Mental Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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

  1. Resources for Caregivers
  2. Resources for Children and Adolescents
  3. Resources in Canada
  4. Resources Outside of Canada
  5. 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.

How to Talk with your Teen

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

Anxiety Canada

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

Anxiety Canada mindshift app uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals learn to destress.

Mind Your Mind

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.

The Coronavirus and Me

Children’s book on COVID-19: This book discusses the pandemic with easy to understand language and pictures for young children.

Jack.org

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.

About Kids Health

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

This image is from Ottawa Public Health

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

flag of canada
Photo by Social Soup Social Media on Pexels.com

4. Resources Outside of Canada

5. Additional Information and References

  1. Ottawa Public Health. Mental Health and COVID-19. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/mental-health-and-covid-19.aspx
  2. 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.


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