Cicero School District 99

Developing an understanding of mental health is essential to students’ social-emotional growth and overall well-being. Through the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), all schools provide a variety of tiered social-emotional supports to meet the diverse needs of our students.

At the universal level, all students participate in the Second Step curriculum. Second Step programs are research-based, teacher-informed, and classroom-tested to promote social-emotional development, safety, and well-being from early learning through eighth grade. For students who need additional support, targeted and individualized mental health resources are available.

Students today are often exposed to messages about mental health and mental illness through popular culture, media, and everyday experiences. However, they may still struggle to understand what mental health truly means—or how to talk about it, especially with parents or caregivers. That’s why it’s so important that we, together, help children feel confident and safe discussing mental health. A lack of understanding or discomfort should never be a barrier to asking for help. Support is always available—both in school and in the community.

BE AWARE OF THE WARNING SIGNS:

As a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in recognizing when your child may need help. It's important to be aware of behaviors that could signal emotional or mental health challenges. If your child shows one or more of the following, consider seeking support:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
• Talking about or attempting self-harm, or making plans to do so
• Experiencing sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason—sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
• Getting into frequent fights or expressing a desire to hurt others
• Displaying extreme, out-of-control behavior that could harm themselves or others
• Not eating, vomiting, or using laxatives to lose weight
• Having intense worries or fears that interfere with daily life
• Struggling to control behavior, resulting in danger to self or issues at school
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Having severe mood swings that impact relationships
• Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Talk to your child’s doctor, school nurse, or another trusted health care provider about the behaviors or symptoms that concern you
• Ask your child’s primary care physician whether further evaluation by a specialist is needed
• Ensure that any specialist you consult has experience working with the issues you're observing

• The loss of a loved one
• Divorce or separation of parents
• Major transitions, such as moving to a new home or starting a new school
• Traumatic experiences, including natural disasters or accidents
• Teasing, bullying, or peer conflict
• Struggles in school, either academically or socially

Need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health?

Try leading with these questions to encourage open and supportive dialogue:

• Can you tell me more about what’s going on? How are you feeling?
• Have you felt this way before?
• Sometimes it helps to talk to an adult. I'm here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
• Would you like to talk to someone else about what you’re going through?
• I'm worried about your safety. Have you had any thoughts of hurting yourself or others?

Be sure to actively listen to your child’s responses—without judgment or interruption.

When talking about mental health with your child:

• Communicate in a calm and direct way
• Use language appropriate to your child’s age and developmental level
• Choose a time when your child feels safe and comfortable
• Pay attention to your child’s reactions—slow down or pause if they seem confused or upset
• Listen with empathy and let your child share their thoughts and feelings openly
• Continue learning how to support your child’s mental health

DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD:

Try one of these activities when you need a mood boost:

• Talk to a friend
• Watch a movie or funny videos
• Color or draw
• Journal
• Work on a puzzle or crossword
• Make a craft
• Take a hot bath or shower
• Practice deep breathing
• Take a walk or stretch
• Dance
• Listen to music
• Play a game
• Visualize something positive
• Exercise
• Read a book
• Spend time with a pet
• Clean or organize
• Look at favorite photos

WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR STRESS

Use these strategies to take control of stress:

• Think positively
• Ask for help when needed
• Accept what you can’t control
• Break big tasks into smaller steps
• Eat a balanced diet
• Get enough sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Make time to relax
• Avoid drugs and alcohol
• Talk about your stress
• Laugh often
• Remember it’s OK to cry
• Practice deep breathing
• Stretch daily
• Stay organized
• Visualize positive outcomes

WAYS YOU CAN RELAX:

Calm your mind and body with these relaxation techniques:

Deep Breathing:

1. Get into a comfortable position
2. Inhale through your nose for 5 counts
3. Hold your breath for 5 counts
4. Exhale through your mouth for 5 counts

Other relaxing ideas:

• Massage your hands
• Count to 10 slowly
• Talk to someone you trust
• Listen to calming music
• Relax your muscles
• Visualize a peaceful place