Mental health is an important topic, especially during our current context of both the pandemic and racial unrest in our community. We begin our new season of "Staying SEL: Connected in Sac City" by engaging in a dialogue about mental health, a first step in demystifying a subject that impacts all of us.

In this first episode of season 2, we talk to Tyler Chan, a Junior at Hiram Johnson High School, about his experience with mental health and his collaboration in a a youth-led "Summer at City Hall" project to promote youth mental health. Tyler shares the importance of reaching out for support, especially amongst his peer group. We also talk to Jacqueline Rodriguez, Coordinator of Student Support and Health Services, who shares some important tips and resources for supporting mental health for students, staff, and families. Jacqueline reminds us about the importance of starting with self-care and connecting to others to navigate through these challenging times. She reminds us that we are not alone, help is available and the road to recovery is possible.

The resources shared by Jacqueline can be found here:

Virtual calming room: https://calmingroom.scusd.edu/

Student support centers: https://www.scusd.edu/student-support

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Crisis Text line: text “HOME” to 741-741

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

The Source - Call/Text 916-787-7678 Support for Youth & Caregivers 24/7

Please also visit our SEL website at www.scusd.edu/sel and CLICK on resources for "Students", "Staff", and "Parents" to get additional SEL resources and our new "SEL For Distance Learning and Beyond": https://sites.google.com/scusd.edu/sel/home?authuser=0

3: Staying Connected With Teachers

Staying SEL:Connected in Sac CityBy Mai XiMay 13, 2020