Mental Health Minute — Time Change Blues

November 16, 2025 Shannon Lukens

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Links to past Mental Health Minutes are below.

Time Change Blues ~

November can be a tough month for a lot of people, students as well. The days are shorter, it is darker earlier, classes are busy, college apps are stressful, sports are wrapping up (or just starting), and the holidays are already creeping up. Add in the time change and colder weather, and it’s no surprise many of us feel a little off this time of year.

If you’re feeling tired, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here are a few simple things that can help:

Get outside whenever you can. A few minutes of sunlight or a walk can boost your mood.
Sleep enough. Your brain and body need rest, especially when life gets hectic.
Eat real food and drink water (coffee isn’t a food group, sorry!).
Breathe and take breaks. Try pausing for a few deep breaths when you feel
Do something that makes you happy. Listen to music, spend time with friends or pets, create art, play sports, or just chill for a bit.

And most importantly, don’t go through it alone. If you’re struggling, reach out to the Counseling Office, a teacher, or someone you trust. We’re here to listen and help you find support. Taking care of your mental health matters.

Counseling Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Steamboat Springs High School and our Community in November~

The Steamboat Springs Counseling Department has two primary opportunities for Counseling SEL: These are important but can be difficult conversations to have with students. At the beginning of each lesson, students are informed that if the topic is triggering in any way, or if they need to step out, they are welcome to do so and either the classroom teacher or another counselor will check in with them immediately.

Friday, November 14: 9th grade only: Biology classes: Mental Health and Wellness

*Mental health and wellness. Topics will include physical and mental health, as well as warning signs of depression and/or suicide.

Friday, November 21: 10th grade only: American History classes: SOS (Signs of Suicide curriculum).

*Warning signs and how to get help for people you are concerned about.

More specific information is sent out to grade levels and parents via an Alma email.

Additionally- Wednesday, November 19^th 5-6 p.m.: REPS in partnership with UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center and Strings Music Festival will be hosting a Talk Saves Lives presentation at Strings Pavillion. A complementary light dinner will be served afterwards. RSVP here:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XOYJ9QuOLUeycG7Um4Mp3T4p0Rxk1tpFoIWrN-EsCopUQkpUN0gyV0VYUUc4TFZaVklMWTZHV0pUTy4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

Thank you in advance for your support of the SSHS Counseling Department.

~SSHS Counseling Team

https://sshs.steamboatschools.net/counseling-clone