September was Mental Health Awareness month, so I interviewed Mrs. Cruickshank, our school Social Worker. Although as this article is published, September has come and gone, mental health awareness is just as important. The interview is below:

Ren Babcock: Hello Mrs. Cruickshank, could you please describe your job for those who are unfamiliar with it?

Mrs. Cruickshank: I am the School Social Worker. My role in the school is to support students with social-emotional needs and promote mental health and wellness. I provide individual and group support, crisis intervention, care management, and I utilize school and community resources. I work on a team which includes school staff, students, families or caregivers and community members.

R: What are the biggest mental health challenges that affect teenagers?

C: I believe that some of the biggest mental health challenges teenagers are facing include anxiety and depression. There are many different causes and environmental factors contributing to this mental health crisis. My concern as a mental health professional is that those who have anxiety and/or depression struggle with identifying and accessing healthy coping strategies to manage their difficulties. We often see that individuals will use many different methods of distraction, including social media, cell phones, etc., but are unable to identify their own emotions, how those emotions impact their behavior, and struggle to find effective and healthy ways to process those feelings. 

R: How can teenagers overcome these challenges?

C: Emotional awareness – identifying the emotion (“name it to drain it”); recognizing where in the body you feel that emotion, and how it may impact your wellness and behavior. Creating a “toolbox” of coping strategies to manage difficult emotions and ground yourself in the present. Some strategies include:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Grounding methods/tapping
  • Having a regular sleep schedule
  • Connecting with others
  • Healthy eating habits

When we are better able to recognize the emotions that we are dealing with, we are also better able to find the most appropriate support to help us manage them. Talking with a professional can be an incredibly helpful way to help sort through some of the difficult things we carry around with us and learn new skills to work through and manage our emotions. 

R: What are some easy things that teens can do to celebrate mental health awareness month or participate in self care?

C: Self-care is extremely important to our mental health and well-being. If you’re feeling down or stressed, your body may be letting you know that it needs a little self-care. Some self-care tips include:

  • being kind to yourself – talking to yourself the way you would your best friend
  • taking time for activities that you enjoy
  • spend quality time with supportive friends or family members
  • move your body
  • spend time outdoors
  • unplug from cell phones and social media
  • quality nutrition and good sleep

R: What are some resources at this school or in the town of Pine Plains that teens can use to cope with mental health struggles?

C: Students have the opportunity to meet with me, either as needed or can set up a more consistent schedule. There is also Astor school-based counseling with Emily Sullivan – a convenient way to receive outpatient counseling in school. www.Psychologytoday.com is a great resource to find therapeutic support based on your specific needs and preferences (including specific types of therapy, focus of therapy, providers, location, and options for treatment). And there are also 24/7 resources including:

  • Dutchess County Mental Health Services and Mobile Crisis – (845) 485-9700
  • Walk-in: Stabilization Center – (845) 486-2849
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 / 988

R: That was great, thank you so much for meeting with me!