A new study found Americans see poor mental health as one of the biggest threats to public health, just behind obesity and the opioid epidemic — more of a societal threat than cancer, COVID 19, or access to firearms. We’ve also seen that rise in mental health challenges in school age students over the last few years. As we’ve seen youth of all ages dealing with those challenges, and the cold months drag on, Canyon School District has worked to ensure we have people in place to help.

On the latest episode of Connect Canyons, we hear from two of those people working to help guide our students – Kelly Redican, Prevention Specialist for the District, and Sasha Freed, Canyons Education Therapist and School Social Worker.

“Just knowing and understanding it’s OK to be vulnerable and to express how you feel and that you’re struggling at times too,” says Redican. “I think coming out of the holidays and with winter, especially here when we get that inversion, it’s hard not just for teenagers with all the things they’re dealing with, but adults can really struggle too.”

Episode Chapters

00:56 Meet the Experts: Kelly Redican and Sasha Freed
Our guests share a bit about themselves and the experience they bring to helping Canyons students.

03:28 Support Systems in Schools: Resources and Programs
Canyons has a number of resources in place for not only students but for parents alike. We learn about the experts in place at each school across the District. 

06:06 Recognizing Mental Health Signs in Students
Feed tells us about some of the signs parents can look for if their child might be struggling, and how they differ from day-to-day feelings. 

11:25 Parental Guidance: How to Talk to Your Kids About Mental Health
Once parents have identified changes in their children, our experts explain how parents can start a dialogue with their child in ways that will make them feel understood. We also learn the next steps parents can take in reaching out to District staff who can help.