Campbellsport NHS and NAMI Fond du Lac Working Together to Promote Mental Awareness

On May 2, Campbellsport National Honor Society is hosting a Color Run to Promote Mental Health Awareness in association with NAMI Fond du Lac.
The Color Run on-site registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the race will start at 9 a.m. at the Campbellsport High School Lower Parking Lot.
NAMI Fond du Lac is a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, and is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through free support, education, and advocacy.
“Our work is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and the belief that recovery is possible,” said NAMI Program Coordinator Sue Mitchell Metz.

“Our mission strives to support and empower every person, young and old, touched by mental illness,” said Metz. “We are committed to removing stigma and nurturing recovery through advocacy, education, and outreach throughout Fond du Lac County.”
The main causes of mental health stressors are especially affecting the youth and teens.
Mental health stressors affecting youth are complex and often interrelated, driven by a combination of intense academic pressure, social media usage, media-induced anxiety, interpersonal challenges, and societal uncertainty.
“From a school counseling perspective, today’s students are navigating an increasingly complex world,” said Lomira Middle School Counselor Kara Martin. “Academic expectations continue to rise, often creating pressure to perform and succeed at a young age. At the same time, social dynamics, both in person and online, can significantly impact a student’s sense of belonging and self-worth.”
The influence of social media has intensified comparison exposure to unrealistic standards and cyberbullying, and many students also experience stress related to family changes, financial hardship, or exposure to trauma.
Adolescence is already a time of identity development, and when layered with these external stressors, it can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm.
These factors frequently contribute to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and significant sleep disruption.
Loma Linda University says 70% of teens live with stress and anxiety related to academic pressure, while 60% of our youth live with feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression related to social media and technology.
They also report the five most common mental health struggles that youth face are: anxiety, insomnia, substance use, depression, and eating disorders.
The National Library of Medicine finds that anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of young people, followed closely by insomnia, substance abuse, depression, and eating disorders.”
What activities can help students manage mental health stressors?
“Here at school, we emphasize the importance of building healthy coping strategies early,” said Martin. “Encouraging students to engage in regular physical activity, creative expression, and mindfulness practices can help regulate emotions and reduce stress.”
Simple techniques, such as deep breathing or taking short breaks during the day, can make a difference.
Connection is equally important for students to benefit greatly from having trusted peers and adults they can speak to.
Schools play a vital role in creating safe spaces where students feel seen, heard, and supported
Teaching problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and resilience are key components for helping students manage life’s challenges.
Key Points for Youth Mental Health
Foster supportive environments, encourage open communication, develop positive coping tools and life skills, prioritize physical and mental health, and monitor screen time and social media use
Identify warning signs early, support social connection, seek professional support, and model healthy behavior. Provide opportunities for success.
Critical Areas to Monitor Substance Use: Actively monitor for alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use, which are major challenges for youth today.
Bullying: Address bullying (including cyberbullying) immediately to prevent long-term social anxiety and mood disorders.
Adversity: Exposure to trauma or high stress requires immediate supportive intervention.
Why is it important to talk about your mental health?
“Talking about mental health is crucial for youth because it helps break down stigma, fosters early intervention for potential issues, and encourages the formation of healthy emotional habits,” said Metz
With research indicating that half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, open conversations are essential for saving lives and connecting young people with necessary support.
When students or anyone, for that matter, feel safe discussing their emotions, they are more likely to seek support early, before concerns escalate into more serious challenges.
Discussing mental health reduces stigma and isolation, facilitates early intervention, improves prognosis, promotes physical and emotional well-being, and improves support systems for our youth.
For young people, starting this conversation can be as simple as talking to a trusted friend, family member, or school professional to help manage stress and build emotional resilience.
“Open conversations also foster empathy, understanding, and stronger relationships not only at home but within schools as well,” said Martin. “By prioritizing mental health, we can create environments where strong students/individuals can thrive not only in life but academically, socially, and emotionally.”
How has mental health care adapted through the years?
Youth mental health care has shifted dramatically over the past few decades, evolving from a pediatric-adult split model that often left adolescents without care, toward integrated, proactive systems that prioritize early intervention, school-based support, and digital accessibility.
This evolution has included a stronger focus on home- and community-based services, moving away from relying solely on traditional residential treatment.
Mental health care has evolved significantly within schools as well.,There has been a shift from reactive approaches to proactive approaches and preventive care. Schools now incorporate social emotional learning (SEL), peer support programs, and mental health education into daily practice.
Access has also improved through telehealth services, allowing students and families to connect with providers more easily.
Additionally, there is a growing recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health, leading to more integrated and collaborative care systems.
Supporting youth mental health involves building strong, supportive environments at home and school, fostering open communication, and teaching coping skills.
Key priorities include encouraging regular sleep and exercise, limiting risky behaviors, monitoring online activity, and identifying early warning signs to seek professional help promptly.
Where can students and families find mental health resources?
Schools are often the first point of access for mental health support, with school counselors trained to provide short-term support, crisis intervention, and referrals to outside services when needed.
Families can also connect with primary care providers or local mental health agencies for ongoing care.
Participation in school-based clubs and activities is linked to lower anxiety and depression.
The School District of Lomira provides a comprehensive resource list available to families through the school counseling website, with resources that include a variety of mental health supports within our county, as well as services in the surrounding communities, helping families easily access the care that best fits their needs.
Immediate Crisis Support (24/7)
•988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
•Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741
•The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “Start” to 678-678
•Teen Line: Call 800-852-8336 or text “Teen” to 839863 (8-11 PM PST)
•NAMI Teen & Young Adult Helpline Call 1-800-950-6264 or text “Friend” to 62640
•Muslim Youth Helpline Call or text 866-627-3342
Online Resources and Apps
•NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers specific resources for teens and young adults, including educational materials and school-based support.
•OK2TALK is a community for teens to share their experiences with mental health challenges.
•Mindfulness for Teens provides tools and apps for managing stress.
•Teen Talk App offers peer support for teens aged 13-19.
•Head Meds offers information about mental health medications.
•Change to Chill is a website designed to help youth manage stress and anxiety.
•Got Your Back App is designed to help individuals who may struggle with suicidal ideation.
Area Counseling
•Affiliated Counseling Center Inc, Beaver Dam, 920887-8751
•Creative Roots Counseling, Theresa, 920-948-3706
•Joyous Living Counseling Services, Mayville, 920-210-9645
•Kettle Moraine Counseling has 7 locations: West Bend, Cedarburg, Chippewa Falls, Germantown, Madison, Mayville, and Oak Creek, Wisconsin. 262-334-4340
•Life Point Counseling, LLC, Plymouth, 920-892-7606
•Rawhide Youth Services, Fond du Lac, 1-877-300-9101
•SSM Health Behavioral Health, Fond du Lac, 920-907-8201
Treatment Centers
•Aurora Behavioral Health Services, Wauwatosa, 414-454-6600
•Arc Fond du Lac, 920-923-381
•Beacon House, Fond du Lac
•Berry House, Fond du Lac, 920-922-8580
•Blandine House, Fond du Lac, 920-922-9487
•Community Medical Services- Fond du Lac, 920-926-0101
•Exodus House, Kewaskum, 262-626-4166
•Norris Adolescent Treatment Center, West Bend, 262-662-5909
•Rogers Behavioral Health, Appleton & Oconomowoc, 833-308-5887
•SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, 920-929-2300