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Resources to Support Students During the Pandemic

March 24, 2020

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As our nation is facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic head-on, it can be a challenge to meet student needs outside of school. There are numerous resources available, but it may seem overwhelming on where to begin and what to do in these unchartered waters. Here are some resources and suggestions to provide support to your students regarding the Coronavirus. As parents and caregivers, please limit your child's exposure to the media. The information can be overwhelming for adults and trying to keep life as normal with a structured routine will be beneficial while we are all learning how to practice social distancing to stay safe. Provide a calming influence for your child and address the fears that they may have. Resources that you might want to research are: Child Mind Institute (talking to kids about the Coronavirus) and  SAMHSA (coping with stress during an infectious disease outbreak). 

Taking care of your mental and physical health is always important, but especially during times of added stress.  Here are some tips to practice during this time.  

1. Eat healthy foods to keep your body well. 

2. Exercise will help with anxiety and depression. 

3. Relaxation Therapy, focusing on tensing and relaxing muscle groups can help you relax when feeling anxious or stressed.  Deep breathing techniques and mindfulness activities may be beneficial. 

4. Light for some people can improve symptoms of depression.  Get some sunlight whenever possible.  

5. Be Kind to yourself and others.  Practice compassion. 

6. Stay Connected even if you can't get together face-to-face stay connected with friends, family, and neighbors through text, phone calls, social media, and video chats.  If you are feeling lonely or anxious reach out to your social support networks.  

Even though school is currently not in session, please feel free to reach out to your school counselors if you have any concerns that we can help you with. My email is dmcclain@putnamcountyr1.net. Email is the best way to reach me during this time. I can also set up a Google Meet to do a video chat with a student if necessary. We are missing our students and are all anxiously awaiting the reopening of school and life to return to normal. Until then, know we continue to be here for you and are wishing you well from a safe distance. Stay safe and well, Putnam! 

www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
www.schoolcounselor.org
www.asca.org
www.moschoolcounselor.org