During Mental Health Awareness month, the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls School Districts are taking proactive steps to support students who may be struggling with their mental health. Director of Mental Health and Resiliency, Jamie Ganski, emphasizes the importance of promoting positive mental health habits such as spending time outdoors, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and having meaningful interactions with friends and role models. By encouraging these healthy behaviors, Ganski believes that students’ mental health can greatly improve.
Ganski explains that there are signs to look for if a student is struggling with their mental health, such as not attending school, being easily flustered or frustrated, or having difficulty focusing on academic material. Providing students with the necessary mental health support can help them academically by enabling them to focus better in the classroom and learn more effectively.
Executive Director of Student and Special Education for the Eau Claire School District, Kaying Xiong, encourages both students and adults to seek help when needed. She emphasizes that mental health doesn’t have to be seen as a negative thing; instead, it should be viewed as an important aspect of overall well-being. By promoting positive mental health attitudes towards mental health issues, Xiong believes that attitudes towards mental health can be shifted in a more positive direction.
Xiong stresses that managing mental health is a journey that requires self-care and support from others. She advocates for removing stigma around discussing mental health issues and creating a more open and supportive community for those who need help. For those in need of someone to talk to, they can text HOPELINE to 741741 or call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.