1. Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Grief
Healthy Minds
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Grief

2. All emotions are a healthy and critical part of being human
All emotions are a healthy and critical part of being human. When emotions (fear, sadness, anger…) keep one from enjoying life or interfere with daily functioning additional help may be needed.

3. Just Breathe
3, 4, 5 Breathing: Breathe in through nose for 3 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out through mouth for 5 counts
Breathe in and out slowly through one nostril, then alternate
Breathing or Mindfulness books, apps, and music
Especially for kids
Blowing bubbles as slowly as possible (big bubbles)
Blow pinwheel for as long as you can
Use expandable ball to illustrate
Feel belly as you breathe
Breathe in and out as back is rubbed (rub up for 3, hold at top for 4, rub down for 5)

4. Gratitude jar for Thanksgiving
Share one thing on the way home or around the dinner table you were thankful for
Write notes of gratitude
Model gratitude
Volunteer: Because we have been given much, we too shall give

5. Talk It Out
Reflective listening: Reflect back what you have heard including feelings
“So the teacher called on you and you didn’t know the answer and felt embarrassed?”
Identify resources for help (teachers, coaches, counselor, principal, religious leaders, scout leader, outside agency)
Sometimes we need someone outside the situation who can listen impartially and confidentially
Reflect on times barriers have been overcome
Kids may need to do activity as they talk
Draw a picture

6. Emotional Intelligence
Use feeling words/games
Talk about character’s feelings in books, tv shows and movies
On the way home or around the table share 1 sunshine moment and 1 cloudy moment (or OREO – share one positive moment, one negative moment and one thing they are grateful for)
Responding to negatives: Try to just listen and reflect and help problem solve/empower if needed – “So what happened next?” “How did that make you feel?” “What do you think are your options now?” “What would be the possible outcome?”
Sometimes anger hides sadness, worry, embarrassment
Reflect on times you positively handled an emotion

7. Sensory Help Weighted blankets or jackets Chewable jewelry Fidgets
Calming scents (in diffuser or plug in or in neck wrap/stuffed animal)

8. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Appropriate amount of sleep
Nutritious food
Exercise/play
Get outdoors
Connect with others
Balance
Physical affection if desired
Laughter
Smartphone and/or social media detox

9. Grief Children react differently You may see regression in behaviors
Children may or may not want to attend a funeral; prepare
Allow the child to create a memory book or draw pictures of special memories
Allow freedom to express emotions; Anger is normal
If difficulties persist, grief counseling may be beneficial
Good Shepherd Hospice offers counseling and groups for children and families
Read books together to start conversations

10. My Favorite Things Apps Books for Kids Books for Adults
Calm
Search “Anxiety for kids” (Snap’s Stories), “Mindfulness for Kids”, “Relaxation for Kids”, “Feelings Kids”
Books for Kids
“What to Do When…” Series (Dawn Huebner)
Amazon search
Books for Adults
Cds or music – create a playlist for relaxation
EAP – Employee Assistance Program
Online or in-person support groups for parents

15. Websites/Provider Searches
– mental health for children
– anxiety and depression
– anxiety and OCD
health/index.shtml - National Institute of Mental Health
hospice-care/good-shepherd-hospice/grief-support/bethany-center/ - The Bethany Center (grief)
Treatment Centers for Mental Health Issues significantly impacting the child and/or family
- Rogers Behavioral Health
- Rothman Center for Pediatric Neuropsychiatry