The vulnerability and risk of chronic stress and mental health challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic means we must monitor our own and our youth’s mental wellness.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) highlights this risk and what adults can do to prevent and intervene in their Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 handout.

“Most children will manage well with the support of parents and other family members, even if showing signs of some anxiety or concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Some children, however, may have risk factors for more intense reactions, including severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Risk factors can include a pre-existing mental health problem, prior traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or the loss of a loved one. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if children exhibit significant changes in behavior or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks.

• Preschoolers—thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal.

• Elementary school children—irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.

• Adolescents—sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.”

This is an essential and opportune time to talk with our youth about their mental health. Making time and space for sharing our emotions and experiences while listening with acceptance, can serve to bring commonality to our experiences and ultimately build resilience and positive coping skills. The Department of Health & Human Services Mentalhealth.gov website offers conversation starters to guide parents/guardians in talking with their children.

We’re all in this together. Our Student Support Teams and Counseling Team are here to support and guide you during this time. Mrs. Kristi Johnson (Lower & Middle School - Director of Support Services, School Counselor) and  Dr. Elizabeth Zhe (Lower, Middle, & Upper School - School Psychologist) are available for single and short-term telehealth counseling sessions with students and are able to guide families towards telehealth counseling options outside of the school.

Telehealth is a method of communicating with a service provider using an online application that provides audio and video communication through a device, such as an iPad or laptop. Telehealth is not the same as a face-to-face counseling meeting because the student is not in the same room or at the same location as the counselor or psychologist.  Therefore, there are some different considerations and guidelines to follow. Students and their parents/guardians can learn more about telehealth sessions in the informed consent or by contacting Mrs. Johnson or Dr. Zhe. To schedule a telehealth session, please email Mrs. Johnson (kjohnson@mamail.net) or Dr. Zhe (ezhe@mamail.net).