SocialEmotional and Mental Health Workshop Ashley King School

Social-Emotional and Mental Health Workshop Ashley King School Counselor B. A Psychology M. Ed School Counseling

Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Describe mental health and review current statistics Factors that can negatively impact your children’s mental health Impact of Covid-19 on children’s mental health Warning signs to look for Strategies to help support mental health of children Teaching resilience Self-care for parents

Overview of Mental Health and Current Statistics ● Essential part of children’s overall health (mental and physical) ○ ○ ● Anxiety and depression are two of the most common diagnosis of mental health disorders in children and adolescents. ○ ○ ○ ● interactive relationship between mental and physical health and their ability to succeed in school, at work and in society. physical and mental health affect how we think, feel and act on the inside and outside 7. 1% of children aged 3 -17 years (approximately 4. 4 million) have diagnosed anxiety. 3. 2% of children aged 3 -17 years (approximately 1. 9 million) have diagnosed depression. 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. Increase over time ○ ~5% combined diagnosis from 2011 -2012 (CDC, 2020)

(CDC, 2020)

Factors Affecting Youth Mental Health The Family and Youth Institute

Potential warning signs Behavioral Symptoms ● ● ● Frequently sad Moody or irritable for extended periods of time Loss of interest in normal activities Isolation from family and friends Making negative comments about themselves, the world, or the future Physical Symptoms ● ● ● Frequent headaches/stomach aches Fatigue Changes in sleep or eating schedule.

Impact of Covid-19 on mental health of children and adolescents ● Worry, anxiety, fear, uncertainty ○ ○ ● ● ● no longer see friends, certain family members, attend sports, bowling alleys, or other fun sources of entertainment Separation from peers ○ loneliness and isolation from lack of peer interaction Social distancing Change in sleep patterns ○ ○ Anger, disappointment ○ ● fear that family members, friends or they themselves will become ill/infected. anxiety, worry, and fear about having a lack of resources such as food and water during this time ● Sleep empowers an effective immune system, it heightens brain function, enhances mood, and improves mental health Children need about 9 hours a night of sleep for optimal health and brain function (from childhood-age 22) Change in daily routines ○ When children know what is going to happen during their day, they experience a sense of control, they will also feel more prepared and confident.

What parents can do to support children’s mental health ● Be available to your child ○ ● Give them space to be honest with you ○ ○ ● ● ● Setting aside time specifically to be present with your child reactive pattern of blaming, accusing and punishing your child creates create a self-protecting, desire to lie be aware of the present moment and give children full and undivided attention, Respond to concerns calmly, kindly, and nonjudgmentally Validate the emotion ○ Encourage them to talk about how they feel ○ “Your perspective is important to me and you make sense. ” Encourage good physical health ○ Get outdoors, exercise ○ Regular exercise decreases negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, and depression. Encourage children to take a walk outside and practice mindfulness techniques ○ ● ● Be a role model Provide second chances ○ Allow children to restart when they have gotten off on the wrong foot

Teaching Resilience ● ● Adversity is a natural part of life and being resilient is important to overcoming challenges and good mental health. Connectedness, competency, helping others, and successfully facing difficult situations can foster resilience ● Avoid why questions ● ○ Instead ask “how. ” “You left your bike out in the rain, and your chain rusted. How will you fix that? ” ○ Increase the child’s problem solving skills Do not provide all the answers ○ ● If your child asks if they’re getting a shot at the doctor’s office, instead of placating them, say, “I don’t know. You might be due for a shot. Let’s figure out how you’re going to get through it. ” Avoid talking in catastrophic terms Help children manage emotions Teach concrete skills ○ For example, a shy child may first need to learn the skills about how to greet someone and start a conversation Tartakovsky, M. (2018). Tips For Raising Resilient Kids.

How to start conversations with your child about their feelings ● ● ● Find time to talk privately with your child. Reflect on your own observations. Be an active listener while their talking Respond to concerns calmly, kindly, and non-judgmentally. Daily check-in

What should parents avoid doing when your child is struggling with mental health ● Avoid discouraging from sharing and showing feelings ○ Each child might express their feelings in different ways and it might cause more harm if they are discouraged from expressing that. ● Avoid labeling problems as “too small” ● Avoid telling your child they need to do “x” or “y”. ○ Offer a list of various coping strategies for your child or teen that they can choose from to best fit their needs and help to empower and reinforce their choices

Self-Care for Parents ● Mental health of parents can have an effect on children. Strategies: ● Make time for yourself ○ ● Reconnect with the things that you enjoy doing ○ ○ ● Hobbies/activities Learning a new skill. Prioritize healthy choices ○ ● create space to recharge and decompress. Remember to be thoughtful and intentional about how you’re treating yourself and your body Be kind to yourself

Free resources/apps ● ● ● Headspace App Calm app Insight timer Mindful gnats i. Reward chart Virtual calming room (counselor’s corner)

Mental Health Conclusion https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=1 i 9 Okt. Vs. TWo

Questions