Student Wellness and Prevention

VHCS recognizes that student mental health is an important part of school success, safety, and overall well-being. Students learn best when they feel connected, supported, and able to manage challenges in healthy ways.

Mental health includes a student’s emotional, social, and behavioral well-being. It affects how students handle stress, relate to others, make decisions, and engage in school. Just like physical health, mental health can change over time, and students may need support during different seasons of life.

Families are important partners in supporting student mental health. If you notice changes in your child’s mood, behavior, friendships, attendance, grades, sleep, or overall well-being, we encourage you to reach out early. You do not need to wait until a concern becomes a crisis before asking for help.

Consider contacting your child’s school counselor or administrator if your child is experiencing:

• Increased anxiety, sadness, anger, or withdrawal
• Major changes in sleep, appetite, grades, attendance, or friendships
• School avoidance or frequent physical complaints before school
• Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy
• Ongoing peer conflict or social stress
• Difficulty managing emotions, stress, or daily routines
• Family changes, grief, trauma, or other major life events
• Talk of hopelessness, self-harm, or not wanting to be here

If something feels concerning, please reach out. School staff can help determine the next step and connect your family with support.

If your child or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

If your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, talking about suicide, or you are worried they may hurt themselves, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

During school hours, contact your child’s school counselor or administrator for support, or submit a report to the Safe School Helpline.

Starting a conversation about mental health can feel difficult. Try calm, supportive language such as:

• “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Do you want to talk about what’s been going on?”
• “What feels hardest right now?”
• “Who do you feel comfortable talking to when things are stressful?”
• “What helps you feel calm when you are overwhelmed?”
• “Would it help if we talked with your school counselor together?”

The goal is not to have the perfect words. The goal is to let your child know they are not alone and that support is available.
 

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health or are unsure where to start, please contact your child’s school counselor or school administrator.

You may also call VHCS Student Support Services at 205-402-5100 and ask to be connected with the appropriate support.