ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • December 13 2023

🎄 Healthy Habits for Your Holiday Break

In this month’s Wellness Wednesday newsletter, we share tips to stay healthy this holiday season, suggest ways to make it through the cold and flu season, and report trends in Gen Z mental health.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • November 15 2023

💬 Decoding the Psychology of Social Media

In this month’s Wellness Wednesday newsletter, we decode the psychology of social media; explain social media as a connection tool; and report trends in Gen Z mental health. We've also included an article from The New York Times digging into the science of social media addiction.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • October 18 2023

📝 Takeaways for Effective Substance Use Policies

Substance use—now the appropriate term for what was once called substance abuse—is often correlated with underlying issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and social isolation. Early intervention at home and at school can circumvent potential problems before they escalate.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • September 6 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

Studies show that children as young as 6 years of age may associate negative stereotypes with excess weight and believe a heavy child is simply less likable.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • August 28 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

In 2022, the world gradually reopened after the COVID-19 lockdown. Schools reversed many of their restrictions. But the pandemic—and its accompanying trauma—was not over. Student mental health challenges were all over the map, and the collective response was a knee-jerk reaction to stem the spread.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • June 14 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

Substance abuse in the adolescent population has soared over the last several years. Media reports of this upward trajectory suggest a hopeless battle. But targeted prevention efforts are showing significant success, and it all starts at school.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • May 17 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

For adolescents—especially in our post-pandemic world—having access to healthy coping skills is critical. And while sometimes school itself is an anxiety trigger, it can also be the place where students develop and practice positive coping mechanisms.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • March 22 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

Schools play a critical role in children's lives, and as children grow to pre-teens and teens, teachers and administrators worry about new risks they will face. One such risk is the use of substances such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • February 23 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

From the early days of kindergarten to senior year of high school, the unofficial job description of a teacher often extends to nurse, parent, confidant, and mentor. A child who is comfortable approaching their teacher with a problem or concern, will receive the help they need—help that can range from simple counseling to intervention. Does that same rule apply when mental illness is the issue at hand?

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • February 8 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

Increasing levels of drug use are a problem among American youth. Today’s teenagers are likely to encounter and exploit a wide variety of dangerous substances, including prescription medications, marijuana, alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, mushrooms, ecstasy, and other commonly used street drugs.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • January 25 2023

Wellness Wednesdays

The sniffling and sneezing we experience during these dark winter months often result in empty classroom seats and delayed academic progress. Many schools are now reporting an uptick in influenza cases and lingering colds.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • December 9 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

Forward-thinking school leaders understand positive change is only possible when faculty and staff members feel they’re valued and are working toward a common mission. A great place to start is by establishing a school wellness program.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • November 29 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

We all know the telltale signs of the winter holiday season: the leaves change, daylight hours are short and the sun sets hours earlier, and holiday music returns for another year of cheer. But with all the festivities comes stress, seasonal depression, and unhealthy activities. As you enter this year’s holiday season, use these tips to create a healthier environment for your school community.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • November 14 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

Currently, there is a great amount of focus on ways to deal with student mental health. Resources for students are becoming more widely available. But what about educators—the people who are often the first line of defense against student mental health crises?

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • October 19 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

Not all schools have a licensed child psychologist or social worker on campus ready to help students in a crisis, guide them through a difficult period, or simply listen. But good mental health often plays a key role in positive student outcomes. Here are some techniques you can use, even without the support of an on-site professional.

ISM • September 26 2022

[Exclusive Community] Mental health concerns among students are on the rise. Are you prepared?

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24 in the U.S. In fact, about 11% of young adults (ages 18 to 25) report that they’ve had serious thoughts about suicide, and 1–2% reported a suicide attempt during the prior year.*

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • September 21 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

Even before the pandemic, ISM’s research revealed that 70% of teens said anxiety and depression are major problems. While some dismiss this judgment by reasoning that “we’re just talking about it more,” the dramatic increase in teen suicides underscores the validity of this conclusion and the real consequences we must face.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • September 7 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

Researchers have observed increases in substance abuse and drug overdoses in the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for people struggling with substance abuse and those in recovery.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • August 24 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

Maintaining your health and wellness should be a priority throughout the remainder of 2022. Luckily, there are thousands of apps available to support you in reaching your goals. We’ve sifted through some highly rated health and wellness apps for 2022 so far. Here are our favorites.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • August 10 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

On average, people use their phones for almost five hours each day. Since the start of the pandemic, mobile phone use has increased exponentially. We’ve grown accustomed to retreating into our phones, but this certainly isn't a healthy habit. Here’s why.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • July 27 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

The pandemic cast a spotlight on the growing challenge of mental health issues among young people. One study of teens aged 13–18 showed that, from 2019 to 2020, anxiety increased 93.6%, depression 83.9%, substance abuse disorders 62.7%, and self-harm incidents a shocking 333.93%.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • June 24 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

Understandably, school staff members have become valued sources of information regarding COVID-19. But aside from serving as informational touchstones, they have also been a support to families seeking advice or guidance for issues both in and out of school.

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • June 8 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

The last few weeks of school were jam-packed with testing, ceremonies, celebrations, trips … and it likely was exhausting. For just a moment, think about the first days of summer. After your in-service days are complete, you won’t have to set an alarm for the morning. What will you do with all your time?

ISM - Wellness Wednesdays • June 2 2022

Wellness Wednesdays

The school year is almost over; everyone is looking forward to summer! In the coming weeks, routines will change, sometimes leading to unhealthy habits.

Before your students get away from you, take the time to remind them of the healthy habits they've established this year. Encourage them to keep up their good work as they head into the summer and beyond.