As a state, California has reached seven weeks with the stay-at-home (SAH) order in place. Many U.S. states and territories currently have issued state of emergencies for the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries have quarantined their citizens to reduce the transmission of the virus. As governments increase preventative measures to decrease COVID-19, mental health continues to be an area that lacks similar efforts. For example, Governor Cuomo of New York has asked mental health professionals to provide tele-health services for New York residents. This action taken by Governor Cuomo is a preventative measure to decrease current and future mental or behavioral difficulties.
COVID-19 might negatively impact some individuals more than others. Below are three key tips to support staff, parents and community members that focus on preventing possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
COVID-19 might negatively impact some individuals more than others. Below are three key tips to support staff, parents and community members that focus on preventing possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Key Tips
Preventative Actions can Reduce PTSD Symptomatology
Focus on what you can control in your day to day life. Have a karaoke night, host a Netflix party, bake, meditate, journal or draw! Name it to tame it - share with someone how you are feeling and why to help manage those negative feelings. Limit your exposure to the news as they could cause more distress.
Focus on what you can control in your day to day life. Have a karaoke night, host a Netflix party, bake, meditate, journal or draw! Name it to tame it - share with someone how you are feeling and why to help manage those negative feelings. Limit your exposure to the news as they could cause more distress.
Understand Behaviors from a Developmental Standpoint
Children, adolescents and adults present symptoms differently. Young children might not have the ability to verbalize their needs, which could cause an increase in negative behavior. Children and adolescents might present stress as headaches, stomachaches, and difficulty sleeping.
Children, adolescents and adults present symptoms differently. Young children might not have the ability to verbalize their needs, which could cause an increase in negative behavior. Children and adolescents might present stress as headaches, stomachaches, and difficulty sleeping.
Acknowledge the Changing Dynamic of Resources
Be mindful that the needs for resources will change over time. As the SAH order becomes the new normal, different needs might arise and will require us to be adaptable to them. Be active in updating your resources.
Be mindful that the needs for resources will change over time. As the SAH order becomes the new normal, different needs might arise and will require us to be adaptable to them. Be active in updating your resources.
Blog Post Written By: Karla Aguirre, School Psychologist Intern
RSS Feed