Mental Health

Resources for Children and Families during Coronavirus


General Coronavirus Resources


Talking to Kids About Coronavirus

Kids may have many misconceptions and fears about coronavirus. They will also pick up on the feelings of the parents around this, whether it be frustration, fear, perseverance, or more. Here are some links that might help as you talk to your kids:


Stress Management For Kids

Many children are experiencing stress related to the virus, disrupted routines, and more. You can help your child manage their stress through talking, rhythmic activities, deep breathing, meditation, routines, good sleep and nutrition, and more. There are many tips in the other topics here, as well as a couple of general resources listed here:


Stress Management For Parents

Unfortunately, we are all feeling stress during these times. Stress sometimes causes us to act in unhealthy or unsafe ways, so it is vital that parents manage their stresses well in order to be and do the best for their kids. Here are some ideas for this:


Grief due COVID-19

Many children, parents, and staff are grieving the loss of connections with friends, loss of a predictable schedule, loss of plans and anticipated events, and more. Children who have experienced previous losses may grieve more significantly. It is important that we recognize our feelings and give ourselves time to recover from these losses. Here are some resources that might help:


Rhythm

Rhythm is a fun way to reduce stress on our bodies and emotions. Faster rhythms can make you feel more alert, while slower rhythms can quiet your mind and help your body relax. Rhythm activities include singing, dancing, walking, jumping rope...the possibilities are endless.


Breathing

Deep breathing is one of the best ways to manage stress. When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax.


Meditation/Guided Meditation

Meditation can help us relax and keep calm when we are under physical and mental stress. Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and lower blood pressure so you’ll feel more relaxed.


Communication

Communicating effectively is a good way to reduce stress and strengthen relationships. It is especially important for us to use good communication skills during uncertain times to help us connect with each other, resolve issues and to stay as safe and healthy as possible.


Sleep

Did you know kids, even teens, need at least 9 hours of sleep each night? Good sleep helps mental health, physical health, and boosts your immunity! This break in our routines is a great time to make sure that good sleep actually happens. Here are some tips on the topic:


Daily Schedule

Routine is important to keep our children healthy and happy. Each family’s routine will look different and it is important to be flexible too. All kids need routine that includes physical activity and food every couple of hours as well as play, academics, chores, and more. Here are some articles and sample schedules that you might find helpful:


Sibling Relationships

It is normal that kids squabble when they are together for an extended amount of time, and this often is stressful for parents too. Here are some ways you can keep the peace in your home.


Nutrition

Food can be challenging for some families, and of course important for all families. Here are some resources for local meals, as well as articles about eating easily and well.


Children with Special Needs

Children with medical or emotional special needs may need some extra care and attention at this time. These articles and videos give some information about this.


Discipline

Discipline can be challenging in a whole new way when you are home all day every day with your kids and when you are under stress. Check out these tips to keep behaviors and discipline managed successfully at home.


Creative Play With Kids

With so much time on your hands, it can be hard to come up with things to do with your kids. Here are some ideas:



School Counselors

Elementary Counselors

Highland Park - Susan Brien - sbrien@stillwaterschools.com

Richmond - Leslie McSpadden - lmcspadden@stillwaterschools.com - Website - Parent Referral Form

Sangre Ridge - Emily Deason - edeason@stillwaterschools.com - Website

Skyline - Keirstin Sexton - ksexton@stillwaterschools.com - Website - Parent Referral Form

Westwood - Lauren Gin - lgin@stillwaterschools.com - Website

Will Rogers - Michelle Schaecher - mschaecher@stillwaterschools.com


High Needs Counselors

Amber Lewis - alewis@stillwaterschools.com - Website

Brooke Brunken - bbrunken@stillwaterschools.com - Website


Secondary Counselors

SMS


SJHS

JH Parent/Guardian Request for School Counseling and/or Mental Health Resources


SHS

SPS Employee Assistance Program

For employees who may need assistance to overcome issues that are interfering with their ability to function in the workplace, available access to outside counseling and referrals to appropriate community and professional resources is important. Stillwater Public Schools has arranged with 5 the licensed professional EAP counselors of Grand Lake Mental Health Center, Inc. to provide some of these services to our employees at no cost to the employee.

This voluntary, employee-focused intervention program offers assessment, counseling, referrals and follow-up services to employees who have personal or work-related issues and want assistance to identify solutions. Issues that may threaten the employee’s health, effectiveness on the job, and work attendance sometimes include but may not be limited to;

• Stress

• Grief

• Marriage and divorce

• Child/spouse abuse

• Eating disorders

• Family

• Smoking cessation

• Depression

• Aging

• Financial stress, credit problems

• Work

• Alcohol & drug abuse

• Parent-child relationships

• Eldercare

Stillwater Public Schools will fully support the initial visit and some subsequent visits with our EAP provider. Extended services requested by the employee may be at the expense of the individual. Insurance may apply.

Grand Lake Mental Health Center, Inc. has offices in Stillwater.

The EAP provider does not inform Stillwater Public Schools of the identity of employees inquiring about or accessing these services. The EAP provider will supply Human Resources with utilization and activity reports showing number of requests for service and type of service provided without any personal identification.

USING THE EAP

To access the services of Grand Lake Mental Health Center, Inc. please complete a referral form here, indicating 'SPS-EAP' as the reason for referral. Urgent requests for service are expected to be addressed within 24 hours. Non-urgent requests will be scheduled within 10 business days. Grand Lake Mental Health Center, Inc. shall provide guaranteed complete privacy and protection for EAP client records.

If you need assistance accessing services please call 405-372-2202 or email abeard@glmhc.net.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

In addition, an excellent resource for assistance is United Way of Payne County.

United Way of Payne County identifies more than twenty Partner Agencies whose mission is to provide support in a variety of areas, including counseling, legal aid, household necessities, adult day care, healthcare, transitional living services, meals, training and others. United Way of Payne County can be contacted at 405-377-2161, or by visiting at 109 E. Ninth Ave in Stillwater.

Counseling Agencies

Crisis Hotlines

Please reach out if you are in crisis. We know that stress can lead to really difficult situations, and it is important to get help before it is too late.