Use these resources to manage anxiety and stress in you and your child:

• Annie's Hope: Center for Grieving Kids (Apply Now)
  • Additional Info on Annie's Hope and Covid-19
• Free Mental Health Services for Ritenour Families through Preferred Family Healthcare
• Working with Kids through a Crisis
• PBS Kids For Parents
• Managing Anxiety
• Mindfulness meditations for adults and children
• Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
• World Health Organization tips for helping kids deal with COVID-19 related stress
• Show Me Hope BJC Counseling Program
  • Show Me Hope Resources:
    Stressed by COVID-19? Access these resources for your emotional health: https://dmh.mo.gov/disaster-services/covid-19-information
    DHSS COVID-19 24 hour hotline: 877-435-8411
    Disaster Distress Helpline: Phone 800/985-5990.  Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
    Social Justice: https://dmh.mo.gov/disaster-services/coping-with-community-unrest
    MO Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling Program: https://www.moshowmehope.org/
    https://www.facebook.com/Missouri-Show-Me-Hope-Crisis-Counseling-Program-110293060677590/
    https://twitter.com/MOShowMeHope

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. 

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child during this time, as they may be influenced by inaccurate or false information.

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines and with schools closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Also, consider connecting with your friends and family members virtually.

Here are healthy ways to cope with stress:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories
• Set limits on media and social media consumption
• Stay active
• Eat healthy foods
• Stay hydrated and avoid excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol
• Connect with others
• Get accurate information from reputable sources 

Those who are struggling to adapt to challenges or need someone to talk to can contact any of the following organizations: 

• Mid-Missouri Crisis Line
• Safe Connections St. Louis

St. Louis County has created a website dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to COVID-19, www.stlcorona.com. Please visit that website or those belonging to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most current and reputable information available.