Resources for Pandemic Fatigue


This pandemic is getting long!  I am sure that I am not the only one that is feeling this way.  For me, approaching the one-year anniversary of this whole hot mess has brought up a number of feelings.  Back when this all began, no one would have ever predicted the variety of impacts which this would have on all of our lives.  Obviously, disruption to things which have been predictable, such as school and work, have been unsettling.  Financial insecurity, social unrest, political controversy, etc. have also been a part of our universal 2020 experience.  Anyone else want to retire the word “unprecedented?”

As a part of the state movement to return students to in-person learning, alarming statistics have been cited. There has been a 25% increase in mental health emergency room visits for children from 5-12 and a 30 % increase in visits for teenagers between October and December.  40 percent of adults surveyed indicated that they were struggling with their mental health. That being said, it is important for us to know what we can do to take care of ourselves and those around us.  The CDC, HHS, the Ad Council and The White House have collaborated to develop a resource website called The Coping-19 Campaign. 

According to their website, “It’s ok not to be ok right now.  While each person’s experience is unique, we’re in this together. In partnership with mental health experts, we’ve gathered resources and tools to help find a healthy harmony of body and mind during this uncertain time.”  Included are topics such as Suicide Prevention Resources, Smart Money Tips During Covid19, Challenge Your Creativity, Playlists to address anxiety, stress and sleeplessness, Coping with Isolation, and general Resources.


        

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Image
This month, we want to take time to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide, those who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge all of those who have been impacted.  Why is this work important? According to the CDC, in 2021, there were 48,183 deaths by suicide in the United States, which is equivalent to 1 death every 11 minutes. 1.7 million adults attempted suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. In North Carolina, suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 10-18. There was a 94% increase in youth suicide from 2011-2020.  Suicide can be prevented by recognizing signs, learning how to help, and taking steps to help those in need. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Student Services Department has a district protocol to respond to and manage suicide risk.   Firearms are the most common method used,...
Read more

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 11-17, 2024

Image
  Although Random Acts of Kindness week will be celebrated next week, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has provided a calendar for the 2023-2024 school year; that's 365 ideas of ways to spread kindness. They also provide a variety of resources for spreading kindness at school, at home, and at work, including a 2024 calendar for adults to spread kindness at work throughout the year.  Additionally, the Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices department has compiled a Random Acts of Kindness resource folder that includes lesson plans, kindness activities, announcements, book lists, and more.  Join the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in their effort to make kindness the norm, not just next week, but all year long! 
Read more

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Image
  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and only half of them receive treatment. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. They have more than 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. You can visit their website to find your local NAMI.  NAMI also actively participates in Mental Health Awareness Month to eradicate stigma, extend support, foster public education, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join their Take the Moment campaign to promote open dialogues, and cultivate empathy and understanding. They have provided a toolkit with more information on the campaign including how to spread awareness, social media content, graphics to share, and facts.   NAMI provides a Teen ...
Read more