Douglas High School

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Psychological support for stressed parents

Concerns about children’s health, cabin fever from being isolated, a disrupted routine, and exhaustion from staying at home with kids may add considerable stress in a parent’s life. This can lead to depression and anxiety. It’s important to take care of yourself first. Dr. Kristine Fuller recommends the following coping mechanisms to preserve mental health:

• Stay connected in the community. Being quarantined, even with family, can be isolating. Talk to friends and extended family via phone and facetime.

• Try not to make assumptions.

• Follow reputable sources about the outbreak .

• Be cautious of social media and news stories.

• Talk to children about this pandemic.

• If quarantined, engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, doing a new art project, reaching out to friends on social media, watching a movie, learning a new language.

• Talk about it.

Visit the following links for more information:

• Is the Coronavirus Impacting Our Mental Health? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/202003/is-the-coronavirus-impacting-our-mental-health

• How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids https://childmind.org/article/how-to-avoid-passing-anxiety-on-to-your-kids/

• Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/

Free psychological support 

In order to be a good parent to your child, it’s important to take care of yourself first. Here are resources that can help:

• The Crisis Text Line is a 24/7 service. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. (Their website also has support numbers and additional information.)

• Lifehacker has a list of the top 10 free and affordable services for mental counseling: https://lifehacker.com/top-10-free-and-affordable-mental-health-and-counseling-1788814933

• Many cities have a number to call for free therapy that connects you to a direct consultation with a counselor.  If it’s not clear what hotline to call, dial 211.

• Therapy may be covered by and employer or insurance. For more advice on strategies for finding free and affordable therapy, visit https://www.psycom.net/how-to-find-affordable-therapy/

Meditation apps

Meditation can reduce stress, help control anxiety, promote mental health, improve sleep and even help generate kindness. Plus, you it can be done anywhere.

MIT Medical recommends the following 5 apps to help reduce stress and preserve well-being. Most have free options or include 7-10 day free trials to get started. 

• Headspace: Starts with the basics and teaches as it progresses

• Smiling Mind: Not-for-profit app designed by psychologists and educators

• iMindfulness: 3 meditations of different lengths available in English, Danish and Norwegian

• Mindfulness Daily: Helps integrate mindfulness meditation into your daily life

For more information on how Mindfulness can help, visit https://medical.mit.edu/stay-healthy-mit-stress-reduction/mindfulness-apps. Taken from Schoolclosures.org