BE KIND TO YOUR MIND
September is National Suicide Awareness Month The experts remind us that mental health and physical health should not be a thought of as separate components to person’s overall health; they are a unit, both mind and body. The stigma associated with mental health can hinder youth from accessing the help they may need. National Suicide Prevention Month aims to combat the stigma by normalizing conversations surrounding mental health and raising awareness of suicide prevention. This month, three MUSD high schools took the lead in National Suicide Prevention Month. Manteca High’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Chapter led by Ms. Cheryl Behler, L.V.N, organized a 30-day mental health challenge on social media as a way to remind their audiences that mental health is just as important as physical health. “Our mission this month is for everyone to acknowledge the importance of mental health,” said Avianna Alvarez, student and co-president of Manteca High HOSA Chapter.
suicide awareness and prevention. In addition, the entire counseling office shared a thoughtful powerpoint with the student body and community at large stressing a unifying message: “Reach out to your school counselor if you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or just need to talk.”
counselors, District and school administrators, and a school resource officer from Manteca PD, have the same commitment. To ensure that students have access to suicide prevention education, programs, and intervention support including risk identification and crisis follow-up. The committee and our Health Services team partner with Valley Community Counseling of San Joaquin County to place counselors at every school site. The VCC counselor from Weston Ranch High alongside Mrs. Aubrey Lewis’ leadership class shared a video in solidarity of youth
Sierra High School is known for their commitment to youth suicide prevention and awareness efforts; and this year is no different. “We decided that the COVID closure was not going to keep us from hosting our second annual event,” stated Jared Rio, the school’s activities director. “We strive to serve the whole student, and that includes mental health. We understand that healthy minds foster healthy relationships […] and we believe it is important to help end the stigma.” Sierra’s leadership, peer resource, and GSA student group organized its first virtual ‘Walk for Hope’ event in conjunction with a full week of activities to stay connected, inform, and make aware, including a virtual panel meeting featuring key speakers for the community. Mr. Rio continued, “We are excited to partner with more community resources as we continue on our journey to help prevent suicide.”
Avianna continued, “During this time of distance learning, students get overwhelmed with school and forget about mind and body’s basic needs.” MUSD’s dedicated youth suicide prevention, intervention and postvention committee comprised of school nurses, psychologists,
There is no shame is seeking help for mental health; be kind to your mind and body. For socio-emotional, mental, and crisis resources visit www.mantecausd.net/wellnessresources.