Mental Health Check-In: One Year Into the COVID-19 Pandemic

It's been one year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in our local area. So much has happened, and so much has not happened. As we look forward to what's ahead, our Behavioral Health providers at Annapolis Pediatrics have put together a "mental health check-in" for parents, children and families. 

Here are some things to reflect on and focus on when it comes to the mental health of your children and family:

• Have a Growth Mindset.

  • Focus on resilience and what has been learned from this experience.

  • Reflect on what has worked so far and what has not, and develop a plan to address problem areas.

    • Use this time to talk to kids about their feelings, about their experiences with school and everything else over the past few months

  • Identify what you ARE able to control and what you CANNOT.

    • If you can, control it and make plans to avoid potential pitfalls - if you can’t, let it go. 

    • Model this for your children and take time to discuss their concerns.

• Find Creative Ways to Foster Social and Emotional Outlets.

  • Make a point to reach out to family and friends on a regular basis either virtually or in-person, if safety permits

  • Involve your children in safe activities to maintain normalcy such as sports, clubs, or online communities, if available.

  • Consider engaging with social or educational “pods” who practice similar safety practices.

  • Allow your children to be active in social causes and help them explore safe ways to engage in topics they care about.

  • Look for ways to be helpers - helping others is one of the BEST ways to help yourself!

• Talk with your children.

  • Do regular check-ins with your family on how they are feeling.

    • Children and adolescents are more likely to open up if they are engaged in another activity while talking (for example: while driving in the car)

  • Don’t dismiss feelings, even if they seem irrational.

    • It is important to validate feelings (even your own) before starting any explaining or problem solving.

  • Practice Asking Open-Ended Questions

  • Remind your children that they aren’t in this alone - children and families all over the world are experiencing similar feelings, frustrations, and worries.

Call us to schedule a consult with your provider if your children are showing signs of depression, anxiety or any emotional or mental health disorder. We offer in-person and virtual options. In the case of an emergency, contact your local Crisis Hotline.