Blog

Home
Making a Difference in Mental Health: Spotlight on Three Maryland Schools

Making a Difference in Mental Health: Spotlight on Three Maryland Schools

Podcast

If you’re of a certain age, you probably recall the days when talking openly about, or acting openly on, mental health challenges was heavily stigmatized. You might be seen as weak, or worse, crazy. Thankfully, the culture has changed for the better. The world is waking up to the fact that mental health is as important a consideration for individuals as their physical health. This critical shift in perception and understanding is being brought about, in no small part, by people like Behavioral Therapist Danielle Young and Assistant Clinical Director Wendy Grier, both of whom work for Advanced Beha v ioral Health—a family centered mental health practice with offices in five counties across Maryland.

Recently, Danielle and Wendy visited three schools, for the purpose of bringing greater awareness to the mental health challenges of elementary, middle, and high school students, as well the resources available for students, teachers, and families. Following are short summaries of Danielle and Wendy’s experiences at each of these schools.

Carmody Hill Elementary

Carmody Hill Elementary is located in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Danielle and Wendy went to the school to shine a light on the recent Wellness Walk & Mental Health Extravaganza held there. The event brought together the school’s students, families, and teachers—as well as community members—to explore a wide range of free mental health and wellness resources, psychoeducational opportunities, and interactive activities.

The two spoke to Shannon Bell, Carmody Hill’s mental health coordinator, who had this to say about the day’s events: “It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. So we’re here with the students and families increasing awareness about mental health and physical health, and how important it is to take care of both. In particular, we’re trying today to convey that mental health starts at home, and that there are ways parents can support their children’s mental health. We also wanted to bring awareness to the resources we have in our county, because we do have a wealth of them, including free telehealth services.”

Learn more about Danielle and Wendy’s visit to Carmody Hill Elementary in this episode of Making A Difference in Mental Health, the duo’s popular mental health podcast.

Kenmore Middle School

Kenmoor Middle School is located in Landover, Maryland. Danielle and Wendy went to the school to highlight the recent Community School Wellness Walk held there, where students, families, and residents from across Prince George’s County gathered for a day dedicated to mental and physical wellness. One of the event coordinators, Dakari Taylor Watson, had this to say about the day’s events: “I’m one of five members of the Office of Community Schools for this particular cohort. Each of us represent a different school, and so we deal with mental health issues every day. We knew it was super important for us to get out into the community—to educate, to be educated, and to champion mental health. This is an opportunity for us to be able to share our resources with the whole community.”

Learn more about Danielle and Wendy’s visit to Kenmoor Middle School in this episode of Making A Difference in Mental Health, the duo’s popular mental health podcast.

DuVal High School

DuVal High School is located in Lanham, Maryland. Danielle and Wendy went to the school to attend the recent Community Wellness Fair, which included psycho-educational workshops, interactive activities, and opportunities for social connection—all designed to support the well-being of students and their families. Here’s what one parent had to say about the day’s events: “This event is really important because it showed all the mental health resources for students you may not have been aware of.” And here’s what a ninth grader who attends the school had to say about the fair: “Mental health education and awareness is so important, because when you’re struggling with something, you have to express it in some way, a positive way. You have to allow yourself to be open with what’s going on with you. We all need people in life who can help us.”

Learn more about Danielle and Wendy’s visit to DuVal High School in this episode of Making A Difference in Mental Health, the duo’s popular mental health podcast.

When you think of the well-being of a child, you first think of basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, however, it’s crucial for a child to have emotional and social wellness as well. In this article, we will explore the impact social wellness has on the overall health of a child and great ways for children to garner social support in their lives.

It comes as no surprise that as human beings, we all need connection with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. In fact, having social support is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that significantly impacts the health of an individual. After spending the last few years in and out of isolation due to the Covid-19 outbreak, social support is more important now than ever before. Having social support means having family members and friends you can talk to and seek advice from when life feels challenging and overwhelming. Knowing you’re not alone in your life journey, especially as a child, creates a sense of belonging and empowerment throughout one’s life.

4 Types of Social Support

Emotional Support. This type of support lets you know that people care about you and have empathy for your experiences. Emotional support often looks like people checking in on you to let you know they’re thinking of you, and that they are there if you need anything. As a parent, make sure your child knows you can be a sounding board for them. If you have family members who can also show up for your children in this way, even better!

Practical Help. This type of support is when people give you something tangible or offer a service to help you out. This could be in the form of money, making food when you are sick, or helping to pack when moving. Having family and friends show up in this way shows your child what it looks like to be present for people you love.

Sharing Points of View. This type of support can often come in the form of affirmations and encouragement. For example, pointing out your child’s strengths to them and reminding them they can do anything they put their mind to. It can also look like sharing another perspective if they are being hard on themselves. For example, if they are angry with themselves after receiving a bad grade on a test, you can help them see it as a learning experience and a way for them to grow.

Sharing Information. This type of support is when someone shares what they’ve learned from their own life experiences. For example, if another parent has a child who struggles with socializing, they can share some tips and tricks they’ve learned to help their child find and create social support.

The Importance of Social Groups and Extended Support

Children who are connected to their family, friends, and people in their community have opportunities to learn how to speak, share, and get along with others. When your child feels connected to people in your neighborhood, it often allows them to feel physically safe which can alleviate stress and worry. Simply riding bikes, going on walks, and saying hello to neighbors with your kids can create this sense of security for them.

In addition to engaging with your neighbors, getting involved in local organizations can also create social support for your child. Signing up for a sports team, musical theater, art class or summer camp are all great ways to help your child meet new friends and learn important social skills that can carry them through their lives.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Community Connections:

Spend time outside in your neighborhood playing on the playground, going to a local farmer’s market, or scheduling a playdate with neighborhood kids.

Show your kids that connection is a two-way street. If your neighbors or friends go out of town, offer to get their mail, or water their plants and take your child with you when you go. This will show your child how you show up for people you care about.

Make sure you make time for socializing with friends as well. Your child looks to you first and foremost for how they should act and live their own life.

Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and do something they may be scared to do. As a parent, it’s your job to push them into something social for their own well-being at times.