COVID stress, anxiety felt by children, too; resources available to help caregivers

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has worn out many individuals. Those who have felt or continue to feel stress and exhaustion brought on or intensified by the pandemic have kids or know others who have kids who feel the same way. The children feel the effects of COVID-19 stress, too.

An investigation by JAMA Pediatrics – Global Prevalence of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Children and Adolescents During COVID-19 A Meta-analysis – reported, “The COVID-19 pandemic, and its associated restrictions and consequences, appear to have taken a considerable toll on youth and their psychological well-being.” The study’s conclusion stated, “Overall, this meta-analysis shows increased rates of clinically elevated anxiety and depression symptoms for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The complete JAMA Pediatrics study can be downloaded.

An American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s article titled “What Parents Can Do: Promoting Mental Wellness in Our Children” provides tips on how adults can help.

Additionally, SupportLinc, the employee assistance program (EAP) for the West Lafayette campus, is available to assist individuals through many different avenues: 

• Coronavirus Toolkit – provides resources, including those specific to families, regarding the pandemic
• “Managing Coronavirus Stress” – flash course
• “Your Teenager’s Emotional Wellbeing” – feature article
• “Childhood Anxiety on the Rise” – short video
• “Common Mental Health Disorders in Adolescents” – article
• “Depression in Children and Teenagers” – article
• “Even in His Youth” – article and Q&A
• EAP Counseling – variety of ways to acquire mental health assistance
• In-the-moment support – reach a licensed clinician by phone 24/7/365 at 888-881-5462.
• Web portal – username: purdue
• SupportLinc eConnect mobile app – username: Purdue University
• Textcoach– exchange text messages, voicenotes and resources
• Animo – personalized digital resource offering self-directed modules
• Navigator – complete a short survey and receive personalized guidance for accessing program support and resources

To schedule an appointment with a SupportLinc EAP counselor, call 888-881-5462 or log into the SupportLinc website (username: purdue).

Another resource that parents and caregivers might find helpful is The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, which supports and promotes the mental, emotional and behavioral well-being of youth.

The section titled “COVID-19: Managing Risk, Fear, and Anger – Shrinking it Down” could be especially helpful right now.

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program advocates for integrated care programs that focus on behavioral health and community support. The resources above and below align with that mission. 

To assist faculty and staff

Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including EAP resources for all Purdue campuses, information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse as well as behavioral health referral locations for the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and information
• Presentations and trainings
• Student of Concern reporting link

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app.

Questions

Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.