During this difficult time with the spread of COVID-19, we at MVCA know that many Learning Coaches and their families may be struggling and are in need of community resource assistance. We will do our best to help you in any way that we can. For assistance please contact Jan Collier, FRC at 616-309-1600 ext. 3125, email JCollier@michva.org or Marianne Marzolla, MKV Liaison at 616-747-0256, email MaMarzolla@michva.org during school hours. Take care of yourself, your families, and your neighbors. We are all in this together and you are a part of our MVCA community.
Detroit Pistons - Michigan COVID-19 Resource Central
COVID-19 PANIC & ANXIETY SYMPTOMS
Many people who already struggle with anxiety are particularly of concern at a time with daily uncertainties and increased media attention to COVID-19. Here are some helpful tips to reduce anxiety for those individuals. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
- Be in contact with your mental health provider. Most are doing web-based sessions or phone sessions. Insurance companies are changing their guidelines during this time to cover such sessions.
- Be mindful about watching too much media and what your body is doing while watching it. 1-2 times a day is enough! Do not watch media broadcasts one hour before going to sleep.
- Some people struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) that increase during high anxiety times. Do not overdue hand washing as can lead to dry, redness leading to infections.
- Be in the present: Do not expend all of your mental energy on anticipating every possible scenario possible.
- Exercise: Find ways to work out in your home or outdoor space.
- While home you will have more free time to fill up. Do the things you typically do not have time for usually. These may include: catch up on sleep, house work/seasonal cleaning/organization projects, seasonal yard work, or those “never have time for” photo album completion etc.
TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT COVID-19
As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear. CDC has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.
General principles for talking to children about COVID-19
Remain calm and reassuring.
- Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. They will pick up cues from the conversations you have with them and with others.
Make yourself available to listen and to talk.
- Make time to talk. Be sure children know they can come to you when they have questions.
Avoid language that might blame others and lead to stigma.
- Remember that viruses can make anyone sick, regardless of a person’s race or ethnicity. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19.
Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online.
- Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety.
Provide information that is honest and accurate.
- Give children information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child.
- Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the Internet and social media may be based on rumors and inaccurate information.
https://www.thepathway2success.com/virtual-calm-down-activities/
Food Assistance
Families can get food, cash, internet during crisis | Bridge Magazine
- Where to get free food in Metro Detroit during the Coronavirus Crisis: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/where-to-get-free-food-in-metro-detroit-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/ar-BB11fZHH
