Health Education for Parents

GRAYSLAKE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

Carolyn Gaffke

cgaffke@d127.org


What is Health?

Health is a one-semestser course that all sophomores must take in order to graduate. The course focuses on many topics that pertain and health and wellness. We assess all students at the beginning of the semester to ensure the material we cover is relevant to our students needs.

Syllabus is shown on the cjnceptual photo using the text

After looking at the Syllabus, please fill out this SURVEY!


What is Depression?

Depression is a common a mental disorder than has one feeling sad or hopeless without really knowing why. Episodic depression occurs following a sad event but eventually lift. Clinical depression is when one has feelings of sadness or hopelessness for longer than two weeks.

Handdrawn Cartoon Anxious Female
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Adolescents with untreated depression are at a higher risk of substance abuse, lower grades, conflict with family and friends, and could lead to suicide and self-harm (Ding & Yao, 2020)

What are the signs of Depression?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) adolescents may exhibit:



-Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

-Irritability

-Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed

_Changes in eating habits

-Changes in sleep habits

-Difficulty maintaining attention

-Excessive guilt or feelings of being worthless

-Signs of self-harm or thoughts of suicide

Anxiety disorder, depression, mixed emotions. Thinking woman

What we are doing at GNHS...

Tips for Parents

Remove the Stigma!

  • There is a negative connotation associated with mental health disorders. If you are accepting of mental health disorders then your child may be more open with reaching out for help.

Check grades in PowerSchool

  • Check the gradebook to monitor grades. Seeing a drastic change in work completion or a dramatic shift in grades could indicate a need for concern.

Talk with your student!

  • Checking in with your student is a great way to gauge how they are doing. Regular conversations will keep an open flow of dialogue and our health topics are a great way to begin conversations.

Meet with a mental health professional!

  • If you have any concerns, make an appointment for an assessment.

Local Resources

Team made up of administrators, deans, counselors, social workers, and school psychologists.

Community-based counseling center offering a variety of services.

Organization offering counseling and seminars to youth and parents covering a variety of topics.

References