Healthy Minds STRESS ANXIETY DEPRESSION AND GRIEF All

Healthy Minds STRESS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND GRIEF

All emotions are a healthy and critical part of being human. When emotions (fear, sadness, anger…) keep one from enjoying life or interfere with daily functioning additional help may be needed.

Just Breathe 3, 4, 5 Breathing: Breathe in through nose for 3 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out through mouth for 5 counts Breathe in and out slowly through one nostril, then alternate Breathing or Mindfulness books, apps, and music Especially for kids Blowing bubbles as slowly as possible (big bubbles) Blow pinwheel for as long as you can Use expandable ball to illustrate Feel belly as you breathe Breathe in and out as back is rubbed (rub up for 3, hold at top for 4, rub down for 5)

Gratitude jar for Thanksgiving Share one thing on the way home or around the dinner table you were thankful for Write notes of gratitude Model gratitude Volunteer: Because we have been given much, we too shall give

Talk It Out Reflective listening: Reflect back what you have heard including feelings “So the teacher called on you and you didn’t know the answer and felt embarrassed? ” Identify resources for help (teachers, coaches, counselor, principal, religious leaders, scout leader, outside agency) Sometimes we need someone outside the situation who can listen impartially and confidentially Reflect on times barriers have been overcome Kids may need to do activity as they talk Draw a picture

Emotional Intelligence Use feeling words/games Talk about character’s feelings in books, tv shows and movies On the way home or around the table share 1 sunshine moment and 1 cloudy moment (or OREO – share one positive moment, one negative moment and one thing they are grateful for) Responding to negatives: Try to just listen and reflect and help problem solve/empower if needed – “So what happened next? ” “How did that make you feel? ” “What do you think are your options now? ” “What would be the possible outcome? ” Sometimes anger hides sadness, worry, embarrassment Reflect on times you positively handled an emotion

Sensory Help Weighted blankets or jackets Chewable jewelry Fidgets Calming scents (in diffuser or plug in or in neck wrap/stuffed animal)

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Appropriate amount of sleep Nutritious food Exercise/play Get outdoors Connect with others Balance Physical affection if desired Laughter Smartphone and/or social media detox

Grief Children react differently You may see regression in behaviors Children may or may not want to attend a funeral; prepare Allow the child to create a memory book or draw pictures of special memories Allow freedom to express emotions; Anger is normal If difficulties persist, grief counseling may be beneficial Good Shepherd Hospice offers counseling and groups for children and families Read books together to start conversations

My Favorite Things Apps Calm Search “Anxiety for kids” (Snap’s Stories), “Mindfulness for Kids”, “Relaxation for Kids”, “Feelings Kids” Books for Kids “What to Do When…” Series (Dawn Huebner) Amazon search Books for Adults Cds or music – create a playlist for relaxation EAP – Employee Assistance Program Online or in-person support groups for parents

Websites/Provider Searches www. childmind. org – mental health for children https: //adaa. org/ – anxiety and depression www. iocdf. org – anxiety and OCD https: //www. nimh. nih. gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index. shtml National Institute of Mental Health http: //www. chaptershealth. org/services-chapters-health-system/chapters-health-hospicecare/good-shepherd-hospice/grief-support/bethany-center/ - The Bethany Center (grief) Treatment Centers for Mental Health Issues significantly impacting the child and/or family https: //rogersbh. org/locations/tampa - Rogers Behavioral Health https: //health. usf. edu/medicine/pediatrics/rothman - Rothman Center for Pediatric Neuropsychiatry