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UPDATED: 9/15/2021
As we work together to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic, it is important to recognize the threat that COVID-19 poses to the mental health of adolescents. Students especially, may be struggling with the transitions resulting from COVID-19. This list of resources is intended to provide parents and caregivers information that supports children’s’ mental health awareness and guidance.
Please note, this list is not exhaustive and is not meant to replace needed professional care.
On Our Sleeves: Behavioral Health Resources
Expert behavioral health resources for coronavirus, including: a Summer Mental Fitness Guide, Warning Signs of Depression and Suicide from COVID-19 Fatigue, Teaching Mental Health, Navigating Student Transitions Due to COVID-9, Self-Care Exercises, Creating New Schedules and Routines, and more!
Apps to Help with Mental Health
Lists general health apps as well as tools that focus specifically on coping with anxiety, depression, and difficult circumstances via meditation, connection, and other techniques.
How to Find a Telehealth Provider for Your Child
With in-person treatment temporarily halted, Child Mind Institute provides a guide for parents seeking remote health treatment for their child.
Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19
NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) provides practical tips for helping children cope with changes due to COVID-19.
For teenagers facing life changes due to the outbreak who are feeling anxious, isolated, and disappointed, know this: you are not alone. UNICEF shares six strategies for teens facing a new (temporary) normal.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The NCTSW provided a guide to help families cope with COVID-19.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. This link provides specific resources and information for parents on children's mental health.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. On their website you can find a large library of mental illness resources for all ages and people from all different walks of life. There is also a section of the website specifically for teens and young adults.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Million Classroom Project
On Our Sleeves launched the Million Classroom Project to support the anticipated increase in needs this upcoming school year. The goal of the project is to provide free mental health resources, developed by behavioral health experts, to 1 million classrooms across the country and every classroom in Ohio. After registering, educators can download the free resource, “How to Support Kids in the Classroom,” which includes mental wellness activities and tips for students preschool-age through high school.
Ohio Department of Education: Mental Health Resources for Back to School
A list of resources curated by the team at OhioMHAS is aimed at supporting the mental health of students, parents, caregivers and school staff upon returning to school and throughout the year.
Ohio Department of Education: Student and Staff Well-Being Toolkit
Check out the Student and Staff Well-Being Toolbox for new resources that support and promote mental wellness among students and educators.
Safety.com Guide to Teen Health and Safety
The guide provides over 25 online resources for teens covering the topics of: General Mental Health, Cyberbullying, Smartphone and Device Concerns, Social Distance Activities, Meditation and Mindfulness.
A comprehensive list for anyone at any age seeking information about and/or help for a range of mental health issues.
In partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Sources of Strength is a free suicide prevention program available to all Ohio schools.
NOTE: These resources are not intended to replace needed professional care related to COVID-19 or mental health conditions. If a child is demonstrating unsafe behavior, or if a child talks about self-harm or harming others, seek help immediately.