Back to School Info

August 17, 2021

Dear Titans, 

Welcome back to school! We know that transitioning back to in-person learning may be challenging, but we are here to support you as much as possible.

Students that wish to have face-to-face social/emotional counseling, counselors will be available by appointment. Appointments can be made through your counselor's Appointlet link:

Counselor Appointment Requests

We understand that counseling may seem uncomfortable, but know that safely connecting with someone is now more important than ever. 

Here are some tips on how to practice self-care:

1. Recognize that your anxiety is completely normal - It is okay for you to feel the way that you do and you are not alone. To ease your anxiety, do what you can to stay safe and healthy: wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, practice social distancing by keeping six feet away from others, stay home if you can and avoid gatherings of more than ten people.
    
2. Create distractions - We often find ourselves spiraling when we focus too much on the things that we cannot control. Instead, let's start thinking about the things that we can control. Create a routine for yourself, learn and focus on your school work, watch new movies or write your own novel. 
    
3. Find new ways to connect with your friends - With your parents permission, set up online Zoom meetings to check in on each other. Challenge each other to learn something new every day. Remind each other that we are all in this together.
    
4. Focus on you - Remember when you said you wanted to start that new hobby, but just didn't have time? Well, now you do! Start a new book, do home work outs or spend time practicing a musical instrument. Focusing on yourself and finding ways to use your new-found time is a productive way to look after your mental health.
    
5. Feel your feelings - It is perfectly okay for you to be disappointed that your senior year activities are put on hold or that your family trip has been postponed. Let yourself process these feelings however you feel works best for your (i.e. talking to someone, creating art, listening to music, etc.). 
    
6. Be kind to yourself and others - Use this time to spread positivity in the world. If you see or hear bullying, speak up and reach out to those that are being bullied. Show empathy. Now more than ever we need to be thoughtful about what we share or say that may hurt others.
   
   If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis (a danger to yourself, a danger to others or someone is hurting you), please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you witness an emergency or know someone is in crises, please dial 911.

Additional resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (available 24 hours/day)
• Alameda County Crisis Support Services Crisis Line: 1-800-309-2131 (24 hours/day)
• Alameda County Crisis Support Services Local Text Line: TEXT SAFE TO 20121 (4:00 pm - 11:00 pm, 7 days/week). Available for Alameda County residents only.

We are here for you and we support you. 

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive.

The Kennedy Counseling Team