Constant news stories and updates due to coronavirus have put a strain on most of our lives. The uncertainty and changes to our daily routines have increased the anxiety levels of just about everyone.  In an article written by Kirstie Brewer (2020), she reports that Rosie Weatherley, spokesperson for the mental health charity Mind says "A lot of anxiety is rooted in worrying about the unknown and waiting for something to happen—coronavirus is that on a macro scale” (p.1).  The events of this time can be particularly challenging to the mental health of youth and very young children. While our students are away from school, Norfolk Public Schools wants to encourage them, their families, and those they care about to stay S.A.F.E.  Please practice self-care while social distancing by staying socially connected.  Check on family and friends with a telephone call, text, or e-mail.  Use social media responsibly, and if it becomes too much, take a break from the amount of news and information your family is receiving.  Be mindful of how young ones are handling the news and the amount of information they are receiving.   Below links to several resources to support and encourage us all as we are “Learning in Place.”

Tips for Handling Kids and Home during the Coronavirus Outbreak:

http://www.sprc.org/news/resources-support-mental-health-coping-coronavirus-covid-19

https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-tips-for-homebound-kids-parents.html

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/22/family-isolation-guide-for-parents-teenagers-coronavirus-lockdown

https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/Docs/latest_news/2020/Coronavirus_COVID19__Children.pdf

https://www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org/resources/coronavirus/

References:

Resources to Support Mental Health and Coping with the Coronavirus (Covid-19). (2020) Retrieved from http://www.sprc.org/news/resources-support-mental-health-coping-coronavirus-covid-19

Brewer, K (2020). Coronavirus: How to Protect Your Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51873799

Prepared by:
Department of Student Support Services
March, 2020