• Looking for ways to get help? Speak to you/your child's counselor! Here's how to contact them!

    School counselors take on an array of responsibilities to help improve the lives of their students, both in and out of the classroom. The following are some common tasks we do - and more:

    • Identifying issues affecting school performance
    • Addressing social or behavioral problems
    • Helping students develop skills needed for academic success
    • Counseling individuals and small groups
    • Assessing students’ abilities and interests
    • Helping students achieve academic or career goals

    School counselors also work with teachers, administrators and parents to help students improve their outcomes in high school and plans after high school. They might suggest outside resources for additional support - please contact us if you have additional questions or need additional support during school. 

    Here is a resource page from WCPSS regarding Emotional Safety and Support:  Check it out!

    Self Care:

    • Self Care Challenge    Try our Self-Care Challenge! Spend the next 28 days taking care of yourself!  

    • Make a daily schedule to continue a normal routine - make sure to include eating regularly, maintaining a normal sleep schedule, include time for outside walks, electronic free activities, etc.
    • Download apps:
      • Headspace - free download - You can listen to a general guided meditation under their Basic meditations or choose one that’s more specific, such as Sleep or Relationships.
      • Calm - free download - You’ll learn how to master your breathing and reduce stress and anxiety. You can choose meditations that vary in length from three to 25 minutes, so you can fit them into your schedule accordingly, and topics include managing stress, deep sleep, and self-esteem — among many others.
      • Shine - free download - Daily motivational texts and a wide selection of self-improvement audio (on topics including productivity, mindfulness, and improving sleep) - can help you de-stress, lower anxiety, and feel better overall. 

    Virtual Support Groups in our community:

     

     

    Ways to keep your mind busy and learning more:

    • Check out Ms. Cotton, our Career Development Coordinator's website for Enrichment opportunities:  Enrichments
    • Check this out!
      • Game Plan: College (GPC) is excited to announce our Virtual Workshop Series for all high school students. Each Monday GPC staff will be hosting virtual workshops on various topics. Most days, we will host two different workshops using Eastern Standard Time (EST).
        • Sessions at 10:00 AM will cover topics mostly pertaining to 9th -11th grades.
        • Sessions at 2:00 PM will cover topics mostly pertaining to Seniors. Students are encouraged to attend any and all workshops.
        • Additionally, we are inviting colleges/universities to host Virtual Information Sessions. These will occur at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Tuesdays through Fridays. 
    • Check our virtual tours of colleges and universities from GEAR UP:  VR Tours
    • CollegeBoard BigFuture allows you to compare majors, colleges, regions, stats and more:  BigFuture
    • Try these different kinds of career assessments to learn more about yourself with a quick search online:
      • Myer-Briggs Test: This analyzes personality characteristics and how a person interacts with people or if they prefer not to interact with people at all.
      • Strong Interest Inventory: This helps students who are having trouble identifying their interests and helps focus on what a student truly enjoys doing.
      • Self-Directed Search: This test focuses on identifying skills and interests.
      • Skill Scan Test: This focuses on seven specific skills and assists a student in determining which skills they have or want to develop.

    Virtual Support Groups in our community:

     

    Parent Resources from Wake County:  Wake County Resources

     

    Coping Lesson (9th and 10th Grade):

    WCPSS and Student Services presented a "Keeping Yourself Emotionally and Physically Safe" coping lesson.  This program was mandatory in 2020-2021 and included guidance on coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and resources for support.   All teachers will post the links to the Meet conferences on their classroom websites.  This program will be used for virtual attendance on an asynchronous day. 

    Below are Informational links: 

    Resources for depression and suicide prevention:

    In an emergency, you should always contact 911.  If you are concerned about a friend and their safety, you can call the non-emergency line of the Cary Police, and they will go do a Wellness Check.  Here are other resources for non-emergencies:

    National Suicide Hotline (24 hours)
    1-800-TALK
    Lifeline (24 hours): 1-800-273-8255
    www.itsok2ask.com

    Hopeline
    Over the phone crisis counseling and suicide intervention
    24 Hour Crisis Line: 919-231-4525

    Holly Hill Hospital
    Emergency mental health services
    24 Hour Crisis Line: 919-250-7000

    UNC Crisis and Assessment (young children)
    Emergency mental health services (located in Chapel Hill)
    Crisis Line: 919-966-4131

    Strategic Behavioral Center (ages 12-17)
    Emergency mental health services
    24 Hour Crisis Line: 919-800-4400

    UNC Crisis and Assessment At WakeBrook
    Emergency mental health services (located in Raleigh)
    24 Hour Crisis Line: 984-974-4830

    Alliance Behavioral Health
    Mental Health options phone: 919-651-8500 (8:30-5:15 M-F)

    Therapeutic Alternatives, Inc.
    Mobile Crisis Service for adults and children
    24 hour Crisis Line: 1-877-626-1772
    Mobile Unit: 919-799-0701

    American Association of Suicidology
    www.suicidology.org

    American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
    www.afsp.org

    Also see our WCPSS information:  https://www.wcpss.net/suicideprevention