Early Intervention
30% of youth who were isolated or quarantined during the COVID19 pandemic met the clinical criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is important to let the youth in our lives know that help and resources are always available when it comes to issues like anxiety, depression, and our mental health.
Understanding the Impact Of COVID-19
More so than adults, it has been suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to have long-term consequences on children and adolescents. For many, the impacts of this global pandemic have been insurmountable and have resulted in significant stressors.
Limitations on outdoor play, meeting friends, and engaging in in-person activities have been associated with lower levels of positive affect in children.
What helps us recover from stressful or traumatic events?
Staying connected with friends, people who care about you, and those who are available if you need them.
Being able to talk about stressful and/or traumatic events, and your reactions to it, with supportive people who avoid reacting in unhelpful ways.
Returning to your routine or finding creative ways to implement structure during your day for activities such as work or school, household chores, and sleep.
Not avoiding safe reminders of the stressful and/or traumatic event.
Self-Care Strategies
Get Enough Sleep
Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day. It can be difficult but developing a good sleep routine can be one of the best things for your mental and physical health!
Eat Healthy
Choose a well-balanced diet by avoiding junk foods and refined sugar. Attempt to limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress, anxiety, and sleep issues.
Avoid Tobacco
If you smoke tobacco or if you vape, you’re already at a higher risk of disease. Since COVID19 affects the lungs, your risk increases even more.
Avoid Alcohol
Using alcohol to try and cope can make matters worse and reduce your coping skills. Avoid drugs and alcohol unless your doctor has prescribed medications specific to your condition. Always use medications according to doctor or pharmacist direction.
Exercise
Physical activity can be one of the best ways to improve your mood naturally. Exercise is a proven way to help reduce stress and anxiety, and is great for your physical well-being also.
Think Positively
Focus on positive thoughts throughout the day. Shifting your focus towards the positive things in your life prevents you from dwelling on negative thoughts that may occur.
Mental Health Resources
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Find a mobile application to help manage stress levels and promote better mental health practices.
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Psychology Today's Therapy Directory lists clinical professionals, psychiatrists and treatment centers who provide mental health services in the US and internationally.
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Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
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If you or a loved one needs assistance now, Kansas Suicide Prevention Headquarters provides a 24\7 365 response center available to call or text anytime.
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Lifeline Chat and Text is a service of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), connecting individuals with crisis counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat or SMS texting.
Toolkits and Downloads
Download our social media toolkit or print materials to help increase awareness about youth stress trauma in your school or community.