Student Life
Health and Wellness
Behavioral/Mental Health Resources
Behavioral and mental health concerns for youth has seen a dramatic increase over the last several years in our nation, often involving issues of severe anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Along with the greater Kansas City community, Rockhurst High School finds itself in the midsts of this larger national conversation. Research strongly supports the importance of creating strong, active communities of support and resources that reinforce the connection that individuals have towards one another and, furthermore, encourage individuals to seek assistance when in need. At Rockhurst High School, we believe that the Grace of the Holy Spirit shines upon everyone and strengthens the brotherhood that our programming aims to foster.
Individuals having thoughts of suicide, or those who know others who are, can take preventative steps to avoid self-harm by seeking supportive resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]).
Joining with others, it is our stance that there should be no stigma behind mental health issues, the discussion of such issues, or in the seeking out of assistance for any needs.
Below are a list of resources and information. Content is updated periodically:
Behavioral/Mental Health
- "Facing Anxiety"
- Anxiety is a normal and often healthy part of our humanity. Natalie Haultain, Psy.D, of Children's Mercy-KC presents information about how anxiety becomes harmful, particularly for adolescents, and how parents might respond.
- LiveScience offers a quick article about the science behind five major characteristics of adolescent brain development and ensuing behavioral trends.
- Child Mind Institute
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Children and Teens
- Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Missouri Department of Mental Health
- Children’s Mercy Department of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences
- Suicide Prevention: Practical Strategies for Intervention slideshow
- Recommended article on speaking to youth about suicide:
- Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents & Educators
- Suicide prevention organizations both nationally and regionally advocate the “means restriction” approach to prevention:
- "Means Restriction"
- Dr. Shayla Sullivant of Children's Mercy-KC offers a poignant message about the critical importance of limiting access to methods used in suicide. Her words are a powerful read for all parents.
- National Association of School Psychologists newsletter for educators and adults about the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.”
- Jason Foundation Parent Resource Program
- The Resiliency Framework and the Resiliency Wheel Model of Crisis Intervention:
Substance Use
- An article by the New York Times, Marijuana and Vaping are More Popular Than Cigarettes Among Teenagers, reports on findings from a national survey of adolescent drug usage sponsored by the National Institute of Health and conducted by the University of Michigan. Though the study indicated several promising trends, reported attitudes and behaviors regarding vaping among adolescents are causing concern.
- The following studies and article were cited by the Stutman Switalski Group in the November 2017 presentations to students and parents about substance abuse:
- Swift Yasgur, Bayta. (2017). 'Striking' Impact of Adolescent Drinking on the Brain. Medscape.
- Fields, R. Douglas. (2017). Link Between Adolescent Pot Smoking and Psychosis Strengthens. Scientific American.
- Wertheim, L. Jon. (2015). Smack Epidemic. Sports Illustrated.
- FCD Information from 2015 Principal’s Newsletter about drugs and alcohol.
- https://www.rockhursths.edu/file/guidance-counseling/2015-16/Rockhurst-H--W-October-Principals-Newsletter.pdf
- https://www.rockhursths.edu/file/guidance-counseling/2015-16/Principals-Newsletter-November-15-H--W.pdf
- FCD Database Key Findings 2009-2015: https://www.rockhursths.edu/file/guidance-counseling/2015-16/FCD-Database-Key-Findings-2009---2015.pdf
Technology
- "Screentime in Adolescents"
- Dr. Libby Milkovich and Dr. Elizabeth Hastings of Children's Mercy-KC examine the many positive and negative aspects of adolescents with screen time and also refer to some tools for parents to consider.
- Tips for Helping Teens Manage Technology
- The Institute of Digital Media and Child Development provides a summary of research from an interdisciplinary summit for the topic of children and screens, along with a link to a supplementary article released by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Key takeaways and helpful tips are provided for parents and educators regarding the impact of screen time on adolescent sleep and behavioral health. Though students today unavoidably live in a digital world, adults can help students learn to manage their devices in appropriate and healthy ways.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics released summary article of a 2017 study in its magazine Pediatrics entitled Digital Media, Anxiety, and Depression in Children. Key topics include digital media, emotional-regulation skills, and the impact of altered social interaction.
