Mental Health

A trauma-informed school recognizes that many students have experienced traumatic events and understands that trauma can affect learning, behavior, relationships, and overall well-being. School personnel work to identify students who may be experiencing trauma-related challenges and provide appropriate support for students and their families.

Research shows that more than two-thirds of children in the United States experience at least one traumatic event by age 16. Potentially traumatic experiences include:

• Psychological, physical, or sexual abuse
• Community, school, or domestic violence
• Natural disasters or acts of terrorism
• Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
• Refugee or war-related experiences
• Military family-related stressors
• Physical or sexual assault
• Neglect
• Serious accidents or life-threatening illness

A mental health crisis occurs when someone may be at immediate risk of harming themselves or others. Warning signs may include:

• Saying, "I don't see the point in life."
• Talking about hurting themselves or self-injury.
• Expressing persistent feelings of hopelessness or severe depression.
• Giving away valued possessions.
• Asking questions such as, "How would you feel if I died?"
• Asking about ways to die or how many pills it would take to die.
• Engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 right away.
 

A – Acknowledge

• Take every statement about death, suicide, or self-harm seriously.
• Listen without judgment.
• Validate the person's feelings.
• Remind them they are not alone and that help is available.

C – Care

• Reassure the person that you want to help keep them safe.
• Give them space to express their emotions without judgment.
• Let them know they matter and their life has value.

T – Tell

• Seek help from a trusted adult immediately.
• Never promise to keep suicidal thoughts or threats a secret. If you are concerned about someone's safety, it is important to tell an adult who can help.

If You Are at School

• Stay with your friend.
• Walk with them to the office, counselor, administrator, nurse, or another trusted adult.
• Share all of your concerns so adults understand the situation.
• If appropriate, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

If You Are Away from School

• Tell a trusted adult immediately.
• Stay connected with your friend if possible.
• Encourage them to call or text 988.
• If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Resilience is a child's ability to recover from stress, setbacks, and challenges. Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children develop confidence, emotional strength, and healthy coping skills.

1. Listen Without Judgment
Create a safe space for your child to talk.

• "That sounds really hard. I'm here for you."
• "It's okay to feel that way."

2. Model Healthy Coping
Show your child that everyone experiences challenges.
For example: "I had a difficult day, so I'm going to take a few deep breaths and take a short break."

3. Teach Problem-Solving Skills

• Break problems into smaller, manageable steps.
• Encourage a "What can we try next?" mindset.
• Praise effort, creativity, and perseverance.

4. Practice Gratitude and Optimism
Share positive moments together each day. Examples:

• "What is one good thing that happened today?"
• "What can we learn from this experience?"

Helpful Family Tools

• Practice deep breathing (such as box breathing).
• Create a calming space with books, music, or sensory tools.
• Use positive affirmation cards.
• Have regular "feelings check-ins."
• Maintain predictable family routines.

Compassion is not about fixing every problem—it is about showing up with love, patience, and understanding. When children feel seen, heard, and supported, they are better equipped to face life's challenges.