AUGUST 2020 | ISSUE 5
THE HELP SHOW NEWSLETTER A Monthly Discussion of Mental Health Topics
JOIN US COFFEE & CONVERSATION: BACK TO SCHOOL Virtual Live Podcast August 28 at 6:30pm CT
In This Issue: School during a pandemic- 2 Upcoming podcast - 3 In case you missed it - 4
Back To School Join us for our upcoming Coffee & Conversation virtual live podcast Throughout the United States, the arrival of August is synonymous with “back to school� season. With the COVID-19 situation gradually stabilizing in some areas, several states are now preparing to reopen their schools following months of forced closure. Some schools plan to start their academic year entirely online and return to the classroom at a later date. However, a large number of people look forward to sending their children back to in-person school 5 days per week, debating that children learn best in an in-person educational environment that is more conducive to learning. Still other institutions plan to introduce a more hybrid model, utilizing both online and in-person learning facilities. In any case, returning to schools during a pandemic demands sound decision-making and proper planning to develop intentional strategies to manage safety and mental health concerns. Register for our virtual live podcast for guidance to address your concerns during this unique back-to-school season.
The Challenge Parents face a difficult decision regarding the best way to educate their children at the start of the 2020-21 school year. It is widely recognized that schools are not just a source of academic learning; they also help develop emotional and social skills, offer physical health classes, and provide mental health support. However, parents are also concerned with the school's ability to enforce safety standards to keep their children safe. Therefore, parents must balance
the
wide
range
of
information
from
teachers, other parents, school administrators, and public health experts as they make decisions for their individual children in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health concerns for students
Parents must also be prepared to address mental health concerns related to back-to-school. For example, students who have been away from classrooms and have grown closer to their parents (who may have been primarily working from home)
Parents are the key
Whether learning occurs at home or at school, parents are the key to their children's success. Get your children back on track with a healthy routine of balanced meals, regular exercise,
semi-structured
routines,
and
are now expected to undergo separation anxiety.
wholesome sleep.
Additionally, students may struggle to re-adjust to a
Reassure your children regarding their safety
structured routine, which will require strong safety
(but avoid giving excessive reassurance that
measures if the learning takes place in person. It may
could lead to over-dependence on parental
also be difficult for students to remain socially
guidance and inhibit the child's ability to
distant from their friends who they may not have
make sound safety choices).
seen for months. Even the classroom itself may present concerns as students struggle to catch up
Create a plan to support the behavioral
with the curriculum, so it's more important than ever
health needs of your children on their
to support children through this stressful time.
educational journey, including by addressing the children's mental health concerns. Support teens as they practice self-care to address their own mental health needs. Know when to seek professional help. Join our upcoming virtual live podcast to
learn more about back to school anxiety and how you can become a part of the solution.Â
Join our upcoming virtual live podcast Coffee & Conversation: Back To School Friday, August 28th at 6:30pm Central This is the most unique back-to-school season of our lifetimes, and there are no easy answers. Join our virtual live podcast to learn from experts to help you make the best decisions for your children.
Register
NiEtta Reynolds, MSW Founder of The Help Show
NiEtta will host our podcast to help us understand the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of students, emphasizing on reopening of schools. Her goal is to create opportunities for those in need of access to mental health resources and help them overcome challenges in order to lead healthy, productive lives. NiEtta is passionate about educating the community on mental health issues, so she uses her platform to engage people from all walks of life in spreading mental health awareness .
Kenneth Rogers, MD Psychiatist / Co-Host
Dr. Rogers, our podcast's co-host, has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist addressing PTSD and other trauma. His clinical research demonstrates the positive outcomes of intervention through communitybased mental health programs. He will help lead our discussion regarding the mental health issues that can result from the stress of change and fear in adults and children.
Dr. Tia Crossley Licensed Psychologist / Guest Speaker
Dr. Tia Crossley is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. She also holds credentials as a Health Service Psychologist with The National Register of Health Service Psychologists. Dr. Crossley has eleven years of professional experience providing psychological services to schools, mental health clinics, and universities. While in the school setting, Dr. Crossley served in many administrative roles to foster the development of upcoming professionals.
In Case You Missed It Our last podcast: Intergenerational Trauma In our last podcast, we talked about intergenerational trauma related to racism, and mental health, including how and why minorities have limited access to mental health care, how this impacts the daily lives of minorities and what you can do to help. If you have questions about
the
podcast, contact us via thehelpshow.org.
Archived Podcasts Visit our library at www.TheHelpShow.org/podcasts/ The Help Show hosts podcasts to address a wide variety of mental health topics and educate the community to how to access mental health resources.
Mental Health Resources Get help at www.TheHelpShow.org/podcast-resources/ In addition to the resources addressed on our podcasts, visit our website to find mental resources in the community at any time.
Donate Support our cause at www.TheHelpShow.org/donate/ You can also donate via CashApp to $thehelpshow or inquire via our website at www.TheHelpShow.org. This month, make a difference by donating to Vivify Community Charities as they raise funds for laptops and tablets to support children of low-income families as they return to school.
Register for our next virtual live podcast Coffee & Conversation To learn more about schooling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how the Help Show benefits our community, REGISTER NOW for our upcoming virtual live podcast.
