Wellness

The goal of student wellness is to help alleviate non-academic barriers to learning so that all students can flourish.  Student support can include services related to mental, physical, or emotional well-being.

Students have access to school-based and school-linked resources. Supports include school-wide prevention, monitoring, and interventions for all students, as well as small group and individual skill building and interventions.

1. Reduce stigma, and have conversations, build  positive and open relationships, get educated, model behavior,

2. On Our Sleeves Guides for Parents 

3. Mental Health America Helping at Home: Tips for Parents

 LOOK OUT FOR THESE COMMON SIGNS OF DISTRESS: 

• Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear. 

• Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels. 

• Difficulty concentrating. 

• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images. 

• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes. 

• Worsening of chronic health problems. 

• Anger or short-temper. 

• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. 

If you experience these feelings or behaviors for several days in a row and are unable to carry out normal responsibilities because of them, seek professional help.   

To support someone in need, listen and validate what they are saying.  Ask how you can help them and be understanding.  Help connect them with support which can include school counselors, building administrators, and other mental health professionals inside or outside of the school.  If there is concern about someone’s immediate safety, refer to the crisis resource page.

In case of a mental health emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency room. Additional resources are available on the crisis resource page.

Olentangy follows a plan called the Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan (TECIP).  This plan guides the buildings on the steps and procedures to take based on the specific event.  This plan outlines the ways in which support will be provided for those impacted by traumatic events.

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is the state-level department that oversees the mental and behavioral health services provided throughout the state of Ohio.  Similar to the oversight provided to schools by the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health ensures compliance with policies, procedures, documentation, and quality assurances related to mental and behavioral health. 

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health FAQ

All students have access to their school counselors for a variety of supports including academic and non-academic topics.  Parents/caretakers are always contacted if a student is in a crisis or it is a matter of health and safety.  If a student is referred to a mental health specialist by a school counselor or administrator, parents/caretakers would be notified.