In a time of Pandemic, make sure you are taking care of you!
Anxiety and fear may be overwhelming for individuals of any age. How our stress manifests can be different depending on individual and age. Ensuring we manage our stress appropriately will help keep us and our loved ones mentally strong. Sharing only facts, and not opinions, can be imperative to a healthy mindset. Remember, how children see you react, is how they will learn to react. The Coronavirus pandemic can be stressful for adults and children.
Signs of stress for you may include:
– worry or fear about you and your loved ones’ health
– difficulty sleeping
– difficulty concentrating
– changes in patterns, like sleeping or eating
– increased use of drugs or alcohol
– increase of negative health issues
Signs of stress for your child/teen may include:
– difficulty sleeping
– difficulty concentrating
– avoidance of activities once enjoyed
– reemergence of outgrown behaviours, like bedwetting
– unexplained pain, like headaches or tummy aches
– poor eating habits
– excessive worry
What Can I do to support myself/my child?
Step away from the news; when you are hearing the constant stream of the pandemic, this can become overwhelming. It can be scary to your child to hear the constant worry.
Spend time discussing appropriate information, and reassuring your family. Be a support to each other. Let each other share their feelings and feel heard.
Take the time to get in physical activity, balanced meals, regular sleep, and be good to yourself. Do activities that you enjoy and that help you unwind.
Students should keep up with a routine, from bedtimes, to study time.
Spend time connecting as a family.
Most importantly, if you or your child are feeling overwhelmed and stuck, please reach out to someone.
The CDC has great resources for talking to young children about coping, and information for all ages. www.cdc.gov
*** Please use these resources or encourage your child to use them if needed! If suffering from panic, anxiety, stress or more, use the numbers for immediate assistance.
Kidshelpphone.ca or 1-800-668-6868
Panic Disorder Information Hotline: 1-800-64-PANIC (72642)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Teen Line: 1-310-855-HOPE (4673) or 1-800-TLC-TEEN (1-800-852-8336)
If you have any questions or need direction, and Mrs. Hodges can help- contact her at [email protected] She will be reachable by email during this time of unknowns.
