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April 27, 2020
COVID-19
Resilience in
Uncertain Times
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| The COVID-19 pandemic and the current public health crisis situation is stressful for everyone and it is normal to be anxious and worried. Our stress and anxiety can cause us to focus on all of the negatives and trigger "what if" questions that may drive us to think about worst case scenarios. During times of stress, people often overestimate how bad the situation can get, but underestimate how well they are able to cope.
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| People are Resilient and Use Coping Skills Every Day
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Think of difficult or challenging situations you have encountered that you were able to manage. Even if things weren't perfect, what did you do to cope with the situation?
Remind yourself that you can handle stress and that if you feel you need support, you can reach out to family, friends, colleagues, or professionals. | Remember our collective resources - excellent health care and resilient communities. Try to replace catastrophic thoughts with something like, "This is definitely a difficult time, but we will get through it together."
Don't underestimate what you are able to do when faced with challenges.
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| Responsive Care Giving Spend quality time with your kids. Even short periods of time together engaged in fun activities can bolster their sense of safety and security.
Stay connected with others through online video chats, telephone calls, emails, or texts. These connections help adolescents feel connected and supported.
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Meeting Basic Needs Know that asking for help is a sign of strength and resourcefulness, not weakness. Identify any services that are needed for food, shelter, clothing, and mental health supports.
Prioritize parent and caregiver mental and physical health.
Spend time and energy on enjoyable activities with family.
Take breaks from work and care giving responsibilities. | Reassure youth about their safety and the safety of loved ones.
Maintain predictable routines for sleeping, eating, learning, and fun.
Support regulation skills in managing difficult feelings through deep breathing, movement, quiet time and check ins.
Emphasize positive stories of hope, resilience and people helping each other.
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Social Connections Encourage teens to stay socially connected virtually. Spend virtual time regularly with extended family members and friends.
Focus on connections that offer helpful support.
Connect to others through common hobbies and opportunities to help in the community, which can be rewarding and meaningful.
Conduct regular check ins with families.
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"We are wired to do hard things. These hard things can be managed well when we remember this: we are wired for connection." Dr. Jody Carrington
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| Finding Happiness in
Challenging Times
Happiness means something different to each person, and while we all have tough moments when we feel down, the experts say there are some very simple ways of finding happiness every day that can help lift your spirits.
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Feeling grateful for what you have in your present life. Savouring the moment when something positive happens. Have an awareness of what you enjoy in life. Try listing five things you are thankful for right at this very moment.
Know your strengths. Are you creative? Kind? Brave? Do you have a good sense of humour? Look into your strengths and find ways to use them.
The power of positive thinking and the importance of balance. It's important to allow yourself to experience both positive and negative emotions, especially at difficult times. If you're faced with a challenging situation, a balanced thought might be, "This is going to be really hard, and with the right support, I can find a way to make it work."
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Self-Care Practices Take a fresh air break
Meditate or listen to guided visualizations
Cuddle with pets
Listen to music
Practice yoga
Spend time outdoors
Exercise
Turn off electronic devices
Play a game
Dance
| Resilience Building Strategies Write in a journal
Volunteer for a cause meaningful to you
Make a gratitude list
Join an online social club
Work in the garden
Spend time with those you love
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Take the Time Enjoy a nice meal
Take a nap
Lay in the grass
Read a good book
Have a movie marathon
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WE Well-being Play Book is a hands-on guide filled with everyday tools, actions and tactics to nurture your own mental well-being and the well-being of others. It is filled with tips applicable to daily life using cutting-edge science applied in practical, fun ways for everyday
use. More WE Well-being Resources
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Click the button below for a comprehensive list of Community Services and their availability during the pandemic.
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Safer Schools Together is offering a Free
Remote Session for Parents: Raising Responsible Digital Learners
April 29 - 9:00-10:30 am
This parent presentation will focus on increasing your understanding and awareness of safety in the remote learning world. Being social is such an important part of your child’s growth and that has become much more difficult with ‘shelter in place’ orders in affect. At this age, they will encounter situations that will challenge their independence, including cyberbullying (and more commonly – cyberexclusion), the dangers of anonymity, privacy, sharing intimate images, and inappropriate websites, and you need to be there to provide support and guidance during this critical period. Finally, to better equip you for your digital parenting strategy, a snapshot of the current video conferencing platforms, trends and concerning apps will be provided.
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Chief Joseph sends a message to all in light of COVID-19.
"If ever there was a time and a need to honour our common humanity, "Namawyut (we are all one), this is it. This is the moment."
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Learning Resources for Students with Complex Needs
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| Food Resources for Families
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