.png)
Mental Health Resources for Families (staff message below)
Dear Families,
During the last month and a half, we have been faced with unprecedented circumstances, and each of us has risen up to meet unique challenges, as we navigate this global pandemic. We have seen extraordinary efforts from staff, parents, and students, who are working to better themselves, their families, and their community.
I know we have heard a lot about protecting the physical health of ourselves and others, but as we settle into our familiar routines, we want to ensure that everyone continues to pay attention to their mental well-being as well. As this long-term shift in our way of life continues, there are many stress-related emotions and symptoms you may be experiencing. While we all cope differently, there are several simple strategies anyone can utilize to help regulate their mood and relieve some of their symptoms.
Below we are again sharing with families valuable information about mental health resources available to them, as well as tips from our District’s mental health professionals on ways to help regulate your mental state during this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together an informational webpage dedicated to coping stress specifically during the pandemic and lists various helpful tips for individuals, parents, and children.
There are many resources available locally to our families, including:
- The Lake County Health Department's Crisis Care Program - available 24 hours a day via telephone and in-person - Please call first: 847-356-3322.
- The United Way of Lake County recently helped launch 211 Lake County. Dial 211 or text 898211 for mental health assistance 24 hours a day
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
Those with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment, consistent with plans made with your treating health care provider, as well as take note of any new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
Thank you for your time, and I urge everyone to be consciously taking steps to manage the mental health of themselves and loved ones during this time. Please continue to support each other, and seek assistance if you or a loved one is in need of additional help.
Sincerely,
Theresa Plascencia
Superintendent
_________
Queridas Familias,
Durante el último mes y medio, nos hemos enfrentado a circunstancias sin precedentes, y cada uno de nosotros se ha levantado para enfrentar desafíos únicos, mientras navegamos por esta pandemia global. Hemos visto esfuerzos extraordinarios por parte del personal, los padres y los estudiantes, que están trabajando para mejorar ellos mismos, sus familias y su comunidad.
Sé que hemos escuchado mucho sobre la protección de la salud física de nosotros mismos y de los demás, pero a medida que nos acostumbramos a nuestras rutinas familiares, queremos asegurarnos de que todos sigan prestando atención también a su bienestar mental. A medida que este cambio a largo plazo en nuestra forma de vida continúa, hay muchas emociones y síntomas relacionados con el estrés que puede estar experimentando. Aunque todos nos enfrentamos de manera diferente, hay varias estrategias sencillas que cualquiera puede utilizar para ayudar a regular su estado de ánimo y aliviar algunos de sus síntomas.
Below we are again sharing with families valuable information about mental health resources available to them, as well as tips from our District’s mental health professionals on ways to help regulate your mental state during this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together an informational webpage dedicated to coping stress specifically during the pandemic and lists various helpful tips for individuals, parents, and children.
A continuación compartimos nuevamente con las familias información valiosa sobre los recursos de salud mental disponibles para ellos, así como consejos de los profesionales de salud mental de nuestro Distrito sobre las formas de ayudar a regular su estado mental durante este tiempo. Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades han creado una página web informativa dedicada a cómo sobrellevar el estrés, específicamente durante la pandemia, y enumera varios consejos útiles para individuos, padres y niños.
Hay muchos recursos disponibles localmente para nuestras familias, incluyendo:
- El Programa de Cuidado de Crisis del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Lake - disponible las 24 horas del día por teléfono y en persona... Por favor llame primero: 847-356-3322.
- United Way de Lake County recientemente ayudó a lanzar el 211 de Lake County. Marque 211 o envíe un mensaje de texto al 898211 para obtener asistencia de salud mental las 24 horas del día.
- Línea de ayuda de la Administración de Servicios de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias (SAMHSA por sus siglas en inglés): 1-800-985-5990 o envíe un mensaje de texto a TalkWithUs al 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517).
Las personas con problemas de salud mental preexistentes deben continuar con su tratamiento, de acuerdo con los planes realizados con el proveedor de atención médica que los atiende, así como tomar nota de cualquier síntoma nuevo o que empeore. Se puede encontrar información adicional en el sitio web de la Administración de Servicios de Salud Mental y Abuso de Sustancias.
Gracias por su tiempo, e instó a todos a que tomen conscientemente las medidas necesarias para manejar la salud mental de ellos mismos y de sus seres queridos durante este tiempo. Por favor continúen apoyándose mutuamente, y busquen ayuda si ustedes o un ser querido necesitan ayuda adicional.
Sinceramente,
Theresa Plascencia
Superintendente
__________
Mental Health Resources for Staff
Dear Staff,
During the last month and a half, we have been faced with unprecedented circumstances, and each of us has risen up to meet unique challenges, as we navigate this global pandemic. We have seen extraordinary efforts from staff, parents, and students, who are working to better themselves, their families, and their community.
I know we have heard a lot about protecting the physical health of ourselves and others, but as we settle into our familiar routines, we want to ensure that everyone continues to pay attention to their mental wellbeing as well. As this long term shift in our way of life continues, there are many stress-related emotions and symptoms you may be experiencing. While we all cope differently, there are several simple strategies anyone can utilize to help regulate their mood and relieve some of their symptoms.
Below we are again sharing with staff valuable information about mental health resources available to them, as well as tips from our District’s mental health professionals on ways to help regulate your mental state during this time. We also have valuable information regarding our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The EAP is available to all District employees, as well as their dependents. It is a 24 hour service which provides confidential and free assistance to help resolve work, health, and life challenges. For assistance, please call 1-800-272-2727 or go to www.workhealthlife.com/us and enter our organization as Waukegan School District.
The EAP offers assistance on a wide range of issues, including: depression, stress management, anxiety, relationship problems, alcohol or drug addictions, financial or legal concerns, parenting concerns, eldercare, childcare, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together an informational webpage dedicated to coping stress specifically during the pandemic and lists various helpful tips for individuals, parents, and children.
Additionally, there are many resources available locally to our staff, including:
- The Lake County Health Department's Crisis Care Program - available 24 hours a day via telephone and in-person... Please call first: 847-356-3322.
- The United Way of Lake County recently helped launch 211 Lake County. Dial 211 or text 898211 for mental health assistance 24 hours a day
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
Those with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment, consistent with plans made with your treating health care provider, as well as take note of any new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
Thank you for your time, and I urge everyone to be consciously taking steps to manage the mental health of themselves and loved ones during this time. Please continue to support each other, and seek assistance if you or a loved one is in need of additional help.
Sincerely,
Theresa Plascencia
Superintendent