Coping with Stress

I hope that all our Vestal Hills families are staying well in challenging times. As we all cope with stresses and uncertainty, the VHE counseling department is looking for ways to provide connection and resources. Below you will find some advice from Mental Health First Aid USA; you can also access it on their website. Please know that we are here for all our VHE families and miss seeing the students very, very much! Contact myself (tamastro@vestal.k12.ny.us), Mrs. Rizzo (marizzo@vestal.k12.ny.us) or Ms. Tyson (jatyson@vestal.k12.ny.us) with any concerns or questions.

Take care of yourselves, Mrs. Mastro

__________________________________________________________________________________

From Mental Health First Aid USA:

If you’re feeling stressed or nervous during these days of COVID-19, you’re not alone. Uncertainty and the sense of not being safe — not to mention physical distancing, round-the-clock news and empty grocery shelves — are stressful. What you’re feeling is common around the world.

We know you’re looking for ways to take care of yourself and #BeTheDifference. We’ve compiled these tips from the Mental Health First Aid curriculum to help you care for your own and your loved ones’ mental health.

If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.

You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.

For more information and resources from MHFA during this difficult time, read these new resources on our blog:

How to Care for Yourself While Practicing Physical Distancing

How Do I Know Someone is Experiencing Anxiety or Depression?

How to Help Someone with Anxiety or Depression During COVID-19

How to Support a Loved One Going Through a Tough Time During COVID-19

For more information on COVID-19, please visit these resources:

The National Council for Behavioral Health: Resources for COVID-19

World Health Organization: Rolling updates on coronavirus disease

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation Summary