As school counselors, we focus on prevention and support. Our mission is to help all students in their journeys through middle school. Students may experience stress during this time, and it is our goal to support them in any way that we can. We work with students to help them develop positive coping skills and manage the stressors of life.

Additionally, students participate in large group instruction during Guidance about suicide prevention and awareness. All staff receive training in suicide prevention and awareness annually as well. The Jason Foundation is a great resource for all ages.

Please visit their website for more information.

We also welcome a wonderful resource from our community into our classroom. The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee has a fantastic program called Mental Health 101 that was developed for middle and high school students. Please visit their website as a helpful resource.

• Reaching youth when symptoms onset in middle & high school years BEFORE symptoms cause problems at school or at home (Mental Health 101 Program)

• Reaching young adults in their early workforce years BEFORE impairment and disability cause problems at work (Mental Health Matters in the Workplace Program)

When a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, it can be frightening for all the parties involved. The main concept to remember is SAFETY FIRST; if a person becomes a threat to themselves or someone else, an intervention needs to be made immediately. The safest place to take a person is the emergency room, as necessary medication can be administered to assist with the problem. If a person does not want to go voluntarily to treatment, the police can escort that person to the ER and assist with safety concerns.

Different illnesses exhibit a variety of behaviors and symptoms. However, a family member usually has a good idea of how this person reacts to things. Some symptoms that should always be taken seriously are:

• Suicidal or homicidal threats

• Auditory or visual hallucinations

• An increase/start of using substances

• Bizarre behavior, such as becoming violent for no reason

• Vocalizing means or a plan in which to commit suicide/homicide

• Confusion, acting as if the person does not know where/who they are