Let’s Talk About It-You Matter!
![A bright yellow background with a simple smiley face and the text "How Are You" prominently displayed.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777655891/moundsviewschoolsorg/nsn91rrbs28m93ictycm/celebrationtime.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777655891/moundsviewschoolsorg/nsn91rrbs28m93ictycm/celebrationtime.png","width":360}])
Let’s Talk About It-You Matter!
May is here!!! YAY!!!!
It feels like we have been waiting for MONTHS to hear the birds singing, frogs croaking and the periodic sneezes due to allergies awakening.
While taking care of your mental health is always in season, it is also a dedicated time of year where we celebrate and highlight some important events: Mental Health Awareness Month as well as National Prevention Week.
We have shared several blogs related to mental health in the past. Feel free to revisit and reconnect with some great resources and information. We continue to work on reducing the stigma by educating our students and families, having conversations around mental health issues and by providing education and support through individual and group led programs. It is so important to let students know they are not alone in their struggles and that there are people in their buildings who are there to help. On May 6th, Irondale High School is sponsoring their annual Mental Health Walk where several local organizations as well as school supports will be available to answer any questions you may have. You are welcome to join us and we encourage you to invite your friends and family as well.
Here are some important numbers to keep in case the need ever arises:
- 988 Minnesota Lifeline
- Children's Mental Health Crisis Line (Ramsey County) - Call 651-266-7878
- Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative (RCCMHC) - Call or text (800)565-2575
Another event that is happening during the month of May is National Prevention Week (May 10-May 16, 2026). The goal of this week is to prevent substance use and promote mental health before problems occur. As a school district, we are always striving to raise awareness about substance use by using data-driven prevention strategies as well as effective evidence-based prevention programs in our schools that include the Stanford Tobacco Toolkit and the Stanford Smart Talk Toolkit for cannabis education to name a few. This month is a time to celebrate all those that provide education and support to our students by giving them accurate, up-to-date information that will help them make more informed decisions when it comes to substance use.
May is also a time to celebrate our graduating seniors! With that comes a sense of pride, sense of relief and a desire to highlight the graduate. We wanted to remind all that while graduation parties are often a time to celebrate all the successes and accomplishments of the graduate and while that should remain the focus, there are times when alcohol and/or illicit substances make their way into a celebration that can not only change the overall mood of the celebration, but can bring with it some serious consequences.
In the past we have shared the importance of modeling appropriate behavior for our teens and the importance of having open conversations about the use of any mood-altering substance. With graduation right around the corner, this is a perfect time to revisit and remind all adults of the importance of setting boundaries and expectations when it comes to substance use of any kind for young adults. Let’s not forget-the brain is not fully developed until the mid 20s and any substance use can have an effect on how the brain develops and on future behavior (and future use).
Celebrations at the end of the school year should be fun, memorable and above all else-safe. 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
651-621-6033
chad.jayasekera@moundsviewschools.org
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“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!”
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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!”
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True fact - Dry January was the brainstorm idea from Emily Robinson, a British woman who, in 2011, had signed up for her first half marathon and decided to avoid alcohol for a month. The results were far greater than what she expected. Emily noticed weight loss, improved sleep and higher energy levels.
I am not surprised. What I do appreciate is that there is attention on the benefits and while it is often adults that are taking the pledge to abstain from alcohol during the month, teens are also starting to take the pledge to stay away from partaking in drinking as well.
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In my role, I have the opportunity to share information related to substance use and the impact on one’s overall well being by going into health classes as well as meeting with students individually. This includes the challenges for teens and the impact substance use can have on all aspects of their lives. By doing so, I often find patterns that help me in understanding what information students need when it comes to making a choice to use a substance and the impact it can have on one’s mental health.