Counseling - Resources » COVID-19

COVID-19

It is so easy to get caught up with the storm in the media right now, but force yourself to disconnect. If you must, check only trusted sources such as the CDC and WHO. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your parents. If the people around you won't stop talking about it and it's causing you more anxiety, it's ok to ask them to stop. We are all in this together and must support each other.

This is a very challenging time for all of us. It's hard not being able to see your friends and go about your daily routine. However, you must remember why we are doing this: to protect ourselves and others. We can all be carriers of this virus and not even know that we are spreading it. By staying in our homes and limiting interactions with others, we are keeping everyone safe. If you are a healthy teenager, you may only be sick for a short time. However, it can be severe and life-threatening for others who have chronic health problems or are older. Social distancing protects the ones we care about and love. Check out this great video that clearly shows the power of social distancing.

Here is an extra resource for you on how to keep the greater good in mind during this time. It also has lots of other resources available on their website. 
 
Wondering what's going on? What to know what you can do?
 
Watch this short video.

COVID-19 Vaccination

See more information directly on the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html

Socio-Emotional Tips

It is perfectly ok to be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions right now. Some of you are homebodies or prefer online learning and are loving staying home. Others may even be experiencing various levels of anxiety and panic. Feeling some anxiety is perfectly normal right now. Often, the fear and anxiety gets worse when you feel like you don’t have control—but you do have control over many things right now:

  1. Wash your hands and stop touching your face. Yes, it really is that simple.

  2. Stay socially connected. Humans are social beings and thrive on connection. Since we all need to be practicing social distancing, we need to connect in ways that are safe. FaceTime a friend. Text someone you haven't heard from in a while. Have a Netflix Party. Have an online dance party.

  3. Stay active. Fresh air is good for us so go for a walk in your neighborhood or a park. Some fitness apps are currently free to help support people over the next month (check out Down Dog for yoga—they also have other apps like HIIT and 7-minute workouts).

  4. Do things that relieve stress for you. Check out apps such as Headspace or Calm if that appeals to you. Or maybe pull out that dusty Monopoly board game and spend time with your family. Bingeing on Netflix is ok but try not to get caught up for hours.

  5. Disconnect. After spending all day on your computer, walk away from technology for a bit. Your eyes and brain need a rest.

  6. If you feel yourself getting caught up in the frenzy, talk to someone you trust. Journaling is also a good way to sort out the thoughts in your head.

  7. Write down things you are grateful for. There are so many benefits of gratitude and it can be life-changing. For now, it can help get you through these long days.

8 tips to help comfort and protect children regarding COVID-19

8 consejos para tranquilizar y proteger a los niños sobre COVID-19

Resource Guides

  1. COVID-19 Guide to Mental Health Resources for Children, Teens & Young Adults, includes COVID-19 mental health information and services for youth and their parents and caregivers from an array of nonprofit organizations and City agencies. Download it here: thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/ uploads/2020/08/082620-YouthServicesGuide-Mobile. pdf

  2. Resource Guide: Teens and Abuse During the Coronavirus Crisis, offers suggestions for what to do if you are in a home with someone who is causing you harm or if you are experiencing abuse online. Download it here: thrivenyc. cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/100720- COVIDSupportforTeens-Mobile.pdf

  3. COVID-19 Guide to Mental Health Resources for Justice- Involved People, includes mental health resources and information that can help people with justice involvement, people with loved ones who are or were recently incarcerated, and caregivers of children with incarcerated parents find mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Download it here: thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/ wp-content/uploads/2020/12/112520-GuidetoMHResou rcesforJusticeInvolvedPeople.pdf

  4. Mental Health Resources for New Yorkers in the LGBTQI+ Community, includes mental health information and resources available to support New Yorkers in the LGBTQI+ community, their families, and allies. Download it here: thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/ uploads/2020/12/121420-LGBTQ-Guide-FINAL.pdf