Let's Talk About It: Mental Health Awareness Month

Does it get any better than the month of May?? 

School is winding down, birds are chirping, trees are popping and flowers are blooming!  As we all focus on the celebrations spring brings like prom, graduations and summer break,  I wanted to remind everyone that May is Mental Health Awareness month.  It is a great time to reflect, remember and be aware that mental health awareness is key to making sure those that we care about are being supported, understood and loved. It is also the time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues.  Taking the time to highlight the ways that mental illness and addiction can and does affect us all will help break down the stigma that society often holds and allow those who suffer from a mental health challenge to feel supported and understood.  Challenging negative stereotypes and prejudices by promoting understanding and acceptance is key in changing the stigma we often see and hear when it comes to mental illness.  Now-how do we do this?  How do we talk with our kids about topics that are heavy and concerning? While I don’t have the perfect answer, I can share something that does work for me.

In my everyday work and my 39+ years of parenting there is one thing that I believe is needed in order to gain trust and respect and that is CONNECTION.  If we want our kids to listen to us, we must first work on connecting with them.  This means more than just being present - it means being genuine in wanting to have a relationship of trust and respect.  A young person needs to feel connected if they are to trust and respect - no matter who you are or what your role is.  Another thing to remember: demanding respect is different than earning it - no matter your age.  If the approach to connect is genuine, authentic and sincere, the relationship that is created can and will be the best gift ever received.  Establishing a connection with your child helps create a foundation in which you can have open, honest conversations.  There is no greater gift to give and to receive than connecting with your child. 

So, how can we improve our connection with our young people?  Here are some great reminders on how to authentically connect.  The great thing about connecting is that it can and will be beneficial in your everyday life!  Another great resource on how to build your connection with your child during challenging times can be found here as well.  The Child Mind Institute offers some great tips on communicating with your teen here as well.  There is also a video you may find some value in here.

Our hope is that you can experience the gift of connection and have the tools needed to build a stronger connection with your child.  By doing so, you are giving your child the best gift possible and ensuring that there is no topic too heavy to discuss as long as the connection is there.  A young person who feels connected will often reach out to those that they trust for guidance, advice and support and in turn, trust what is being shared and be more open to listening. 

Our hope from the district student support team is that when given the opportunity to talk to your child about any challenges they may be experiencing related to their overall well being, you are able to respond by saying, “Let’s Talk About It”! 

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

Julia Geigle, MSW, LICSW
Mental Health Specialist
612-790-4928
julia.geigle@moundsviewschools.org

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