Families and Students
Your students’ mental and emotional health is often directly tied to their academic success. That’s why we want to help your student’s mental and emotional well-being.
Austin ISD Resources
School Counselors provide small group and short-term individual counseling. In addition, they conduct mental health screeners and help students with problems ranging from everyday stress to a mental health crisis. All Austin ISD campuses have at least one counselor position to help our students.
Licensed Mental Health Professionals are available across the district to provide support to students and families facing challenges that interfere with their academic or interpersonal success and other complex needs.
Staff Resources
The Austin ISD Employee Assistance Program helps take care of the emotional needs of all AISD employees and their loved ones. Services are available 24/7, and are 100% free and confidential for all AISD employees.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Resources for Students, Parents and Staff
- Mental Health Activities Students, Parents and Staff - English
- Mental Health Activities for Student, Parents and Staff - Spanish
- https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/MHM/2024/toolkit/Coloring-pages.pdf
- How to Talk About Mental Health
- Mental Health Myths and Facts
- https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/mentalhealth/
- https://christicenter.org/grief-at-home-kits/
Mental Health Awareness Month ToolKits
- SAMHSA - Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Association
- Mental Health America - Mental Health Month Toolkit
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Mental Health Resources and Organizations
Integral Care
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May 31, 2024
- Wear GREEN for Mental Health Awareness
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- Austin ISD recognizes the importance of positive mental health and emphasizes early intervention, communication, education, and supportive relationships. Having open conversations, developing healthy coping strategies and mental health education will help reduce the stigma and increase mental wellness.
While life can sometimes be difficult, the month of May provides an opportunity to address the challenges that our students face when it comes to mental health, including stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues. - In Austin ISD, we dedicate the month of May 2024 to prioritizing our student and staff wellbeing. Students, families, and staff will have opportunities to participate in Mental Wellness activities during the month of May. Join us as we celebrate Wellness.
- Week 1: Let’s Talk about Mental Health
- Week 2: Let’s Care for Yourself
- Week 3: Let’s Connect with Others
- Week 4: Let’s Connect with Nature
- Week 5: Let’s Connect with Resource Support
- Austin ISD recognizes the importance of positive mental health and emphasizes early intervention, communication, education, and supportive relationships. Having open conversations, developing healthy coping strategies and mental health education will help reduce the stigma and increase mental wellness.
Helpful Tips
Everyone’s mental health is different, and there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. But there are simple practices that research shows can help you and your child.
Give Yourself Some Grace. Accept that this is not going to be the most productive time in your life. It is okay if all you do during this time is simply get your family through each day and make sure everyone remains safe and healthy and has their basic needs met.
Aim for Routine and Structure. During these uncertain times, some families find it helpful to maintain a daily routine. Develop a schedule that includes time for schoolwork, breaks, eating, and playtime.
Talk to Your Child. Take time to speak with your children about the COVID-19 pandemic in developmentally appropriate ways. Reassure your child that it is okay to feel upset and let them know they are safe, protected, and supported.
Take Care of Your Body. As hard as it may be, focus on the basics like getting enough sleep, eating fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and getting some exercise each day.
Spend Time Outside. If possible, try to spend some time outside every day. Fresh air, nature, and sunshine can boost your mood, and being outside can give everyone a much-needed change in scenery.