Tips for coping with the stress of COVID-19

Take breaks from reading or listening to news stories related to this pandemic. 

Eat nutritious foods and exercise, get plenty of rest. Don’t underestimate the power of a walk outside and good nutrition.

Lean on your support system, reach out to family and friends virtually to stay connected. 

Take time to recharge and do things that you enjoy. 

Take deep breaths or meditate. Take time to learn relaxation techniques that will help to manage stress. 

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment via telemental health.

How to support your children

The COVID-19 pandemic is requiring major changes to be made in our lives. Some children (and even adults) have difficulty coping with changes. When children and teens are stressed, they often look to their parents to see how they are responding. When parents and caregivers deal with this crisis calmly and confidently, their children are more likely to do the same. By managing our own stress, we as parents can have a positive impact on our children during this unprecedented time and lessen their stress. 

Be aware of changes in your children. Children and teens respond to stress differently but some common changes are:

• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Excessive crying or irritation 
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of previously enjoyed activities
• Unexplained headaches, stomach aches, body aches
• Signs of regression in younger children (toileting accidents, bedwetting, baby talk)
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs (teens)

There are many things you can do to support your child:

• Set and track daily goals. 
• Be available to talk to your child about their feelings, validate and normalize their feelings.
• Encourage your child to journal their feelings.        
• Take time to talk with your child about the COVID-19 outbreak in ways that they can understand. 
• Have a routine. Create a schedule for learning activities and fun activities.
• Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know it is ok to have strong feelings about this. Help them find ways to manage their stress and share      with them how you deal with your own stress.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event. Children may misinterpret what they hear and may be scared by things that they can’t      understand.
• Be a role model. Allow your children to see you handling this stressful situation in the best ways possible. 
• Help children to monitor and change thoughts when needed:
  • I can’t go out in public – to – I get to be safe at home and spend time with my family
  • I’m going to get sick – to - I will wash my hand and do what I can to DECREASE my chances of getting sick
  • I can’t handle this – to – I will get through this… I can practice mindfulness, call friends and family, do activities that I enjoy and I can pray 
• Practice relaxation techniques together, see the links below...

CLICK HERE for Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Kids

CLICK HERE for Mindfulness Meditation for Kids

FOR INFORMATION ON A FREE ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP FOR TEENS CLICK HERE. GROUPS ARE LED BY LICENSED COUNSELORS FROM KCC!