Maintaining Your Mental Health

During Covid-19

Being a teenager can be difficult under normal circumstances. Because of COVID-19, teenagers today are facing an even more challenging time. These challenges can cause changes in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The following are some common thoughts and feelings that teens may be experiencing:

1. Feeling stressed or overwhelmed, frustrated or angry, worried or anxious.

2. Feeling restless, agitated, on high alert, or unable to calm down.

3. Being teary, sad, fatigued or tired, losing interest in usually enjoyable activities, or finding it difficult to feel happy.

4. Worrying about things like going into public spaces, becoming unwell, or contacting germs.

5. Constantly thinking about the situation, and unable to move on or think about much else.

6. Experiencing physical symptoms like increased fatigue or other uncomfortable sensations.

If you or someone you know are experiencing any of the above, know that you are normal! And you're not alone! There are many ways we can take care of ourselves to help manage our changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

zoom_out_map

When to ask for immediate help:

If you or someone you care about is having thoughts or urges to harm yourself or others, you should ACT.

See below for steps you should take to ACT.

You can also contact the following:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line- text HOME to 741741

SAMHSA's National Helpline- 1-800-662-HELP

Tips for Mental Health and Coping

1. Maintain a daily routine with consistent sleep, activity, and study patterns.

2. Stay connected with others.

3. Talk to people you feel comfortable with about your feelings or worries.

4. Eat healthy meals and snacks at regular times throughout the day.

5. Limit caffeinated drinks like coffee or energy drinks, because these can increase feelings of anxiety.

6. Relieve times of high anxiety with physical activity.

7. Limit the amount of time you spend talking about or watching/listening to the news media about COVID-19 if you find the situation overwhelming or distressing.

8. Do hobbies and activities that you enjoy, calm you down, or help focus your mind or body.

10. Understand that people around you may also be dealing with stress and anxiety. This may make it difficult to control emotions. Try to resolve conflicts.

11. If you continue to feel overwhelmed or are unable to calm down after a period of weeks, seek help from a trusted adult.

12. Take time for yourself.

13. Be kind to yourself and each other.

Virtual Calming Resources

This space was set up to help students, families, and staff when they need a place to take a break.

Feel free to browse this website by clicking on the page links across the top of the page

to find a strategy that works for you.

50 Ideas for Coping

People who use coping skills to calm themselves down can then problem-solve without their emotions getting in the way. These coping skills can be beneficial tools in a variety of different situations.

open_in_new zoom_out_map

COVID-19 Mental & Behavioral Health Resources List compiled by the Texas Education Agency

pdf

insert_drive_file

TEA COVID-19 Resources.pdf

Download

372.1 KB

Support for Grieving

Tips for supporting grieving children and teens during COVID-19.

References

Mental Health First Aid

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/04/tips-to-help-teens-cope-during-covid-19/#:~:text=Maintain%20a%20daily%20routine%20with,yourself%20permission%20to%20stop%20worrying.

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/03/how-to-care-for-yourself-while-practicing-physical-distancing/

UNICEF

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teenagers-can-protect-their-mental-health-during-coronavirus-covid-19

For help with finding counseling and mental health resources, contact your school counselor. We're here to help.