Renton Technical College: Behavioral Health Team

RTC Behavioral Health Team has some major changes coming in 2022.

*Makinie has made the very difficult decision to resign effective 12/31/2021

*Sarah will be the primary contact for future counseling referrals. Please checknout our webpage rtc.edu/behavioral-health for more info

*Social Media Posts, Therapist's Mailer and Take a Break with Counselors is postponed through Winter Quarter 2022

Please continue to reach out to the Behavioral Health Team for counseling and referrals because services are still ongoing.

Thank you for your support!

Happy International Women's Day!

As the Behavioral Health Team is comprised of two Women, its an especially happy day for us.

Support women
Believe women
Uplift women's voices

The Behavioral Health Team would like to wish everyone a happy Black History Month.

This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the accomplishments and contributions from Black people to society, and also honor the tragic stories of victims of genocide and enslavement.

Take a moment each day to learn a new fact, and remember that Black History happens every day.

We'd also like to invite the RTC community to join us at Take a Break with Counselors this Thurday at 1.

We'll also be offering a special evening session (same day) at 5PM

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Take a Break with Counselors every
Thursdays at 1 rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Changes are coming to the Behavioral Health Team! We shifted our time for Mid-Day Break to Thursdays at 1 and for the next few quarters, will host this time as an open forum for weekly check-ins about ANYTHING going on in te world or with you.

This is open to all RTC students, faculty and staff. We all have a lot on our minds and need a space to express ourselves.

Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Winter Quarter has already started, and we wanted to offer the opportunity to check in. Are classes going well? Do you need to connect with the Library or LRCC?

And in addition to that, there is a lot of unsettling events occurring? Are you needing space to check in and express thoughts and feelings about it?

Need help talking to someone? Let's chat and we'll help you get in contact with the people you need to!

Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Yesterday's events affected us all,, and we also acknowledge it was especially painful for BIPOC to witness a difference in treatment of rioters yesterday vs summer protests.

If you are struggling to concentrate or have concern, know that you are not alone and remember that the Behavioral Health Team is here to support you with free and confidential counseling or even just a one time check in to help with coping skills. 

If you would like to discuss racial trauma, allyship, or general feelings of anxiety please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or https://www.rtc.edu/behavioral-health



Original:

Even tberapists need a vacation! It's been a Rollercoaster year, but we are so glad to be part of the RTC family and that you've joined us for the ride.

Sarah and Makinie will both be taking some much needed time to rest and prepare for Winter Quarter, and resume Mid-Day Break with Counselors on Wednesdah January 6th 2021.

**We will still be available to accept referrals and respond to calls. We just won't be posting on IG, doing presentations or hosting mid-day break until the new year!**

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Shorter days, very little sun, (and still in shelter in place due to a pandemic) can result in a mood and energy shift that feels like depression and its called Seasonal Affectivd Disorder or SAD.

Symptpms include, but are not limited to:
Tired often
Low mood
Negative thoughts
Concentration issues
Mood swings
Sleep disturbance
Appetite change

Let's meet next Wednesday to chat about strategies and coping skills to reduce symptoms.
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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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This holiday season can be especially difficult for many. There's an increase in covid-19 cases, more imposed restrictions on travel and social gatherings, and many of us find ourselves more isolated than ever.

Substance use may feel like an opportunity to escape loneliness or sadness during these times.

Thats why its important to us to discuss how drugs and alcohol can negatively impact the mind, body and even relationships.

The Behavioral Health Team will use Mid-Week Break to provide a presentation on:
What is addiction?
Symptoms
Risks
How to help friends and family struggling
Resources
Destigmatizing addiction
Prevention

Please join us!

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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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The holidays are approaching. This week we spent time talking about Distance Holiday gatherings.

We came to the conclusion that in order to have multiple holidays together, its safer to not put our loved one's lives at risk for this holiday season.

Distance holiday tips:

-Phone or zoom call during the celebration or meal
-plan a menu together
-plan an activity for zoom (cooking or dance competition)

That said, if you do decide to host family gatherings please use the following percautions:

-separate seating for separate households
-masks on when not eating
-windows open

Mid-Week Break will be canceled next week.

Have happy and safe holiday!

"Relief" "Exhaustion" "Happy" "Frustrated". All of these feelings are valid.

This is an opportunity to reflect and talk about all of these feelings that you may be experiencing.
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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby
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For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Behavioral Health team won't be available for Mid-Week break next week, but we wanted to take a moment to thank our Veterans not just nationally but our RTC Veteran students as well, for your service, sacrifice and bravery.

On Wednesday one of the things we'll discuss at mid-day break is planning for your physical and emotional well-being. Here are some promots for that discussion that includes things to consider when safety planning.

Repost from

This week we heard a lot of thoughts regarding feelings regarding the upcoming election, and decided to provide that space to decompress. We may not know the results for a while, but we can process our feelings around this moment together.

Know that what you might be feeling is something many are, and that you aren't
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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby
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For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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A major debate is on tonight, but look within for a moment: How do you handle disagreements? What happens when voices raise and your heart is racing?

Lets talk about maintaining a sense of calm when we are in the middle of a disagrement, and even when and how to walk away.

For those who attended "How to have Difficult Conversations" training, join us to practice VAR skills!

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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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This has been a difficult year for many of us, to say the least. One of the most difficult parts about it is thinking of ways to respond with compassion and provide the right support.

Join us at 1PM on Wednesday Ocrobee 21s!

The Behavioral Health Team will provide a 10 minute presentation where we'll offer quick tips on how to be supportive, and refer students to the right resources if need-be.

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For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Have you done a self-check in about who you can turn to when you feel:
Frustrated
Lonely
Eager to share good news
Like wanting to do an activity or hobby
Happy
Sad

Its good to know who to turn to, and if you're at RTC reading this wondering "I am not sure yet," hope on over to Mid-Day Break and let's brainstorm how to build a support system!
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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Today the Behavioral Health Team observes Indigenous People's Day and acknowledges that Renton Technical College is built on Duwamish land.

You've heard of Anxiety, Depression and PTSD, but are you familiar with Racial Battle Fatigue?

Let's talk about it, how it impacts the Black and BIPOC communities, and how to manage signs and symptpms next Wednesday at 11.
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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby
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For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health

We're just beginning week 3 of Fall Quarter. How's it going for you? Its a lot different than in person and there may be a small part of you ready to judge yourself if its a little more difficult than it was in person. You may even be tempted to compare yourself to others who appear to be 'doing better' than you are.

The first thing you should know is that when major changes occur, MOST people feel insecure while adjusting-- its perfectly natural.

The second thing you should know is that you don't need to compare your progress to anyone else's. If you feel stuck accessing Canvas or completing assignments, its healthy to seek tutoring and let your instructor know, so that you can get the tools and tips you need to succeed.

Art:

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

We're starting this month's Mid-Week break discussing patterns and signs of abuse, to help you become a better support for friends and family, and to know the resources to contact if needed.

This October, join us as we acknowledge survivors and stand up against domestic violence.
off.

National DV hotline: 800.799.SAFE ( 7233)
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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby
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For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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There have been a lot of polarizing and disturbing news stories and images popping up on your timeline and newsfeed. Let's check in and talk about strategizing for when you should engage or have some downtime, and feelings around turning notifications off.
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Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby
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For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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New student at RTC, or returning from summer break? Take a moment between classes and get to know one of the free resource teams available to you: The Behavioral Health Team!

You do not need a diagnoses to qualify for services. All you need is to be enrolled for Fall Fall Quarter.

Now's now chance to come ask us anything about the process or what it's like to be therapists!

Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Repost

September is Su***de Prevention month.

Wikipedia has an entire updated list of numbers by country here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_su***de_crisis_lines

While it's important to share su***de prevention numbers, it's also important to be reminded of the various potential support systems that affect mental health, to tap into/modify/fund.

If you are a current student at RTC, experiencing thoughts that just won't go away, please contact us. We can do crisis counseling and get you connected with the right services: rtc.edu/behavioral-health

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***deprevention ***deawarenessmonth

Next week is a busy week for the Behavioral Health Team ! Come hang out with us, learn about our services and try out a stress-reducing activity!

An invitation with links to every event was sent to your RTC email!

(Thank you also to First Financial Northwest Bank for the lovely fall leaves on the invitation!)...
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We have a little over too weeks before Fall Quarter starts. Have you registered yet? Has it been smooth sailing or more like a bumpy ride. Need help talking to someone? Let's chat and we'll help you get in contact with the people you need to!

Meet Behavioral Health Team every
Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Repost of . Sound advice that productivity requires rest. If you want to be successful AND efficient while feeling good emotionally,do yourself the honor of 'recharging"

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Finals are over, and there's a brief break before we get into the swing of things with an online-learning Fall Quarter. Do you feel ready? Do you have what you need?

Let's chat about getting everything in order so you are prepared to learn and study come the Fall Quarter start on the 21st of September!

Hang out with the RTC Behavioral Health Team every Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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Repost from

This weekend was difficult for many BIPOC, and especially the Black community. Give yourself permission to let a loved or trusted person know if you need a little more time and space to process vicarious trauma, which you may be experiencing from witnessing from replays of violence.

Your mental health matters.

If you're an RTC student, don't hesitate take reach out to the Behavioral Health Team if you need help processing feelings on recent events. .... ... .

Can you say definitively what your future plans are, or do you need a little work charting a path?

Come chat with us for tips on organizing what you're doing into a clear career or personal road.
Let's speak and write it into existence!

Hang out with the RTC Behavioral Health Team every Wednesday at 11AM rtc.edu/zoom-lobby

For more information on services, go to: rtc.edu/behavioral-health.
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