Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter February 2020
YRDSB Mental Health services are provided
by YRDSB psychology and social work personnel
Common Reactions to Trauma
At some point in our lives,
we are all likely to experience or be affected by some form of trauma
– whether
it be experiencing a life event of our own or witnessing another person experience trauma.
Regardless of the cause, the trauma creates a
lasting impression on our brain.
Psychology Today has explained 21 common reactions to trauma including anger, avoidance and sadness.
And although everyone is different
and will experience trauma differently based on various personal and societal factors, what is common
is that there is support.
There are supports
and resources available
(school-based mental health professionals such as Psychological Services and School Social
Workers) at the school for students
who need to speak with someone.
If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, please contact your school Principal.
At YRDSB, we have Tips for Supporting Children and Youth
after a Concerning Event at School. These tips can help guide families
when dealing with and helping
to support their children during a difficult
and traumatic experience.
Board staff can also reinforce students’ sense of safety and well-being by:
Creating
a calm, predictable and welcoming classroom and school environment. Bolstering well-being and healthy coping strategy activities.
Following
the student’s lead in discussing their concerns,
(if students aren’t discussing their concerns,
keep focused on your regular school activities).
Listening
for and responding to students
who may be struggling and accessing appropriate mental health
resources for students and families as needed.
Release
of the YRDSB Student Suicide Intervention Protocol
York Region District School Board is committed to student
well-being and mental health. YRDSB has developed a Student
Suicide Intervention Protocol
to help keep students safe in the event of suicidal thoughts or actions. The Student Suicide Intervention Protocol will
be implemented starting
Fall 2019. Youth suicide
is a complex, emotionally-charged and sadly a real problem in Canada.
It is the second leading cause of death amongst young people. It’s important
to recognize that those who struggle with mental health have personal strength and resilience and the potential
to overcome difficulties to ultimately thrive.
The YRDSB Student
Suicide Intervention Protocol
is designed to address the six steps involved
when responding to current and present thoughts of suicide, as well as actions
related to suicide.
In addition, the Protocol
is governed by a set of guiding
principles which
are underpinned by a culturally responsive and reflective practice.
Suicide
is not culturally neutral. Our cultural and ethnic
backgrounds will inform
how each of us understands suicide. To see all the guiding principles, refer
to the print version of the protocol
on the on the board website YRDSB-Student Suicide Intervention Protocol. If you have any questions
about the Student
Suicide Intervention Protocol, please contact your school principal.
Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc.
Mental Health Lead
