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Wellness

Tommy Adams

"Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit - the realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of well-being."

GREG ANDERSON, WELLNESS aUTHOR & sPEAKER

Head of School Message

At The Grosse Pointe Academy, we are committed to fostering an environment that nurtures not just academic growth, but also the holistic well-being of each child.  As we move beyond the pandemic, we are placing a special emphasis on both physical and mental wellness. 

Physical wellness plays a crucial role in a child's development. Regular physical activity not only contributes to better physical health but also enhances cognitive abilities, concentration, and overall academic performance. Our school will continue to provide opportunities for active play, organized sports, and physical education to ensure that our students are not only learning in the classroom but also thriving outside of it.

Equally important is the promotion of mental wellness. The challenges our children face in today's world can sometimes be overwhelming. It is our responsibility as educators, parents, and caregivers to create a supportive atmosphere that encourages emotional expression and resilience. The Academy is focused on implementing programs to address the emotional well-being of our students, providing them with tools to navigate stress and build positive relationships. 

Parents, I encourage you to partner with us in fostering a culture of open communication. If you notice any changes in your child's behavior or demeanor, please don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team of educators and support staff. Together, we can ensure that our students feel heard, supported, and valued.

GPA Wellness Activities

Mental Wellness

The United States is experiencing a mental health crisis among children and adolescents. While the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified this issue, this situation was a growing challenge well before the health crisis. Studies among mental health professionals show that there has been a sharp rise in anxiety and depression among young people and that eating disorders, teen suicide, and self-harming behaviors are measures of this crisis. Children, in particular those in middle and high school, are suffering and are in need of help to manage feelings of anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness. 

We believe that social-emotional growth is an essential factor in a child’s learning success at The Grosse Pointe Academy. With this in mind, we have created this section of our website dedicated to mental wellness. Our goal is to provide education and resources for our community focused on helping our students cope with the various factors that are contributing to the rise in anxiety and depression. We want to partner with you to keep your children safe, healthy, and happy. It is vital that we work together to be on the lookout for telltale signs of anxiety or depression, as well as to provide guidance and resources in order to help children in need manage and cope when these issues arise.   

We are here to help and provide support when needed. We hope these resources are informative and beneficial to you. 

Stressors

Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being.

Stress affects both the mind and the body. A little bit of stress is good and can help us perform daily activities. Too much stress can cause physical and mental health problems. Learning how to cope with stress can help us feel less overwhelmed and support our mental and physical well-being.

Potential Stressors

  • Loss/sickness of loved ones
  • Behind or struggling with schoolwork/classwork
  • Increased anxiety/stress
  • Isolation/loneliness
  • Change in routine
  • Relocation
  • Unemployment/financial difficulties
  • Negative news

Reactions to stressors may include:

  • Unable to reason
  • Can't think things through
  • Learning, processing, and focusing

Symptoms to watch for may include:

  • Excessive crying or irritation
  • Returning to outgrown behaviors (e.g. toileting accidents or bedwetting)
  • Worry or sadness
  • Anger and aggression
  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
  • Irritability and "acting out" behaviors
  • Poor school performance or avoiding school
  • Difficulty with attention and concentration
  • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
  • Unexplained headaches or body pain
  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
  • Fatigue
  • Noticeable changes in behavior

Coping with depression or anxiety:

  • Be active! Find something you enjoy and stick with it.
  • Be healthy! Your nutrition plays a major role in your overall health. Keep balanced meals and stay hydrated.
  • Sleep matters! Get recharged everyday. Make 8-10 hours a night a priority for maintaining good health.
  • Be safe! Avoid harmful substances and realize that drugs or alcohol are not healthy ways to cope with stress.
  • Social connection improves mental, physical, and emotional well being.
  • A sense of belonging is a human need. Feeling like you belong is an important aspect in seeing your value.

Suicide & Crisis Line

 

1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or text 988

Teen Crisis Text Lines:

Text "Go" to 741741

Text 652729 (OK2SAY)

If you need to talk to someone about how you’re thinking, acting, or feeling call or text above. They are available 24/7 and the call is anonymous. They are trained listeners ready to lend an ear. There is always someone willing to help.

Recommended Reading

Wellness Partners

The Grosse Pointe Academy is proud to be partnering with our local community organizations in fostering wellness for our students.