Friday, May 8, 2020

From the CTKG Cabinet: Mental Health During COVID-19

Hello Kids of Connecticut! My name is Ariana Moreno and I am a member of the Kid Governor's Cabinet.

I ran for Connecticut's Kid Governor on the platform of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. I chose this issue because I want kids to know that their feelings and mental health are important and now, mental health is more important than ever.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important for us kids to take care of our mental health. Here are three ways that you can do that:
  • First: Talk about and realize how you feel during this time. Don't ignore it. Once you know how you feel, you can find ways to control it or talk about it with someone. All emotions that you feel during this stressful time are okay and talking with others is a great way to let them out. Understanding each other during this time is important. 
  • Second: Catch up with friends. You can see how old or current friends are doing during this time. You can talk to them by video chat, phone call, text, email, or letter! Tell them how you're doing and what's going on at home, and see how you can help each other. 
  • Third: Take some time to be outside and breathe. Give yourself a break. You're mostly inside having classes online, looking at a screen all day and it may get stressful, especially with what's going on. Go outside and take a walk while practicing social distancing. Take some breaths and have some time for yourself. While breathing, put your hands on your belly and feel it rise and fall, almost like a balloon. 
This is a very stressful day and age we are living in and that is why we need to understand how we feel and find ways to cope with it. For more suggestions from the Kid Governor's Cabinet on helping yourself and others, visit CT.KidGovernor.org.

I hope you are all feeling well and are at home during this difficult time. Stay safe!

-Ariana Moreno
Casimir Pulaski Elementary School
Meriden, CT

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