STL Social Work

10/06/2026

Your reactions are not weaknesses—they are coping strategies.

When your nervous system senses fear, it defaults to one of four main protective responses:

🥊 FIGHT – Defending yourself by taking control or asserting dominance.

🪽 FLIGHT – Escaping danger through busyness, panic, or avoidance.

🥶 FREEZE – Protecting yourself by playing dead, numbing out, or going silent.

🤝 FAWN – Neutralizing threat by pleasing, pacifying, and prioritizing others.

These common responses are how your brain keeps you safe. Identifying your typical response can help you figure out next steps to move into a more regulated state of mind.

09/24/2026

In light of the recent heartbreaking student deaths at Ole Miss, it’s a heavy reminder of how quickly a night can turn fatal—and how crucial it is that we look out for each other.

You don't have to be a medical professional to save a life. Carrying Narcan (naloxone) can mean the difference between life and death during an emergency.

💡 The Facts:

💨 It is fast-acting: Reverses an opioid overdose in only 2–3 minutes.

🦺 It is safe for anyone: If given by mistake, it does not cause any harm—it only affects opioids.

👥 Bystanders save lives: A potential witness is present in almost half of all overdose incidents.

🏪 Easy access: You can buy it over the counter at local pharmacies or get it for free at your campus health centers and public harm reduction stations.

Remember, you never know when having Narcan in your bag, dorm, apartment, or house could give someone a second chance.

📍 Find free naloxone near you or pick it up at your local pharmacy today.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, in the middle of unimaginable fear and confusion, millions of us reached out to connect. We didn’t know what was happening next, but we knew who mattered.

From phone booths and seatbacks to jammed cell towers, people did everything they could just to hear a familiar voice—to say “I love you,” “I’m safe,” or “I’m holding onto you.”

Amid the profound loss, that’s what stays with me the most: when the world felt completely uncertain, our very first instinct was love.

Today, 25 years later, we honor the lives lost and the incredible courage shown. But I’m also holding onto that quiet reminder of what matters most.

Call someone you love today.
Tell them. It’s always worth saying.

#911

08/25/2026

04/23/2026

You wouldn't let your phone hit 0% without looking for a charger, so why do it to yourself? 🔋

Most of us wait until we’re in the 'Red Zone' (total shutdown) to admit we’re tired. But the magic happens in the 'Yellow Zone.' When you notice the irritability or the noise sensitivity kicking in, that’s your cue to dial it back.

Many teens often don't realize their battery is low until it's nearly empty.

👂Tune into the quiet signals your body sends when it begins to tire:

🦶Physical: Tapping feet, clenching your jaw, or feeling "heavy" limbs.

🌬Mental: Reading the same sentence over and over or feeling "foggy."

📱Social: Feeling a sudden urge to check your phone just to avoid eye contact.

👏The Goal: If you catch it at Low, you can prevent the Empty "shutdown" phase

Sometimes teens feel guilty for needing space. Here are a few "scripts" to protect their energy without hurting feelings:

"I’m hitting a wall right now and need some quiet time so I don't get super grumpy. Can we talk later?"

"My social battery is at 5%. I'm going to head home/go to my room to recharge."

At what battery level are you right now? Drop a 🟢, 🟡, or 🔴 below.