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!
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
• 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.
• Allow your child to express their emotions.
• Have your child give his or her input into this new routine.
• Family Doctor
• Public Health Ontairo
• BCCDC.ca
• It's a good way to check in generally with your child to assess their functioning.
• 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!
• 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.
• CLICK HERE for a list of ideas!
Real Talk – Questions for Youth to Ask Parents about COVID-19
• 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.
• It can be frustrating not getting exact answers to important questions. This can make some people angry. This is normal.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.”
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
Check out this podcast for
parents, guardians and caregivers!
Helpful Links
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s coronavirus podcast for March 24: Talking to our kids about Covid-19
- Protect Your Family’s Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- What you need to know if your child is depressed. (No. 1: You are not a failure.)
- Mental Health Commission: Children and Youth
- Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
- How to Talk to Your Anxious Child about COVID-19
- Parenting During COVID-19
- COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
- Mental Well-Being Information and Resources
Videos Related to Parents and Youth During COVID-19
Downloadable Resources During COVID-19
Tips for Helping Your Child with Anxiety or Excessive Worry
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Check out these tips for parents or caregivers to help them support their youth or teen struggling with anxious thoughts!
10 Tips for Coping with Anxiety During Covid-19
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Check out these tips about how to combat the anxiety you might be feeling due to COVID-19 and feel better!
Let’s Learn More about Mental Illness
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Check out this document to learn about major mental illnesses such as Depression and Anxiety Disorders.
My Mental Health Checklist
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Use this checklist to make sure you’re doing all that you can right now to take care of your mental health.
Reaching Out for Help
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It is important to reach out for help and talk about our mental health if we are not feeling like our usual selves.
True or False Questions about COVID-19
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Test your knowledge on COVID-19 by doing this fun activity!
Daily Mood Tracker
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Use this daily mood tracker to monitor your moods and identify patterns.