Mental Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Given the current situation, discussion of COVID-19 has become more common in the media and in general conversations. Young people in particular may experience confusion and worry about family members, friends, neighbors, and themselves becoming sick.
Given the current situation, discussion of COVID-19 has become more common in the media and in general conversations. Many governments have restricted movement within their countries, encouraging citizens to stay at home. It is natural for these changes to create feelings of anxiety, depression and stress within the family. Children, in particular, may experience confusion and worry about family members, friends and neighbours becoming sick. Parents, caretakers, family members, etc. can play an important role in minimizing anxiety and stress by helping children to understand what is happening. Addressing COVID-19 is especially important for children with diabetes to avoid the stress impacting their blood glucose levels.
For more information on helping your children during this stressful time click here.
Table of contents
- Resources for Caregivers
- Resources for Children and Adolescents
- Resources in Canada
- Resources Outside of Canada
- Additional Information and References
Keywords: Keywords: Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety, Management, Wellbeing
1. Resources for Caregivers
Positive Parenting & COVID-19: 10 Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home
Tips for positive parenting and ways to discipline your child during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Helping Children Handle Stress
Guide to the different ways children deal with stress and how to help them navigate a stressful situation:
American Academy of Pediatrics:
Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis
Guide to helping children’s emotional needs during crisis situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic:
American Academy of Pediatrics:
Talking to Children About Disasters
Helpful resource for tips on how to talk to your child about the COVID-19 pandemic depending on their age group.
American Academy of Pediatrics
How to talk to Children in Difficult Times
Guide to the most effective way to address tragedies such as the COVID-19 pandemic with your child depending on their age group.
Tips for talking to your teenager about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canadian Pediatric Society
School Resources by the Government of Ontario
Resources offered by Ontario government to address learning at home while school closures continue.
Government of Ontario
Khan Academy Student Schedules
Khan Academy schedule and resource ideas for students learning from home during COVID-19 school closures.
Khan Academy
2. Resources for Children and Adolescents
The Anxiety Canada website has information and tools to help with anxiety.
Anxiety Canada Video Resources
Anxiety Canada video resources help to learn about anxiety, by delivering new research, information and workshops in videos less than 45 minutes.
Anxiety Canada mindshift app uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals learn to destress.
A site dedicated to providing education and tools for mental illnesses. Collaboration with community partners and youth aged 14 – 29.
Headspace: Meditation and Sleep Made Simple
A meditation and mindfulness app to reduce stress and teach the basics of mindfulness.
Children’s book on COVID-19: This book discusses the pandemic with easy to understand language and pictures for young children.
A COVID-19 youth mental health resource hub.
Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) provides tips and ideas to maintain mental wellbeing.
This mental health resource provides multimedia resources including articles, animations and guided meditations to support teenagers.
Remember you are not alone! Call and video chat with family and friends. Try to maintain a healthy routine by being active, avoiding drugs and eating well. Limit worry and stress by reducing the time spent listening to media coverage on the COVID-19 Pandemic.1-2
It is important to get help, talk to your healthcare team if stress is getting in the way of daily activities. If you, or someone you know, are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, consider the following helpline resources:
3. Resources In Canada
- Canada Drug Rehab Addiction Services Directory: 1-866-462-6362
- Centre for Suicide Prevention: 1-833-456-4566
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1‑855‑242-3310
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre: 1-866-633-4220
- Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266
- Crisis Services Canada:1-833-456-4566 anytime or text 45645 from 4pm to midnight
- Transgender Crisis Line: 1-877-330-6366
- ConnexOntario
4. Resources Outside of Canada
5. Additional Information and References
- Ottawa Public Health. Mental Health and COVID-19. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/mental-health-and-covid-19.aspx
- World Health Organization Europe. Mental Health and COVID-19. http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-technical-guidance/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-outbreak-technical-guidance-europe/mental-health-and-covid-19
Disclaimer: The information regarding COVID-19 is changing constantly as more data become available. The information provided in this website is not meant to replace diabetes healthcare team or public health agencies recommendations, and is intended for information purposes only. Please check with your healthcare providers for any deviations from your care plans.