Everyone Reacts Differently to Stressful Situations

How you respond to stress can depend on your background, your social support from family or friends, your financial situation, your health and emotional background, the community you live in, and many other factors.

Life is full of unpredictable changes. Some can be exciting and motivating, while others can lead to increased stress, poor health and anxious feelings. Stress is an automatic physical, mental and emotional response to challenging events. It’s a normal part of everyone’s life, including the lives of children.

Suicide Prevention

Are you concerned someone else might be at risk of suicide? This person is fortunate you’re paying attention. Here are five easy steps you can take to help:

  1. Look for warning signs. Some common warning signs of suicide risk are listed on page 12.
  2. Show you care. This looks different depending on who you are and your relationship, but let the person know you have noticed something has changed and it matters to you. If appropriate, let them tell you how they’re feeling and why.
  3. Ask the question. Make sure you both understand whether this problem is about suicide. “Are you thinking about suicide?”
  4. Restrict access to lethal means. Help the person remove dangerous objects and substances from the places they live and spend time.
  5. Get help. This person may know who they want to talk to (a therapist, their guardian, their partner). You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-273-8255.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Castle Rock School District’s Support Services

Castle Rock Schools offers counseling services for students free of charge. Listed below are the District’s counselors.

Julie Johnson, School Psychologist
jjohnson@crschools.org

Garrett DeGraaff, High School Counselor
gdegraaff@crschools.org

Tricia Duus, Middle School Counselor
tduus@crschools.org
Visit Mrs. Duus’ Webpage

Brian Hoffman, Elementary School Counselor
bhuffman@crschools.org

Leilani Grasser, District Social Worker
lgrasser@crschools.org