Becton joins the national effort in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Becton’s Student Assistance Coordinator, Mrs. Melissa Mitchell, encourages, “Students and faculty can celebrate and observe Mental Health Awareness month by prioritizing wellness and spreading awareness. Checking in with oneself, utilizing healthy coping strategies and reaching out for help are all ways to engage in Mental Health Awareness month.”
Throughout May, Becton hosts a Wellness Week as part of the ongoing, year-round efforts of our administration, Child Study Team, and Guidance Department. All May initiatives have been organized by Mrs. Mitchell and our Speech-Language Pathologist, Ms. Kristine Gaffney.
This month, we can take time to listen to others’ stories and learn from their experiences. Mrs. Mitchell encourages collaboration between health professionals and educators to create a safe, supportive environment where students can build resilience and develop effective coping strategies.
As Mrs. Mitchell explains, “This partnership can help teachers identify students in need, while mental health professionals provide or connect them with appropriate support. In a collaborative effort, students can face challenges with encouragement, assistance, and accommodations as needed, as they learn to apply their skills in all areas of life.”
Through mental health education and empathy, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues in our communities. Mrs. Mitchell expands, “By learning about mental health as part of our overall health and well-being, we are able to have discussions regarding symptoms, treatment, and support. In return, more people will feel empowered to seek support.”
“Mental health is integrated into Becton’s school culture,” Mrs. Mitchell emphasizes, “Students and faculty receive a monthly calendar with a related theme and resources by email throughout the year. Families receive resources for support and many students utilize accommodations and solution focused counseling as needed. We have teams specialized towards building and maintaining a safe and positive school climate which meets to discuss the needs of students.”
Additionally, Becton’s Wellness Club is open to all students and welcomes anyone interested in prioritizing their mental well-being year-round.
Becton’s “Wellness Week” is happening now for Becton staff! See below to particiapte.
- Mental Health Monday 5/19
Wear green to promote Mental Health Awareness Month in support of Becton being stigma free! - Thoughtful Tuesday 5/20
Be present in the moment and practice mindfulness in your most comfortable and relaxing leisure wear. Please follow the school dress code. - Wildcat Wellness Wednesday 5/21
Embrace wellness through mindfulness, positivity and self-care. Wear your Wildcat gear and share how you practice wellness. - Throwback Thursday 5/22
Unplug and reconnect IRL by throwing it back to the 90’s and early 2000’s. Dress in your favorite Y2K inspired outfit. Please follow the school dress code. - Freedom Friday 5/23
Feel free to be yourself and take time to enjoy the holiday weekend of remembrance.
Mrs. Mitchell provides hotlines and resources for anyone experiencing a crisis or in need of support. Please see the information below:
Mobile Crisis through PerformCare
1-877-652-7624
www.careplusnj.org Mobile Crisis Response, a 24/7 service where a specially trained behavioral health professional can come to someone’s home within an hour of calling to diffuse a crisis and connect families and youth to needed services. The services are designed to defuse an immediate crisis, keep children and their families safe, and maintain the children in their own homes or current living situation (such as a foster home, treatment home or group home) in the community.
Suicide & Crisi Lifeline
Dial 988
https://988lifeline.org/ Free, confidential and available 24/7.
2nd Floor Youth Hotline
888-222-2228
https://www.2ndfloor.org/ Call or text (Text available 24/7).
NJ Hopeline
1-855-654-6735
Counseling and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text & chat
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-
