Stress and Trauma
Impact of Stress
All students and adults are at risk of an exaggerated stress response if they
have experienced :
recent loss or history of significant loss
past or current exposure to trauma
pre-existing behavioral health concerns or history of such
limited support systems in family, community or workplace
a feeling of isolation; difficulty with attachment and relationships
or poor or limited coping skills and supports.
Several key COVID-19 stressors include anxiety about exposure and illness; limited connections to others; a limited support system; lack of cognitive stimulation; monotony; limited access to normal coping strategies; stressed family members; limited resources; financial stress; losses and grief; and uncertainty.
Resource on toxic stress:
How are we adjusting to the changes in our school environment?
Recognizing the needs of others is the first step to addressing them and connecting them to resources.
Look and Observe
Basic necessities and practical needs (food,
clothing, shelter, medical care, school
supplies)
Psychosocial needs (connection, positive feedback, counseling)
Academic needs for students and professional supports for staff
Ask and Listen
Students at all levels
Families through outreach and offering
services
Staff at all levels, in formal and informal ways
Connect to Resource
School-based resources (counselor, family resource and youth service centers, health center)
Community-based resources (behavioral health providers, grief counselors, health clinics, social services)
Referral to Student Assistance Team
Student/Family Resources:
Supporting Student's Mental Health-Tips for Parents and Educators
Webinar from CUCARD: Helping parents with anxiety going back to school
Untitled document.pdf