Scan the QR code above or click here to find more information about each workshop session and register.  All workshops are free and led by area mental health professionals.  These workshop sessions are provided to bring deeper understanding on how to support the mental health of young people.  Please join us for one or as many as you choose.

On September 19, MCS hosted a district wide Family Mental Health Fair at Midtown Elementary School.  This event featured an interactive expo with hands-on activities for students and adults to support mental wellness provided by The Enrichment Center.  Information was available from professionals at community agencies, including the Mental Health Center, Military Child Coalition, The Caring House, Autism Network, National Children's Advocacy Center, Crisis Services, Madison PD, and more.  The student art showcase was a great success! See pictures below. 

Mental Health Matters: Connecting the Dots is brought to you by Madison City Schools and Madison City Councils of PTAs.

• The Enrichment Center - School-Based mental health counseling program. Website with great resources for parents and students.
• National Children’s Advocacy Center - Trauma services and support, parenting classes, and advocacy
• The Caring House - Grief Support services
• Crisis Services of North Alabama and SPEAK of North Alabama Suicide. Prevention. Empowerment. Awareness. Knowledge.
• Wellstone/NOVA Center for Youth and Family - Mental health screenings and treatment resources 
• United Way of North Alabama - DIAL 2-1-1 FROM YOUR PHONE OR SEARCH THE DATABASE ONLINE TO GET HELP WITH NON-EMERGENCY NEEDS.
• NAMI of Huntsville - List of area mental health providers, education and community support
• Partnership for a Drug Free Community 

Consult with your child’s doctor or pediatrician. Describe what concerns you and ask for recommendations. They may provide a referral for a Mental Health Professional. 

Contact key people at your child’s school. Who should you reach out to? The School Counselor is a great resource to start if you aren’t sure.  Teachers can also provide insight such as changes or concerns in your child’s behavior. Ask: Are they noticing similar concerns? 

Crisis help lines are available:

• National Suicide Prevention Line: Call or Text 988 for free 24-hour help
• Crisis Text Line - A free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741   

If you or your child are in immediate danger, please call 911. 

Remember: You are not alone!  Reach out for help. 

Have a safety concern for a student or school? Text to Protect is a confidential way for students to report concerns that may affect our students or schools via text or email. 256-604-2345 or texttoprotect@madisonal.gov

• National PTA Healthy Minds: Prioritizing Mental Health

  • Tips on Helping Kids Cope
    

  • How to Get Help
    

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• Supporting Children’s Mental Health: Tips for Parents and Educators
  
  

• Talking to your teen about mental health
  
  

• National Institute on Mental Health -  Resources for child and adolescent mental health.
  

  • The Teen Brain: 7 things to know
    

  • Children and Mental Health
    
    

• Mentalhealth.gov - What to look for and how to talk about mental health.
  
  

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  
  

• Mental Health America
  
  

• Child Mind Institute Resources for Families
  

  • 44 Children’s Books About Mental Health
    
    

• Military Child Resources for mental health
  
  

• Not One More: Resources on Addiction
  
  

• Suicide Prevention Resources:
  

  • The Jason Foundation - Information on youth suicide
    

  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Feeling anxious? Try a grounding exercise like this one:  

This and other helpful resources can be found at The Enrichment Center's Resource Page for Students.