COVID-19 Mental Health Supports

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MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

We are at a time in this pandemic where the shock has started to wear off and we’re adjusting to finding our way down the road that still lies ahead. More than ever, it’s important that we move from thinking of self-care as a luxury to weaving it into our everyday routines and modeling this for our children. As with frequent handwashing recommendations for the sake of personal hygiene and physical immunity, we need to continually engage in activities that enhance our resilience… or psychological immunity.

This month we want to encourage everyone from teachers to parents and families to continue to build resilience with a focus on connection, calm, and gratitude. We want you to know in your minds and hearts that you have all been “doing your pandemic best” over the last several weeks to support your children, families, and school communities.

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’d like our entire Jeffco community to engage in cultivating resilience together during the month of May. Whether you are an overnight at-home teacher for your own children, or someone who cares about a Jeffco student, we’ve got something for you!

Take a look at our Jeffco Strengths website where we bring you small daily activities that can add up to a big boost in your mental wellness and those around you.

this week: cultivate calm!

NAVIGATING THE MENTAL WELLNESS OF YOUR CHILD & FAMILY

During these times of stress and uncertainty as we navigate the 21-22 school year, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as are the physical health effects. Below you will find resources to support you and your family members during this time .

This infographic from Mental Health America can help identify your concerns, what you can and cannot control, what to look for, tips for managing anxiety, and when and where to get help.

Check In

Are you checking in with your child and yourself about mental health?

Talk with your child/children one-on-one
Listen without judgment and ask questions
Use some of the resources provided here to start the conversation

Self Care Tips

Taking care of your self is just as important as taking care of your loved ones.

Take breaks from following the news, including social media
Take care of your body with exercise, healthy eating, meditation, and good sleep
Make time to relax
Connect with others and talk about your concerns and feelings

Changes to Watch For

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way so here are some common changes to look for:

Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
Excessive worry or sadness
Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
Poor school performance or avoiding school
Difficulty with attention and concentration
Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
Unexplained headaches or body pain
Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Next Steps

We encourage you to reach out, if applicable, for more support to your school-based mental health professionals or community mental health supports (see below).

Contact your health insurance for a list of covered providers
Check with your faith-based community for potential resources
Talk with your employer to see if you have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Ask your child’s primary care physician for referrals/ideas
If your family does not have insurance, take a look at some more flexible alternatives such as Jefferson Center For Mental Health | Español

HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT COVID-19

CDE COVID-19 RESOURCES

TAKING CARE OF MENTAL HEALTH

12 TALKS TO HAVE WITH TEENS - COVID-19

Managing Anxiety Around COVID-19

Want your kids to play independently? Need to set up a homeschool environment? Don’t miss our expert, Avital Schreiber-Levy, founder of TheParentingJunkie.com.

Dr. Laura Markham, clinical psychologist and bestselling author, speaks to Renee Jain about helping kids navigate through fear and anxiety around the coronavirus.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary teaches parents about radical acceptance even when life throws shocking curveballs such as school closures due to the coronavirus.

Natasha Daniels is a child therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety. She discusses how to help kids quell compulsions exacerbated by news of the coronavirus.

Managing Anxiety Around COVID-19

Gozen.com offers these experts to help you and your family navigate remote learning, anxiety, and other fears or concerns of the day.

TheParentingJunkie.com, provides some tips on how to set your new normal with peace, play, presence.

Dr. Laura Markham, clinical psychologist and bestselling author, speaks about helping kids navigate through fear and anxiety around the coronavirus.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary teaches parents about radical acceptance even when life throws shocking curveballs such as school closures due to the coronavirus.

Natasha Daniels is a child therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety. She discusses how to help kids quell compulsions exacerbated by news of the coronavirus.

Worried about Suicide?

Are you worried that your child or another person is in immediate danger or is considering suicide?

If you are concerned that your child or another person is:

In immediate danger - Call 911

Is considering suicide:

Take them seriously
Stay with them or make sure they are not left alone
Remove lethal means
Call SAFE2TELL at 1-877-542-7233
Escort them to mental health services
- Colorado Crisis Centers
  - walk-in clinic
  - call 1-844-493-7255 (TALK) or text: TALK to 38255
- Local emergency department

Let's Talk with Mark Koebrich: Teen Suicide

What parents should know about Suicide

Society for prevention of teen suicide

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

Jeffco's Mental Health Support Team is here to help.

Start by contacting your child’s school - counselors, psychologists, social workers, social-emotional learning specialists, and nurses are available to help.

If you need additional support, please contact the Student Services Office [email protected]. Someone will respond to you within 24 hours.

DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES website

School mental health professionals are working to show students they are supported while school buildings are closed. John Ferrugia of Rocky Mountain PBS talks with Jeffco SEL Coordinator Mishele Stein Carroll and Laura Wheeler, SEL Specialist at Campbell Elementary.

additional resources

	Colorado Crisis Services - A statewide resource that provides walk-in services for crisis intervention, referrals, or information. Crisis line: 1-844-493-8255 and Text “TALK” to 38255. The crisis support line and walk-in centers are confidential and are available 24/7/365.
	The Action Center - The Jeffco Action Center is the largest Jeffco Community hub and offers five-day food supplies, clothing, household items, mail services, rent assistance, utility assistance, and connections to community outreach partners. Food services are available for drive-thru and walk-up service. Appointments required. 720.215.4850.
	Safe to Tell – anonymous way for students, parents and community members to report unsafe and risky behaviors before they grow out of control. 1-877-542-7233
	National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for anyone experiencing distress and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the organization offers prevention and crisis resources. 1-800-273-8255
	Jefferson Center for Mental Health (JCMH) – Offers a full range of services and resources to support the mental health of children, youth and families. 303-425-0300 \| Español
	El Centro de las Familias – Part of the Mental Health Center of Denver, this is a multi-cultural clinic providing Spanish-language and bilingual outpatient mental health care to Denver’s Latino/Hispanic community. 303-504-7900

Additional Community Resources

Mental Health Colorado -Mental Health Colorado is the state’s leading advocate in promoting mental wellness, ending shame and discrimination, and ensuring equitable access to mental health and substance use care. Mental Health Colorado is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and an affiliate of Mental Health America. 720.208.2220

United Way 2-1-1 - A statewide community resource connecting individuals and families to critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, childcare, and more. https://unitedwaydenver.org/2-1-1/

Jefferson County Rent/Utility/Security Deposit Assistance - Part of Jefferson Center for Mental Health's Navigation services - this document provides resources for rental, utility, security deposit assistance, and other needed services from various resouces in Jefferson County and some in the Denver area. 303-432-5130

Mean Street Ministry Resource Guide – A thorough Denver Metro resource bank with information for needs ranging from, housing and shelter, food and clothing banks, pregnancy, baby food & childcare, medical, dental, employment, and alcohol and substance abuse resources. 303-232-2500

Community Table – Arvada's area food bank offers programs in two essential areas: Hunger Relief and Self Sustainability.303-424-6685

The Trevor Project – Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQI+ youth through the TrevorLifeline. TrevorChat and TrevorText (text “TREVOR” to 202-304-1200).

Judi's House - Provides support groups for children and their families grieving the death of a loved one from any cause, including suicide. 720-941-0331

Colorado Black Health Collaborative (CBHC) – This organization is committed to improving the health and wellness in Colorado’s Black, African, and African-American communities through community events and programs, health resources, news and information, and works with a variety of partners throughout Colorado. 720-579-2126

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) – Provides financial assistance to eligible, low-income families who need child care benefits for children from birth to age 12 or children with additional care needs under the age of 19. 303-271-1388

Resources for Caregivers About Wearing Masks - A resource with information and guidance on how to encourage children to wear masks when necessary.

Helping Kids Cope with Anxieties Around Going Back to School - The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Use these tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school.

Mental Health & COVID-19 - Being a caregiver or a parent is stressful during normal times and increasingly so with the COVID-19 outbreak. It is important to take care of yourself so that you are better able to take care of the important people in your life. Use this resource for caregiver specific information.

Resources for Mental Health Professionals - This PDF holds various resources for Mental Health Professionals returning to school, both virtually and in-person.

Resources and Information

Jeffco Public Schools COVID-19 website

How to Talk to Kids about COVID-19

Talking to Children about COVID-19 from the National Association of School Psychologists

Family/Parent Supports

Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association

How to talk to your anxious child about the coronavirus - Psychology Today

Parenting with Resilience in Unsettling Times - Psychology Today

Jeffco Mental Health Services website

Resources for Schools and Families during COVID-19

Find ideas for:

physical activity, play and discovery
transitioning to online learning
food access and nutrition
resources for school staff and parents on navigating a crisis

Learn more

Mental Health, Local Community, Suicide Prevention, iNFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Colorado Crisis Services - A statewide resource that provides walk-in services for crisis intervention, referrals, or information. Crisis line: 1-844-493-8255 and Text “TALK” to 38255. The crisis support line and walk-in centers are confidential and are available 24/7/365.

Safe to Tell – anonymous way for students, parents and community members to report unsafe and risky behaviors before they grow out of control. 1-877-542-7233

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for anyone experiencing distress and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the organization offers prevention and crisis resources. 1-800-273-8255

Jefferson Center for Mental Health (JCMH) – Offers a full range of services and resources to support the mental health of children, youth and families. 303-425-0300

Jefferson County Rent/Utility/Security Deposit Assistance – Part of Jefferson Center for Mental Health's Navigation services - this document provides resources for rental, utility, security deposit assistance, and other needed services from various resouces in Jefferson County and some in the Denver area. 303-432-5130

Mean Street Ministry Resource Guide – A thorough Denver Metro resource bank with information for needs ranging from, housing and shelter, food and clothing banks, pregnancy, baby food & childcare, medical, dental, employment, and alcohol and substance abuse resources. 303-232-2500

Community Table – Arvada's area food bank offers programs in two essential areas: Hunger Relief and Self Sustainability. 303-424-6685

National Alliance on Mental Illness – Mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Local support resources available on website. 703-524-7600

The Trevor Project – Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQI+ youth through the TrevorLifeline 866-488-7386, TrevorChat and TrevorText (text “TREVOR” to 202-304-1200).

Judi's House - Provides support groups for children and their families grieving the death of a loved one from any cause, including suicide. 720-941-0331

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Find a Support Group for Children, Teens, and Suicide Loss

El Centro de las Familias – Part of the Mental Health Center of Denver, this is a multi-cultural clinic providing Spanish-language and bilingual outpatient mental health care to Denver’s Latino/Hispanic community. 303-504-7900

Colorado Black Health Collaborative (CBHC) – This organization is committed to improving the health and wellness in Colorado’s Black, African, and African-American communities through community events and programs, health resources, news and information, and works with a variety of partners throughout Colorado. 720-579-2126

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) – Provides financial assistance to eligible, low-income families who need child care benefits for children from birth to age 12 or children with additional care needs under the age of 19. 303-271-1388

Little Elementary School

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH