Keep your Child Safe at Holiday Time

From the PHS Counselors

     The holidays can be a difficult time for some students. For those students who have suffered a significant loss, either recent or in the past, the holiday period can often trigger feelings of sadness, loneliness, and fear.  We ask that you pay special attention to your child as the holidays approach especially if there has been any type of loss such as parental unemployment, death of a loved one, divorce, or a change in peer friendships and/or boyfriend/girlfriend relationships.

      Sometimes just a little added attention and communication within the family is enough to off-set any serious health concerns.  However, sometimes problems can be too large to be solved with just a little tender loving care (TLC).  Below, please find the list of behaviors that might alert you to seek additional assistance, intervention, or counseling. 

Concerning Behaviors

• A change in habits (sleeping, eating, studying, activity level)
• Marked personality change
• Depression
• Start, return to, or increase in drug or alcohol abuse
• Cutting off friendships
• Expressing "I don't care" attitude
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Isolating from loved ones and friends
• Talk about hurting themselves
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance
• Giving away prized possessions or throwing away important belongings
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms (fatigue, headache, stomach upset, etc.)

Helpful Community Resources

• H.E.R.E. - Youth Crisis Services 24 Hour Hotline 1-800-371-4373
• National Help Line 1-800-784-2433
• Butte County Mental Health (Medi-Cal Youth Services)  872-6328
• Butte County Hotline Adults 1-800-334-6622
• Paradise Police Department 872-6241
• Family Resource Center 872-3896
• Call 9-1-1 For Emergency