Responding to stress, in a healthy way, is essential for overcoming challenges and hardships of everyday life. In the Meridian School District, we believe in cultivating our overall well-being and belonging through a healthy approach and response. This includes our physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Research shows that wellness is a process of change and growth. The following can help us reach our goal of a healthy and fulfilling life:
- Close social networks of friends and family (connectedness)
- Healthy self-esteem (mindfulness)
- Regular exercise
- Flexibility to adapt to changes
- Feelings of belonging to school, work, and neighborhood
- Optimistic outlook towards the future
General Resources
- On Our Sleeves, The Movement for Children’s Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Healing Conversations: Our trained volunteers at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have experienced suicide loss themselves, and are available to visit with you by phone, through video chat, or in person to help guide you through the aftermath of a suicide.
- Suicide Support Groups: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention maintains an online directory of support groups so you can easily find groups in your community
Suicide Prevention
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
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Suicide & Crisis LifelineDial 988 (press 1 for Veterans, press 2 for Spanish, press 3 for LGBTQ+, press 4 for Native & Strong Lifeline)Text 988 (English only) or chat 988lifeline.org
- TeenLink Confidential Help Line, 866-833-6546 or www.teenlink.org
- North South Regional Crisis Line: 1-800-584-3578
Resources for Talking to Children About Tragic Events
- School Safety and Crisis, National Association of School Psychologists
- Talking to Children About Violence, National Association of School Psychologists
- Talking to Children About What’s Going On in the World
- Talking to Kids About Attacks and Tragic Events
- Caring for Kids After a School Shooting
Local Resources
Whatcom County Resources – English, Spanish, Punjabi, Russian, Ukrainian
Meridian Family Support Center – Supporting our families through food/groceries, clothing, school supplies, hygiene supplies, and referrals. 360-318-2486
BeMe: A Digital Solution Focused on Enhancing Mental Health and Well-Being for Teens – BeMe is a teen-centric mobile app that supports the mental health of all teens. Created by scientists and youth technology experts, it’s designed for teens 13-19 to help cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. BeMe is also intended to help with school, family, and friends.
Brigid Collins Family Support Center – provides an array of both individual and group programs, as well as one-time trainings. All members of the Brigid Collins Family Support Team are focused on meeting the unique needs of each family and culture in Northwest Washington. For any questions regarding the health and well-being of children and families, call (360) 734-4616.
COMPASS Health MCOT (mobile crisis outreach teams) – serving Whatcom County. Our services are for people who are at risk of experiencing or are currently experiencing, a crisis due to a behavioral health or substance abuse issue in Whatcom County. To contact the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team in Whatcom County, call the Volunteers of America 23/7 Care Crisis Line: 800-584-3578.
DVSAS – Services are free and confidential and available to anyone impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault/exploitation, or dating violence. Immediate help, ongoing support, education/training are provided.
360-715-1563 | www.dvsas.org
TeenTalks (DVSAS) – Peer based support by teens, for teens. TeenTalks is for any teen in Whatcom County who has questions or concerns about relationships, boundaries, consent, or support. For middle and high school students.
Text line: 360-603-9684
UnityCareNW.org | 360-676-6177
Washington State Teen Line – Teen Line provides support, resources, and hope to young people through a hotline of professionally trained teen counselors, and outreach programs that de-stigmatize and normalize mental health.
1-800-562-1240 | www.TheTeenLine.org
Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center – offers conflict prevention and intervention services for individuals and families. Also provides mediation, facilitation, and coaching services. Free and low-cost workshops for 4th-12th grades (staying calm, empathizing, active listening, assertive speaking, collaborative problem solving).
360-676-0122 | www.whatcomdrc.org/
Contact
Laura Lupo
Mental Health Coordinator
360-318-2470
Monthly Mental Health Newsletters
School Counselors
Irene Reither Elementary
Catherine Mullett
360-318-2489
Sabrina Kalil
360-318-2476
Meridian Middle School
Kathy Greshock
Brett Muskavage
360-318-2376
Meridian High School
Don McMains
360-318-2261
Cheryl McBride
360-318-2276