Fulton County Schools are promoting “It’s OK to Not Feel OK”. Feelings and emotions are universal and part of the human experience. Not feeling ok usually includes feelings of immense stress, helplessness, hopelessness, and more. It is ok to have bad days but being unable to pull oneself out of negative feelings means it is time to reach out for help. It’s ok not to feel ok, but it’s better to be great! Whatever brings joy, health, and happiness are activities worth continuing.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES
All Levels
- Make a play list of feel good songs (i.e. Don’t Worry, Be Happy) possibly play them over the loudspeaker
- Have all students identify at least one trusted adult they can go to when they need help.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/SPEAKERS
Ask your on-site mental health professional or another local mental health professional to come and talk to the parents and/or students about emotional wellness
- The Summit Counseling Center http://summitcounseling.org/
- Family Ties, Inc. https://familytiesinc.com/
- Odyssey Family Counseling Center http://www.odysseycounseling.org/
- Chris 180 https://chris180.org/
BROADCAST A TED TALK ON COPING SKILLS
- Exercise https://www.ted.com/talks/wendy_suzuki_the_brain_changing_benefits_of_exercise?language=en
- Self-compassion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEyJ_H1U5SQ
- Mindfulness https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_takes_is_10_mindful_minutes
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- B4Stage4 https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/b4stage4-philosophy
- NAMI Georgia https://namiga.org/
- Hope for the Day https://www.hftd.org/
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPPORTS
- “Text4HELP” – A crisis support line in all FCS high schools in partnership with the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. Students who use the app can be connected anonymously to a licensed mental health professional for immediate mental health resources and referrals, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
- Signs of Suicide (SOS) – Signs of Suicide Prevention Program is currently implemented in all Fulton County Middle and High Schools. The SOS Program is the only youth suicide prevention program that has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression, as well as a reduction in actual suicide attempts.
- School-Based Mental Health Services – Fulton County Schools has developed a framework in which mental health partners are on the school campus and provide services to students. Students may access mental health providers on campus should they need that level of support and should their parents desire that option for them. We currently have a mental health on-site partner at 70+ FCS schools.
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training – Training provides education and awareness of mental health for those who work with children and youth. If you are interested in a training for your school staff, please reach out to the CPSW department.
- Fulton County Schools Tip Line – An anonymous tip to school and district officials through the FCS Tip Line App. Whether it’s about bullying, a friend in need of counseling, or suspicious/illegal behavior.
SPONSORS
