Let’s Talk About It-How are you?

“How are you?”

This is typically a greeting that most people lead out with when they see each other.  A kind smile, a warm hug or even a quick handshake will often follow.

Our response?  Usually a quick “I’m good!” or “Not bad!”

This past month I needed to stop and think about how to respond to this question and I am guessing I am not the only person who has had to do this. I found myself unsure of how to answer because, in truth, I was not sure if I was as good as I wanted others to believe. I was not as good as I wanted to be.

Sitting in this, for whatever the reasons were for not “being good”, I was reminded of how difficult it must be for our students who find themselves in a place where they are not feeling good.  I was also reminded of the challenges that parents are facing in today’s uncertain landscape.  

As I was thinking about what to blog about,  I received an email from a friend and trusted parent coach-Merri Guggisberg who seemed to have read my mind.  The email that was sent was a reminder of how we often react to situations with physical cues, and that when things feel unsteady, we often have the ability to pull back.  Merri also shared that when our own children are facing something difficult, our nervous system reacts first: the tight stomach, the racing thoughts, the urge to fix it.  This often leads to us taking on more than we can handle, feeling overwhelmed, and believing that we are not doing enough. 

Here is the truth-you are doing enough.  You are showing up. Most of all-it is perfectly okay to admit that you are not okay.  This time of year is usually a time where things seem to drag on.  When we don’t see the sun, when all we see is gray, our motivation tends to take a hit.  Our patience is often hanging on by a thread.  We tend to not be able to put our finger on it-but we just feel out of sorts.  When this happens, I try my best to realize I am not alone.  Students often feel the same way, however, they tend to feel it without understanding it which is why I appreciate getting reminders such as Merri’s email/blog that I am not alone in this.  When I meet with students who are in a slump, I will often share with them that I hear them, I see them and I feel the same way!  This helps not just myself-but the students I work with when they realize THEY are not alone.

While Mounds View schools does not endorse any particular organization or service, I hope that you can see value in being open to receiving support from a wide variety of community resources. We have curated a list of some wonderful resources and parent coach Merri Guggisburg is one of many.  These resources are broad and go well beyond mental health and substance use support and when reviewing the resources available, you can also find blogs, free events and parent engagement opportunities. Another accessible resource is your child’s dean.  They can lead you in the right direction if support is ever needed.   

We are days away from a new month-and spring will soon be in the air!  In the meantime, know that you are not alone and there are resources available if needed.

As always, our hope is that you have enough information at your fingertips to help your student and if given the opportunity, you can say, “Let’s Talk About It!" The Student Support Team is always available if you have questions.

Colleen O’Neil, LADC
Mounds View Chemical Health Prevention Specialist
651-829-4708
colleen.o’neil@moundsviewschools.org

Julia Geigle, MSW, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist
612-470-8937
julia.geigle@moundsviewschools.org

Chad Jayasekera, MA, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist 
651-212-5291
chad.jayasekera@moundsviewschools.org