Mental health is a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being that affects how they think, feel, and act. It's important at every stage of life and helps people cope with stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Every one of us has mental health, which is similar to physical health in that it needs to be cared for. 

Students with good mental health are more productive, motivated, and engaged in learning. They may also have higher self-esteem, be able to cope with stress, and form positive relationships. 

Shelby County Schools are aware of the importance of mental health.  Our goal is to ensure that all our students have the resources needed to achieve mental wellness in school and be prepared for success beyond high school graduation.

• How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health

• Mental Health America

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Groups and Education

• Resources for Parents & Caregivers, from The Kids Mental Health Foundation

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

A mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress which in turn affects one’s ability to function. A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships. (source: Mayo Clinic).

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical problem, just like heart disease or diabetes. There is help available for those suffering from mental illness. Many people recover from mental health problems with early intervention and consistent treatment to minimize symptoms. 

Mental illness can also begin to develop in children. Studies have shown that approximately one in five youth between the ages of 13-18 will experience a mental health problem in any given year (MentalHealth.org). 

Because youth are still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. Symptoms of a mental health condition in children may include the following:

• Changes in school performance

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little

• Excessive worry or anxiety, leading to school refusal

• Hyperactive behavior or having low or no energy

• Frequent nightmares or intrusive thoughts

• Frequent disobedience or aggression

• Pulling away from friends and usual activities

• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

• Harms self or others

• Feeling hopeless or experiencing thoughts of suicide

Shelby County Schools places a priority on providing our students and families with local resources to support our students’ mental wellness on their journey towards earning a high school diploma and continued success beyond graduation.

• The SCS Student Services department includes a Mental Health Programs Facilitator who assesses, develops, and monitors initiatives to support student mental health. 

• SCS has a District Social Worker who provides resources and services to empower and ensure that the needs of students and their families are met.

• School Counselors provide classroom lessons on foundational wellness, character education, peer relationships, and healthy coping skills.  With parent permission, school counselors can also provide small group support and referrals to other services when needed.

• With parent permission, the Shelby Cares program is able to provide therapy services to students on school grounds during the school day. For information about referring a student to school-based mental health services, contact your school counselor. 

• In accordance with the Jason Flatt Act, SCS requires Suicide Prevention Training for all SCS employees.  Suicide Prevention information is presented to students at an age appropriate level.  

• SCS offers free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to employees and parents. 

• Partnership with police municipalities  provides School Resource Officers (SROs) in Shelby County City Schools to build positive relationships and a safe school environment. 

• Anonymous Alerts is a confidential way for students and parents to report any concerns that may affect our students or schools via text or email. 
  

Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)--Located in the Emergency Depart. of Children's of Alabama
https://www.childrensal.org/pirc
(205) 638-PIRC (7472)
Navigating the mental health care system is challenging for caregivers and families. The Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC), located in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, is a free, confidential phone response center designed to help individuals and community providers in finding the appropriate level of mental health care. These services are provided via telephone by licensed mental health clinicians trained to assess a child or teen’s mental, emotional, and behavioral needs and recommend the best treatment options.

Birmingham Crisis Center
https://www.crisiscenterbham.org/
(205) 323-7777
Crisis telephone counseling tailored to specific age groups (Kids, Teens, Adults, and Seniors).  Face to face counseling for rape survivors. 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in emotional distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.