Week 4/6-4/10

Happy Week Before Spring Break!

Last week, you had your first week of virtual schooling. I am sure there were a lot of adjustments and it is different from typical school; however, I hope you enjoyed it! Here is a message from all of us to you:

Self-care is more important than ever! Click here for a Self-Care Worksheet (parents) and Self-Care for Children and Teens (students) to help take care and support mental health during this pandemic. 

In addition, you can also use a Coping Calendar which has 30 suggested actions to look after ourselves and each other as we face this global crisis together.

Mental Health Focus: Anxiety

Anxiety is the reaction to situations perceived as stressful or dangerous, which everyone faces; however, when anxiety becomes severe it interferes with daily life such as avoiding situations, experiencing extreme and persistent fear, and/or worry much more than expected in general or specific situations/contexts. Symptoms may include:

• Physical: somatic complaints such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and increased heart rate
• Behavioral: efforts to escape or avoid anxiety-inducing situations (e.g., refusing to go to school on the day of a test)
• Cognitive: related to thinking (e.g. negative thinking, perfectionistic attitudes, and have disruptions in thoughts patterns that interfere with learning)

Click here for more information regarding anxiety. In addition, please watch "Release"  which focuses on stress and anxiety as experienced by middle school kids below: 

App Spotlight: Self-Help for Anxiety Management

In addition to the help that SAM can provide as an app, click here for more information regarding anxiety and some strategies to help manage anxiety, in general. During this COVID19 pandemic, click here for more information from the CDC on managing stress and coping.