Programs + Resources

COVID-19 Support

As we all deal with implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember the additional stress it places on our youth.  We have compiled and are sharing a list of resources for families, counselors, educators, and other community members, to help address the additional pressures, stresses, and changes our youth are encountering during this challenging time.

Research shows that youth turn to substances for a number of reasons — stress, loneliness, and periods of transitions are some of the leading causes that can trigger unhealthy choices. We know you are concerned about keeping children safe and healthy, we will continue to add to these tools and resources, so please check back often.

VIDEO: THANK YOU TEENS

Casco Bay CAN Coalition members recognize how resilient youth are and we thank them in this video!

Casco Bay region kids are doing their part to keep their community safe and healthy. We realize these times have been particularly difficult for them as they haven’t been able to attend school, participate in events with their friends, or explore their world in new and exciting ways – all of the things that kids love. Share this video with your teen and let them know others in the community care and are here for them too.

Resources for Addressing Stress and Anxiety Regarding COVID-19

Child Mind Institute
 An abundance of articles on COVID – 19 including Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus

Dr. John Duffy
Television interview with Dr. Duffy gives his medical advice on how to adapt and stay calm during an anxiety-inducing time.

Dr. Robert Brooks: Resilience in the Face of COVID-19

Greater Good Magazine: How School Closures Can Strengthen Your Family

Understood
Works to help students with learning and thinking differences, several resources under
Coronavirus: Latest Updates and Tips

Commonsense Media: Resources for Educators During the Coronavirus Pandemic

A Meditation for Feeling as Safe as You Reasonably Can with Rick Hansen, PhD

Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Corona Anxiety Helpful Tips and Tools

211 now available to answer general questions about COVID-19
Available by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org

Student Resources for Stress and Anxiety Regarding COVID-19

Headspace
Meditation app offering some free meditations to reduce COVID-19 stress

Grit Digital Health and Nod
App helping students build social connections to reduce loneliness

The Conversation
Article with coping strategies

Well Being Resources from the University of Michigan
Fun relaxing videos great for study break

Core Power Yoga on Demand – Free!

National Alliance on Mental Health
COVID -19 Information and Resources

Breathe App – Free!
Combats stress/anxiety, acting as a natural tranquillizer for your nervous system. It takes just over a minute and can be done anywhere.

Hey Sigmund
Mindfulness videos for kids

A Teen Support Guide to Navigating Coronavirus

Resources and suggestions for teens on how to take care of themselves and each other.

Teen Virtual Get-Togethers or Programming Ideas
Plan your get together or program as you typically would, you’ll need a program plan and marketing to let attendees know about it. Use Zoom Video Numbers (first come first serve), Skype, Kast, or FaceTime Group Video Calls.

  1. Zoom Silent Disco: we all love dancing, so why not do it with your friends? For a zoom silent disco, create a Spotify/Apple Music playlist will all your favorite songs, then share that playlist with all your friends. Then, get on a Zoom call with your friends, pop your headphones in, and get dancing!
    • Hop on a zoom call with your friends
    • Everyone downloads the app “Pulse Social Radio” to listen together
    • One person creates a station, and sends it out to their friends
    • Everyone adds songs to the station, and dance away!
    • Alternative, use a Zoom breakout room, share your audio w/everyone else on silent, and dance away together!
  2. Live Stream a favorite show and keep the chat open: Everyone loves a movie night, and those movie nights are event more fun with your friends! And no one likes when someone talks through a movie, so why not be able to chat about it silently? Try some of the links below to socially watch a movie with your friends!
    • Watch videos and shows together with: https://twoseven.xyz/
    • Download the extension “Netflix Party” on Google Chrome to start a watch party! Join a Zoom call and put yourself on silent to watch all together
    •  Kast is another great watch together service!
    • Virtual Cooking Class—This one is simple, and has a variety of ways to do it. Either you can pull up a YouTube video of a cooking class, and share your screen (or use one of the services above like Kast), or, one person leads a class cooking a dish, demonstrating each party of the recipe. Once you’re done, you can all eat together!
  3. Book Club: Check out this free book site.
  4. E-sports: Using native online features of the Switch, Xbox, and Playstation, create tournaments for all sorts of games! Using a website such as Challonge, you can create a bracket for your tournament. Using a service like Kast, you can watch one another AND compete as you play computer-based games as well!
  5. Virtual Zumba/Yoga class: Things are stressful right now, we need a breather! Through Kast or Zoom, open a YouTube Zumba or yoga video, and come together for some class and relaxation!
    • Yoga with Adriene is a great place to start! Adriene’s videos are free, fun, and accessible. Her videos range from 15-40 minutes, so there’s definitely a class for you!
    • LIVELOVEPARTY.TV has a ton of Zumba videos for you & your friends to do!

More Parent/Student Resources During COVID-19

Drug Disposal During COVID-19

YMCA of Southern Maine: Virtual group exercises and kids classes schedules

YMCA of Southern Maine: Activities and curriculum for various ages

COVID-19 Well-Being Toolkit and Resources: Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin has a wealth of resources for parents, educators, and students

Lynn Lyons video – How to Handle the Anxiety Caused by Coronavirus Outbreak

Hey Sigmund: Karen Young is an expert on anxiety in children. Lots of resources here for parents

What Teachers in China Have Learned in the Past Month: Interesting article from George Lucus Foundation

Greater Good Magazine: Several great articles including How to Help Teens Shelter in Place, Guide to Well Being during Coronavirus, and more

Ten Percent Happier: Coronavirus Sanity Guide includes actionable ways of coping including meditations, podcasts, blogs

International OCD Foundation: Resources for the OCD and related disorders community during the COVID-19 outbreak

Shatterproof Addiction Education Platform: Guidance on how to help loved ones and find treatment

Natural High Playlist: Videos about natural highs with prompts for family discussion

Partnership for Drug Free Kids: Confidential Helpline for families

National Association of School Psychologists: Information, guidelines, and resources to help support the learning and well-being of students, their families and others in the school community during the COVID-19 crisis

Love is Louder: A wonderful resource from the JED Foundation for college students featuring Stay Calm, Stay Active, Stay Connected resources

Healthy Minds App – Free: Train your mind and rewire your brain to experience less stress, more focus

Addiction Policy – Free: App to Support People in Recovery During COVID-19 Outbreak

Mindfulness Class for Kids – Free 

Mental Health America: Mental Health and COVID-19 Information and Resources

Coping During COVID-19 Resources for Parents: Live Facebook chats daily

A Message for Parents of College Students Working From Home (Including Myself), From a Faculty Member

Hey Sigmund – Video Library:  General anxiety videos with tools to help for all ages:

 

 

 

 

 

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