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Emotional / Mental

Having an awareness of your emotions and the skills to navigate your emotional experiences with resiliency.

o    Am I able to understand and manage my emotions?

o    Do I understand where my emotions are coming from and what may have triggered them in the first place or do I tend to deny, suppress or allow them to control me?

o    Do I feel and show empathy for myself and others?

o    Am I able to recognize negative thought patterns and reframe them or do I tend to dissociate?

If you're experiencing feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, disordered eating or sleeping, or persistent anxiety and depression, you don't have to face it alone.

Join PAS to Learn More About the District's Employee Assistance Program

PAS will again be hosting free virtual events in April and May for any employee or covered dependent who would like to learn more about what the PAS EAP benefit has to offer. 
Dates & Times:
Monday April 28, 2025 - 04:30PM Central Time (30-minutes) - Click Here to Register
Tuesday April 29, 2025 - 8:30AM Central Time (30-minutes) - Click Here to Register
Tuesday May 20, 2025 - 10:00AM Central Time (30-minutes) - Click Here to Register
Wednesday May 21, 2025 - 6:00PM Central Time (30-minutes) - Click Here to Register

April Is Stress Awareness Month AND National Humor Month!

Did you know that one in four people in the U.S. describe themselves as “super stressed”? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Stress is a normal part of life, but with the right strategies, you can take control of your well-being.

Here are some ways to manage stress effectively:
  • Prioritize Your Time – Set one to three realistic daily goals to stay on track and reduce overwhelm.
  • Take Care of Your Health – Regular movement, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep are key to managing stress.
  • Make Time to Unwind – Set boundaries between work and personal life and engage in activities that bring you joy.
  • Seek Support When Needed – Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Use available resources, and if you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Throughout April, keep an eye out for more tips and resources to help you manage stress. Want to learn more? The April Well Balanced newsletter explores stress relief and the surprising benefits of laughter—be sure to check it out!
April-2025-Self-Care-Calendar

 

Picture of 5 step action plan for suicide prevention

This month 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is raising awareness and bringing attention to suicide prevention, as they believe deaths from suicide can be reduced when the appropriate actions are taken. The #BeThe1To five-step action plan is an important tool that can help communicate with someone who may be suicidal. The five-step action plan includes the following steps:

Ask: If you think someone might be considering suicide, take the first step and #BeThe1To ask. Ask directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Be There: Listen to their reasons for feeling hopeless and in pain. Listen without judgment and with compassion and empathy. 
Keep Them Safe:  Separate them from anything they are thinking of using to hurt themselves
Help Them Connect: Help them build a support system, including the @988Lifeline, family, friends, clergy, coaches, co-workers or therapists.
Follow Up: Make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. This can make all the difference.

TeachWell Sign Up Button

Wellness Exercises
For Educators

The Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) Office of Disaster Services recently launched TeachWell, a micro-learning wellness program designed to help educators take care of their mental health and wellbeing. By providing short, two-week courses on topics such as burnout prevention, self-care, anxiety management, and team care, TeachWell helps educators create a more positive learning environment for their students.

For more information, visit the DMH website HERE. 

Employee Resources

Blue KC member resources