Wellbeing Support during COVID-19

As we continue to face the effects of the pandemic, we need to be mindful of our emotional wellbeing. Many in our community will be facing economic difficulties. Please contact the school if you need support. 

Our advice:

1. Keep calm – there are lots of things outside our control. Let’s remember to focus on what really matters. School will continue to focus on being a calm place where students feel they belong and can learn.

2. Be kind – we are all in this together. Reach out to help others who may be in need. Know that nearly everyone is feeling stressed and when we are on edge, we can be sharp when we do not mean to be.

It can feel stressful and overwhelming during an event like the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we can all be affected differently. You or your children might feel overwhelmed by the information, conversations and the increased levels of stress in your community. It can be hard to know what information to trust especially in a situation where things are changing so quickly. It can be helpful to keep up-to-date but it’s also okay to switch off from the 24 hour media cycle if this is getting too much. Following is some advice accumulated from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Headspace that may assist you to support your family's mental health as this situation continues to unfold.

Children will inevitably pick up on the concerns and anxiety of others, whether this be through listening and observing what is happening at home or at school. Providing opportunities to answer their questions in an honest and age-appropriate way can help reduce any anxiety they may be experiencing. You can do this by: 

• speaking to them about coronavirus in a calm manner
• asking them what they already know about the virus so you can clarify any misunderstandings they may have
• letting them know that it is normal to experience some anxiety when new and stressful situations arise
• giving them a sense of control by explaining what they can do to stay safe (eg wash their hands regularly, stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing)
• not overwhelming them with unnecessary information (eg death rates) as this can increase their anxiety
• allowing regular contact (eg by phone) with people they may worry about, such as grandparents, to reassure them that they are okay.

These resources may also help.

• Kids Helpline-  https://kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus  
  
• Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
• UNICEF support for eenagers: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teenagers-can-protect-their-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19
• Resources for students' wellbeing during closures
• Tips for coping with Coronavirus anxiety
• FACE COVID - a useful resource outlining what you can do to respond to the Corona crisis and help your family cope.
• Helping Children Cope with Stress
• Supporting Children During the Coronavirus
• Supporting Families during COVID-19
• Safeguarding Children during COVID-19
• How to help children and young people through the COVID-19 pandemic
• Beyond Blue - Supporting Children and Young People

Please don't hesitate to reach out to PHS!

Anna Michalopoulos & Youliana Yaya, PHS School Psychologists