Mental Health

If a child is in crisis contact First Call at 488-7777.

http://www.studentsfirstproject.org  This Students FIRST Project website is designed specifically for Chittenden County's school personnel to enhance understanding about child and adolescent mental health and related issues that may be encountered in students. 
How do I know if a student may need mental health services?
Changes in a students self care, behavior, emotions, and thinking can be signs that a student may need mental health support.  Following is a list of some signs/changes you may observe. (Please keep in mind sudden changes, frequency, and severity)
SELF CARE

• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep
• Poor Hygeine
• Self-injurious behaviors
• Threats of suicide
• Suicidal gestures
• Suicidal attempts
• Substance Abuse
• Other high risk behavior (i.e.risky sexual behavior, drinking and driving, running away, etc.)

CARE OF OTHERS AND PROPERTY

• Verbal threats
• Physical fighting
• Giving away property
• Detailed threats lethal violence
• Destruction of property

EMOTIONAL COPING

• Diminished energy level
• Loss of positive motivation
• Loss of interest in pleasurable things
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or inadequate
• Not caring anymore
• Social Withdrawal
• Excessive feelings of rejection
• Increased anger and emotionsl volatility
• Angry, resentful, and hostile
• Labile emotions
• Excessive crying or numbing

Thinking

• Persistent nightmares
• Unusual thoughts or beliefs
• Thoughts that race too fast
• Poor concentration
• Inability to focus attention
• Hearing voices that cannot be
• explained
• Suicidal thoughts
• Thinking that life is too hard or has no meaning

What should I do if I am concerned about a student’s mental health?

• Contact school team and guidance counselor (893-3230 extension 164)
• Contact HowardCenter Children Youth Family Services Intake, 488-6600.