What is Mental Health?
Mental health is defined as a person’s condition about their psychological and emotional well-being. According to mentalhealth.gov, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.” The importance of mental health, not just physical health, is being discussed increasingly, and May has been dedicated to continuing these conversations. The focus for May of 2023 is to Look Around, Look Within as we consider every part of our environment and its effect on our mental health and well-being. For more information, please visit mhanational.org.
Some ways to maintain positive mental health are connecting with others, helping others, and getting help from others when needed. Within our schools, there are many opportunities for each of these. Some of these opportunities include programs such as peer mentoring and adult mentoring, social-emotional lessons, restorative practices, emotional support animals, extracurricular clubs and activities, and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). In addition, our schools are filled with trusted adults such as teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and school psychologists who care about your children's well-being and are available to support the students and families of Royal Oak.
We would like you to please take moments during this busy time of year to Look around, Look within to consider how the world around you affects your mental health.
Be Well,
Dina Bansen, District Lead Psychologist