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 going outside, drinking water, getting enough sleep, and having positive interactions with friends and role models. By encouraging these healthy behaviors, Ganski believes that students can greatly improve their mental health.
Ganski also stresses the importance of recognizing signs that a student may be struggling with their mental health. These signs include not attending school, being 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, be present in the classroom, and learn 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 and that attitudes towards mental health can be shifted in a more positive direction through promoting positive mental health practices. Xiong advocates for removing the stigma around discussing mental health 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.