Davis Joint Unified School District

Mental Health and Wellness

April is National Stress Awareness Month, highlighting the dangers of chronic stress—such as heart disease, anxiety, and depression—and promotes healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, proper sleep, and mindfulness to improve mental and physical well-being.

Signs of Stress:

• Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, headaches, sleeping issues, muscle tension, and irritability.

Management Strategies

• Physical Activity: Regular movement (e.g., walking, yoga) releases endorphins, which reduce stress hormones.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practicing meditation, deep breathing (like the 4-7-8 method), and mindfulness can help decrease stress.
• Healthy Habits: Prioritizing 7–9 hours of sleep, eating nutritious meals, and reducing caffeine intake.
• Social Support: Connecting with friends and family can lower blood pressure and improve resilience.
• Setting Boundaries: Learning to say "no" and breaking down large tasks.

Resources

The American Institute of Stress

Managing Stress - CDC

Stress Busters | ACEs Aware – Take action. Save lives.

I'm So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet - For teens and young adults

April is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month, shining a national spotlight on the importance of centering families and building communities where children can grow up safe, healthy, and supported. Prevention happens when families have access to the resources, relationships, and support they need to stay steady through every twist and turn of life.

The theme "Pinwheels of Possibility," represents the joy of childhood and the importance of safe, supportive environments.

Actionable Ways to Participate:

1.  Wear Blue: Support the campaign by wearing blue on April 10, 2026.

2.  Plant a Pinwheel: Join a coordinated national moment to pause and plant a pinwheel as a symbol of hope, prevention, and the possibilities created when communities support families.

3.  Engage on Social Media: Share information using the hashtag #WearBlueDay2025.

4.  Advocate & Donate: Contact legislators to support child welfare funding and donate to local organizations.

With families at the center, the possibilities are endless.

Resources: Prevent Child Abuse America Yolo County Children's Alliance