Mental Health Resources for Students During COVID-19

Beyond physical health concerns, the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a wide range of stressors and mental health concerns. In recognition of the unique impact on school-age children, eSchool News notes some useful resources aimed at assisting students:

1. Global Teletherapy services K-12 schools virtually with therapeutic services. As the number of homebound students grows exponentially every day, the company’s therapists will be providing complimentary support sessions to the country’s youth. These 30-minute support sessions will be held daily through June. They will range in age formats to discuss specific concerns. The group sessions will focus on keeping the students calm and engaged while homebound due to the current situation.

2. Erika’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, launched the “We’re In This Together” campaign to empower teens who feel isolated and alone during this health pandemic. It provides practical, meaningful tools to support teens through these uncertain times when many people around the world are self-isolating. Resources for teens include a depression toolbox, which lets them know that hope and help is possible and it all starts with education on the topic. Teens also have access to apps for positive mental health and educational videos.

3. Rise and Shine from Children’s National touches on ways to help students deal with disappointment. As schools close, and birthday parties, graduations, sporting events and all other activities grind to a halt for the foreseeable future, millions of children, tweens, teens and young adults are faced with intense disappointment. Many of these events are occasions that have been long dreamt of or anticipated and the seemingly overnight cancellations are more than many kids can handle. It is equally devastating for parents to see their children experience such disappointment.

4. The Child Mind Institute has a number of helpful tips when it comes to talking about the coronavirus with children. Parents and caregivers shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the virus with their children, but it’s important to keep those discussions developmentally appropriate. Sticking to a routine and emphasizing what the family is doing to stay safe are two important considerations.

5. Meditations for Kids is a meditation app that helps children relax through breathing, deal with everyday stress, become calm and centered, and can help address worry and anxiety.

6. Stop, Breathe & Think is a meditation and mindfulness app that helps users find peace anywhere. It allows users to check in with their emotions and recommends short guided meditations, yoga and acupressure videos.


From Covering Kids & Families of Indiana

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