Riverside County Office of Education
Home MenuMonday, May 2, 2022
Check-In
"Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health." - Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy
Today’s theme will focus on checking in with yourself and those you care about. We all know it’s important to have regular screenings and check-ups with our doctor for our physical health. But what about checking in on our mental health?
Mental illnesses are common in the United States. Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 high school students had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019 and approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year.
Just like regular physical exams and blood tests can catch issues early before they become serious, the same is true about our mental health. Daily check-ins allow us to slow down, assess how we are feeling and gain an accurate reading on our mental and emotional wellness.
Today’s activities will help you to learn the various ways you can check in with yourself and/or those you care about. We hope you enjoy exploring the variety of online resources and workshops as you grow in your understanding of the importance of taking care of your mental well-being.
Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez encourages all of us participate in the Take Action for Mental Health Week activities to improve our mental health awareness for ourselves and for those around us.
Register Here for Virtual Live Family and Adult Workshops
Virtual Workshop 1: Getting it Right: Supporting the Well-being of Students with Special Needs
Audience: Adults (ASL Interpreters and Spanish Translation Provided)
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Description: Mental health is as important as any other health issue. Children or teens with mental health needs often experience challenges at school and at home. This workshop will provide adults with strategies to support the mental well-being of students with special needs both at home and in the classroom.
Presenter: Kimberli Breen, a national behavior change agent for the SWIFT Education Center and owner of Affecting Behavior Change Inc.
Getting it Right: Supporting the Well-being of Students with Special Needs Recorded Session
Virtual Workshop 2: Family Fun Night - Creating Collage Art for a Healthy Mind
Audience: Primary and up (ASL Interpreters and Spanish Translation Provided)
Time: May 2, 2022, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Description: Celebrate the art of Henri Matisse! Participants will cut shapes from different colors of paper to create their own beautiful collage. Research shows creating art engages the mind in new ways, helps to develop healthy emotional habits and make us feel good. Sign up today!
Supplies Needed: paper of different colors and sizes, scissors, glue stick or glue
Presenters: Karen Riley, Executive Director, S.C.R.A.P. Gallery & Luis Fausto, Artist & Owner of Creativo Identity
Family Fun Night - Creating Collage Art for a Healthy Mind Workshop Recorded Session
Take Action for Mental Health Art and Video Contest
RCOE, along with Riverside University Health System, Behavioral and Public Health and Directing Change Inc., have created a Take Action for Mental Health Art and Video Contest for students ages TK-25.
The contest will encourage students to use various forms of art to share their thoughts and ideas about mental health and wellness. Students have three themes to choose from, Dear Me (a letter to their future selves), Hope (changes they hope to see), and Justice (how young people are "more than a mental illness"). Awards will be presented by grade levels and submissions are due May 31, 2022.
Please see flyers below for details:
Share Your #TakeAction4MH Activities on Social Media
Share today's activities by downloading the image below and copying the message. Or, write your own! Don't forget to use the hashtag: #TakeAction4MH
Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year. #TakeAction4MH
We hope today’s activities will provide you with various ways to check in with yourself and those you care about.
Activities
Consider a variety of activities (different age groups, roles, type-video/reading…)
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Read this blog to find out about 5 Simple Questions to Ask Yourself Every Day to check-in on your mental health.
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Watch this Youtube video to learn more about the importance of daily check ins.
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Checkout Headspace for videos, recordings and articles related to mindfulness and overall wellness. For educators, this app is free so CLICK HERE to register for your free educators account. Use your school district/county office email to register.
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Write down your thoughts or journal frequently using this online journal. Being able to identify your feelings and understanding yourself more and your actions increase intellectual wellness by exposing your mind to deeper thinking.
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Try this Mindful Self Compassion activity from Greater Good in Education.
Resources and Support
For more information about resources available in Riverside County to support your mental health and well being, see below: