Many of our patients face an increased risk from the broad impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). Because of this, we are providing our families with the following tips and strategies to help them mentally cope at home.
Ways That Patients Can Support Their Own Well-Being
- Step away from electronics. Breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media, are very important at this time. Hearing about COVID-19 repeatedly can be upsetting, especially as information changes rapidly. This can be confusing for anyone.
- Take care of your body. Stretch. Take time to be still and quiet. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Take all your medications as prescribed and on-time. Stay in communication with your medical team by phone or MyChart.
- Make time for fun! Engage in activities you’ve always enjoyed that can be done while honoring social distancing.
- Talk to others as much as possible – through virtual connections. Explain how you’re feeling and what your concerns are.
Ways Parents and Caregivers Can Help
Children and adolescents tend to follow the lead of the trusted adults around them. Caregivers will provide the best support for their children when they deal with COVID-19 calmly and confidently themselves. Be open and engage in discussion, while remaining supportive and reassuring. This is a hard task! Seek support for yourselves so that you can be present emotionally for your children.
All children and adolescents respond to stressful times differently. Keep an eye out for some of these common changes:
- Increased crying or irritability
- Return to behaviors previously outgrown (toileting accidents, bed wetting)
- Excessive worry (asking similar questions repeatedly, being clingy)
- Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
- “Acting out” behaviors or struggling to follow directions
- Difficulty with attention and concentration
- Avoidance of activities they have previously enjoyed
- Increased report of unexplained physical symptoms (headaches,pain)
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Ways to support your child:
- Spend time together. Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 and its impact on your lives. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand. Be honest.
- Validate concerns and reassure your child that you and their healthcare team are doing everything they can to help them be safe.
- Help them understand areas where they have some control and things they can do to keep themselves safe. Wash hands. Follow social distancing. Stay away from restaurants or public places. Avoid touching unnecessary things. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Take all your medications as prescribed and on-time. Stay in communication with your medical team by phone or MyChart.
- Set limits on your family’s exposure to news coverage, including social media. Information is changing rapidly, can be highly confusing, and is easily misinterpreted. This can be frightening if they do not understand. Have discussions about what they hear and let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them the ways that you cope with your own stress so that they can learn from you.
- Try to keep up with regular routines. Children like to know what will happen next. While schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
- Be a role model. Engage in your own self-care: take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect VIRTUALLY with your friends and family members for support.
If you or your child needs to speak with someone regarding these issues, please contact your mental healthcare provider. In addition, the free app “Stop, Breathe, and Think” is a great resource that provides tools to help you practice mindfulness and meditation. It also has a specific section dedicated to coronavirus.
