COVID-19 Youth & Student Mental Health Toolkit

10 Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Covid-19

Ben’s Story During COVID-19

The comic below, “Ben’s Story During COVID-19,” teaches youth the powerful difference between a positive and negative outlook during the pandemic. It is difficult to deal with COVID-19 and maintain a positive attitude.

Ben’s story presents a learning experience for youth on how to approach these difficult times by being open and learning different ways of treating others and maintaining positive mental health.

COVID-19 Comic Book

Stigma-Free COVID-19 Quiz

There is a lot of information out there about COVID-19 and it is important to learn the facts.

The “COVID-19 True or False Quiz” will help you get accurate information in a fun way to the many questions we may ask ourselves during this challenging time, so take this quiz can help bring some clarity!

Take the Covid-19 True or False Quiz

Stigma-Free Conversation Cards

Need a conversation booster with your friends or parents? Sometimes, it is hard to talk about COVID-19, so the Stigma-Free Society has designed some Conversation Cards for you to share with others. It is a great way to spark discussion around our current situation with COVID-19.

We even slipped in some cards that your parents can ask you, or if you prefer, you can simply hover over the card to get answers to various questions. Hope you spark some good conversations today! Why not? We have the time right, so why not chat about it?

Real Talk – Questions for Parent(s) to Ask Youth about COVID-19

When I describe what Covid-19 is, do you understand? Is there anything that doesn't make sense? Do you know what a coronavirus is?

• COVID-19 is a virus that spreads easily from one person to another and has affected hundreds of countries around the world - this is called a pandemic.
• It causes fever, cough, trouble breathing and sometimes a sore throat.
• Anyone can get COVID-19, but this virus seems to more negatively affect older people and people that do not have a strong immune systems. Typically, if children do get the virus, they experience a slight cough and fever.

Do you ever hear about Covid-19 on the tv news or have you read about it online?

• It's important that we get our information about Covid-19 from reliable sources, not just rumors and opinions. Some examples of reputable sites are :
• WHO
• Canada.ca
• NHS

Do you notice your parent(s) talking about Covid-19? How do you feel when your parent(s) talk about it?

• If your child has a negative response to this question, it may be because your child is overwhelmed with the talk and media coverage regarding Covid-19.
• Allow your child to express their emotions.

Are you concerned about getting sick? Could you tell me about your concerns?

Whatever their concerns may be, be truthful (see sources on Card 1) but don't go too far into detail such that the child becomes fearful or even traumatized (eg: Avoid talking about death and suffering).

The days might seem different to you. How do you feel about our new routine?

• Perhaps this is a good time to begin to sketch out a new routine in order to instill greater stability and increased predictability during these challenging times.
• Have your child give his or her input into this new routine.

Do you have friends whom you miss? Could you tell me about them?

When they begin to describe their friends, if they have not already, suggest they have a phone call or see each other on a video online platform.

Do you know a really fun way to wash your hands? Let me show you and we can do it together.

• The following are good websites that teach appropriate handwashing techniques:
• Family Doctor
• Public Health Ontairo
• BCCDC.ca

Is there anything I can do to help you during this challenging time?

• This is a question that can be returned to frequently during this period.
• It's a good way to check in generally with your child to assess their functioning.

Are your friends talking about the virus? If so, what are they talking about?

Remember that it’s important to not “feed into the frenzy”, if your friends or classmates say anything that raises more questions for you or they say something that doesn’t seem right, ask a trusted adult loved one for clarification and accurate information.
• Remember to also talk about things other than COVID. It’s much too easy to get wrapped up in this virus - so remember what you love doing and talk about that, too!

What is the difference between physical and mental health?

• Physical health is the condition of your body. It includes things like the absence of disease and injury and your fitness level. When your physical health is positive, your body feels strong, you have lots of energy and you are free of illness and injury.
• Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

Are there activities that you want to do right now or in the coming weeks?

• Let’s make a list of everything you would like to do and see what kind of plan we can come up with.
• CLICK HERE for a list of ideas!

I’ve noticed that you’ve been a little more ____________ (sad, worried, anxious - insert your child’s emotion), do you want to talk to me about it? Would you like to talk with a counsellor or somebody outside our family?

It’s okay to feel any and all emotions. Some emotions are harder to deal with on your own and talking with family members or a mental health professional may help you navigate your emotions and mental health.

Real Talk – Questions for Youth to Ask Parents about COVID-19

Is there a difference between Covid-19 and coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a kind of coronavirus, like when you get sick with the flu you have one kind flu that is one of many types.

Am I going to get Covid-19?

• Chances are you're not going to get Covid -19 as it doesn't seem to affect children very much.
• However, know if you do get Covid-19 the adults will take very good care of you while you're sick and then you'll get better.

How long is Covid-19 going to last?

• The answer seems to change frequently. The best guess seems to be that Covid-19 could last anywhere from weeks to months.
• It can be frustrating not getting exact answers to important questions. This can make some people angry. This is normal.

What will happen if family members get Covid-19?

• If you or one of your family members has trouble breathing, it's best they get to the emergency room or call an ambulance.
• If they have a fever, dry cough, or other flu-like symptoms, call your doctor.
• If they have been near someone who has Covid-19, it is important to call the doctor, so they can determine if your family member can be treated at home.
• They may need to go to the doctor or be tested for Covid-19.

Are we safe?

• I wonder if you're feeling unsafe because of all of the talk about Covid-19.
• We are staying safe by washing our hands the right way, engaging in social distancing, and staying home as much as possible.
• Know that the adults in your life are working hard to keep you safe and healthy.

People may be having strong feelings, like feeling sadness and anger, since Covid-19 started. Is this normal?

• This is totally normal.
• When life changes so quickly in so many different ways it's easy to have feelings such as being scared, anxious, angry, or even sad.
• It's important to talk about these feelings as well so they don't build up inside and make us feel worse.

Why do people talk about Covid-19 all of the time?

• We are talking about Covid-19 a lot because it is something that has changed our lives in many ways for the time being. Talking about Covid-19 helps people deal with it.
• But, if you need a break from hearing us talk about it please tell us and we can move to another room or save the conversation for after bedtime.

Some people get really scared. How are you feeling?

• Tell the truth about your feelings without going into too much detail.
• You could say something like, “Like lots of people I sometimes feel scared because Covid-19 is so new and makes people sick. But then I feel better when I realize we are doing everything to stay healthy and safe.”

Will my pet (dog/cat/hamster/etc.) be ok? Will it get Covid-19?

• So far, the evidence shows that your pet(s) won't get Covid-19.
• However, if our pet does get sick for any reason know we'll call the vet right away.
• More Information about Pets and COVID-19

Is constantly thinking about Covid-19 normal?

• This is very normal.
• Because Covid-19 has made some big changes in everyone's lives for the time being, and that it's all over the TV and internet, it's hard not to think about it.
• This is why it's important to set limits regarding how much time one is online and watches TV.
• It's also important that there are activities that can take your mind off Covid-19 so life feels a bit back to normal.

People are spreading rumors about Asian people on the internet about Covid-19. Is any of this true?

Unfortunately, because the first case of Covid-19 was discovered in China, some people have taken this to mean the Chinese people are somehow responsible. They are not. People's racist talk is inappropriate and only brings about stigma to the Chinese people.

What can I do to help people even though I have to stay inside?

• When we help others during a tough time, it can make us feel better and in control
• Kids can call or use a video chat to interact with their grandparents or other elderly family members every few days.
• Kids can write letters (with or without pictures) to the elderly in eldercare facilities who cannot have visitors right now.

COVID-19 Resources for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

The Stigma-Free Society recognizes how difficult COVID-19 has been on parents and guardians who want to keep their youth safe, while ensuring that their children keep up with their schoolwork. Look no further! In this section, parent(s), guardians and/or caregivers will find conversation cards that they can use to talk to their youth about COVID-19. The Stigma-Free Society has gathered videos geared towards helping parents during COVID-19, as well as links to other very helpful resources. It is always best to check in with youth first thing in the morning to ensure that they are feeling mentally well because having their mental health in check is imperative to tackle the rest of the day’s tasks.