Random
True or false: Only some people struggle with emotions or mental health.
What is false.
Everyone experiences times when they may struggle with emotions or mental health. That's part of being human. Struggling does not mean something is wrong with you!
True or false: Ms. Rachel could beat you in Fortnite or Marvel Heroes.
False.
Ms. Rachel only plays games like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.
True or false: School counselors can get you in trouble.
What is false.
School counselors never punish students.
You tell Ms. Rachel how you feel about your parents. Can Ms. Rachel tell your parents what you said?
What is no. By law, Ms. Rachel cannot share what you say unless there is a risk of someone being hurt or you give her permission.
What activities are shown to improve mental health?
What are consistent exercise, sleep, creative activities, being outdoors, hanging out with friends and family, playing sports, listening to music, reading books, deep breathing
Where is your school counselor's office located?
What is C-005 (main hallway by the office)
True or false: Ms. Rachel played sports in high school.
What is false. Ms. Rachel was a theater kid and could barely run a mile.
True or false: As soon as you leave a note, the counselor will come and get you immediately.
What is false.
There is only one of me and over 400 of you. As much as I'd like to see you as soon as I can, I might not be able to unless it's an emergency.
You tell Ms. Rachel a secret about another student. Can Ms. Rachel tell the teacher what you said?
What is no.
Ms. Rachel cannot share what you said unless that student is in danger or you give her permission.
What are the most common mental health struggles for children and teens?
What is anxiety and depression
What can you expect if you meet with Ms. Rachel?
Sitting in a comfy chair, safe and nonjudgmental space, talking about all kinds of things (light/heavy subjects, emotions, relationships with others, etc.), art/game activities, practicing deep breathing and other skills
True or False: Ms. Rachel has run a marathon in sandals.
What is false.
Ms. Rachel ran a half marathon in sandals, but hopes to run her first marathon this year! (also in sandals).
Name some times when you may want to talk to the school counselor.
What is if there is a death of someone you love, arguments with friends, feeling sad or lonely, being bullied, etc.,?
You tell Ms. Rachel that you feel unsafe at home. Can Ms. Rachel tell someone else about this?
What is maybe. If you are being hurt, Ms. Rachel will have to tell adults that will keep you safe.
Are rates of anxiety increasing or decreasing?
What is increasing. Between 2016 and 2023, diagnosed anxiety among teens increased by 63%
True/False. Your parent/guardian needs to sign permission for you to see the school counselor for a few weeks.
True.
True or false: Ms. Rachel accidentally lived outside of the country.
What is true. Ms. Rachel got stuck in Scotland for 6 months during Covid.
True or false. The only time that you should have any contact with the school counselor is when you have a big problem.
What is false.
A school counselor can help with social, emotional, and academic situations. Lots of people can see the school counselor, not just people with "big issues."
Will Ms. Rachel tell someone something I said without telling me?
What is no.
Ms. Rachel will let you know if she ever has to tell someone to keep you/someone else safe. She will always ask permission for anything else that you share.
Negative attitudes towards mental health can lead to. . .
What is...
Impact on Seeking Help: Stigma can delay or prevent individuals from seeking necessary mental health treatment due to fear of judgment or discrimination.
Social and Economic Consequences:Stigma can affect employment, housing, education, and social relationships, creating significant barriers to a person's well-being.
If you need to see the school counselor, what do you do?
What is ask your teacher or leave a note in Ms. Rachel's mailbox
True or false. Ms. Rachel had an amazing middle school experience.
What is false. While parts of it were amazing, middle school was a challenging time for me. This is why I do what I do, I want to support you in the amazing and not so amazing times!
Research shows that school counselors help improve...
What is
Attendance
Rates of Suspension/Discipline (Less students getting in trouble)
Academic Achievement
Overall student well-being
You tell Ms. Rachel that someone at school is breaking a big school rule. Can Ms. Rachel tell anyone?
What is no, unless someone is getting hurt or you give Ms. Rachel permission.
What can help reduce mental health stigma?
Being open and willing to talk about mental health
Being compassionate towards others struggling
Seeking help when you need it
Calling out stigma