Mental Health Resources for Staff

Each of us in PSD  — no matter what our job is — contributes to the success of our students. While what we do is meaningful and often gratifying work, it can be tough on us, too, because we care so much about the students in addition to our own families, and friends.

Whether we're experiencing a crisis or navigating the stressors of daily life, it's important that we address issues and take time for ourselves. Below are some services to help you do that.

Employee Assistance Services

Employee Assistance Services (EAS) provides PSD staff with counseling services for personal and work issues. Services are free and confidential.

EAS provides crisis response 24/7 at 970-488-4925, ext. 1. The EAS answering service will connect you with the on-call counselor. There is no cost for after-hours counseling, and all contact is confidential. Learn more about EAS services and staff (staff login required).

Download/print these slides:

• EAS English Slide
• Español EAS Slide
• عربي EAS Slide

 

Staff Wellness and Lifestyle Health

PSD Health & Wellness Programs help staff make more mindful life choices to achieve their best health for themselves and their families. Wellness activities and opportunities are available to all employees, with a focus on health prevention and screenings.

Supporting students

It can be hard when we see a young person struggle. Here are ways you can support them:

• Keep communication open 
• Be aware of any changes in their behavior
• If you have questions or if you feel a student/family needs support, talk to the counselor at your school about any concerns you have. More about services in schools:
  • School Counselors
  • Mental Health Specialist Services
• Complete a QPR Suicide Prevention Training to learn how you can identify and help someone at risk for suicide.  

Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning signs that a student may be struggling:

• Uncharacteristic behavior
• Changes in friendships or isolation
• Drop in academic performance
• Loss of interest in activities
• Personality change
• Excessive sleeping

If a student is talking about depression or suicide, take the following steps immediately:

• Never leave a suicidal individual alone.
• Acknowledge that you are taking them seriously.
• Let them know you are accessing resources to help keep them safe. 

More: PSD Protocols When a Student May Be Suicidal | Suicide Prevention

Classroom & School Resources

Utilize these materials, which include the following: 

• Ask, Listen Connect posters (shown below by grade level)
• Tips to help students check in with themselves
• Big Feelings Fliers for elementary students (shown below)
• Brain Break Fliers for middle and high school students (shown below)
• Conversation starters and talking tips to distribute to students and families (shown below by grade level)

  Big Feelings: Excited

  Big Feelings: Starting School

  Middle and High School Students: Brain Break Fliers

  Third Quarter - Healthy Coping Skills

  عربي Third Quarter Healthy Coping Skills

  Español Third Quarter Healthy Coping Skills

  Middle and High School

  English, Español and عربي  talking tips for middle and high school students

  English - Getting Help Tips for Youth

  

  Español: Getting Help Tips

  

  عربي - Getting Help Tips

  

  English Ask, Listen Connect Slide

   

  Español EAS Slide

  عربي  EAS Slide

   

  • English Elementary Talking Tips
  • Español Elementary Talking Tips
  •  عربي Elementary Talking Tips 
  • For school newsletters: blurbs to include in newsletters to families
  • "You are never alone. There is help." slides 
  • "Ask, Listen, Connect" slides
  • Mental health announcements: 
    English announcement  | Arabic announcement  | Spanish announcement
  • Videos - Videos promoting mental health with students (English and Spanish) and talking points.

 

Student athletes and mental health

• Learn about the challenges of being a student athlete and how you can help foster a culture of wellbeing in this Student Athlete Mental Health booklet.