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Visit https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus to read the complete Zine

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Fresno County Dept. of Public Health - COVID-19

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Fresno County Dept. of Public Health - COVID-19

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Situation in Fresno County
Last updated: May 9, 2020 at 3:30PM

Total Cases: 885

44 (Travel-Related)

365 (Close Contact)

352 (Community-Spread / Unknown)

124 (Under Investigation)

Total Deaths: 9

Ever Hospitalized: 127

Recovered: 313*

Total Individuals Monitored by FCDPH to Date: 2,396

Currently Being Monitored: 636

Test Results Received and Processed: 10,292**

Tests Conducted at FCDPH: 902

* Recovered= Cases who have been laboratory cleared or cleared by non-laboratory methods.
**May include minimal duplicates and tests conducted on non-Fresno county residents. Labs conducted by the VA may be under-reported. More detailed information is now available here: County Epidemiology Program
Information Portal
These identified individuals are being monitored by the FCDPH Communicable Disease Investigation (CDI) Program. Our health care facilities and community medical providers are actively planning and preparing for patients who have symptoms and complications of COVID-19, but every one of our county residents needs to play a part in reducing the risk of transmission.

This is a contagious disease that takes advantage of close contact and poor hygiene, so please do your part in maintaining at least six feet of distance with your peers, staying home if you are feeling mildly ill, and washing hands and surfaces frequently as part of your daily routine.

This health crisis will require everyone to play a role during this challenging time.

Shelter in Place - Executive Order

On March 19, 2020, the California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except for essential needs as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.

COVID-19 Testing

Faith Based Organization Guidance
Drive-in and Public Events Guidance
Fresno County Health Officer Orders:

Fresno County Health Officer Order for Businesses, Hospitals and County Residents (amended 4/14/20)

Fresno County Public Health Notice:

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Last updated: May 9, 2020 at 3:30PM Total Cases: 885 44 (Travel-Related) 365 (Close Contact) 352 (Community-Spread / Unknown) 124 (Under Investigation) Total Deaths: 9 Ever Hospitalized: 127 Recovered: 313* Total Individuals Monitored by FCDPH to Date: 2,396 Currently Being Monitored: 636 Test Results Received and Processed: 10,292** Tests Conducted at FCDPH: 902 * Recovered= Cases who have been laboratory cleared or cleared by non-laboratory methods.

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The Coronavirus Explained & What You Should Do

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The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

1-800-273-8255

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Skip to main content

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

988

¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.

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Stock photo by iStock.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

I'm Struggling With Individuals with Neurodivergence

We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
read stories of hope & recovery

First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

Show What Happens When You Call The Lifeline

Everyone Plays A Role In Suicide Prevention

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

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Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

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Text HOME to 741741

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Crisis Text Line | Text HOME To 741741 free, 24/7 Crisis Counseling

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Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. We're here for everything: anxiety, depression, suicide, school. Text HOME to 741741.

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WARM line operators offer emotional and coping support. Just call 559-600-WARM (9276) Mon.-Fri. 8:00AM to 5:00PM

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We are excited to announce that students from Fresno State Universit... y received an Honorable Mention for their Directing Change Film in the category of Mental Health Matters. The film focuses on the impact sarcasm has on others. Congratulations to Ashley Carter and advisor Nancy Van Leuven. Stay tuned for additional posts from more outstanding student films. Directing Change Virtual Event #directingchange https://vimeo.com/397536226

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The County of Fresno Department of Behavioral Health

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We are excited to announce that students from Fresno State Universit... y received an Honorable Mention for their Directing Change Film in the category of Mental Health Matters. The film focuses on the impact sarcasm has on others. Congratulations to Ashley Carter and advisor Nancy Van Leuven.

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Food, housing, utilities, and other essential needs.

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Find food distribution near you

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Visit the County Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Page for the latest information

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Self-Care and Managing Expectations for Parents and Caregivers

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How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus

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1) Develop Routines
2) Encourage physical activity
3) Encourage positive media use
4) Honest & open communication
5) Watch for signs of needed support

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If the thought of working from home with your child seems frightening, you aren't alone. Kids demand around-the-clock attention-and parenting while juggling conference calls, never-ending emails, and tight deadlines is no joke.

Unfortunately, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19)-the respiratory illness that originated in Wuhan, China-will make this situation a reality for many parents nationwide. Employers are encouraging workers to telecommute in high-risk areas across the country. Some school systems have suspended classes indefinitely, and thousands of people with potential coronavirus exposure have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

That means your family might be stuck at home for at least two weeks, with minimal exposure to the outside world, while you're attempting to keep up with your workload. But don't panic just yet! We spoke with moms and experts who have learned the best ways to navigate life at the intersection of working at home and Mom-ing. Here are their tips for staying productive while working from home.

Create a Schedule

It's important to line up your day carefully, with set "office" hours. How many hours do you hope to work that day? When will you return calls? What can you accomplish while your son or daughter is coloring in the next room? You'll get more done if you work smarter, not harder, says Christine Durst, a mom of two in Woodstock, Connecticut, and cofounder of ratracerebellion.com, a site that helps people find work-at-home jobs.

That said, one of the best benefits of working at home is flexibility, especially if you are your own boss. If your son or daughter is fussing during your office hours and it's a beautiful day, it's okay to push assignments aside and play outside. You can catch up on work later when your cutie has settled down.

If you have an employer, just be sure to have an agreement for how many hours per day you should log while telecommuting. Given the reason for working at home (the spread of coronavirus), some employers may understand the need for non-traditional schedules.

Capitalize On Naptime

Take advantage of naptime for staying productive while working from home. Whether your kid sleeps for one hour or three, use this time to finish assignments that require your complete focus and concentration, says Erin O'Donnell, a mom of two and freelance writer and editor in Milwaukee, who often schedules work-related phone calls during her 20-month-old Jonas's naps.

If for some reason he isn't tired, they have quiet time instead: O'Donnell puts him in his crib with books and closes the door. "I can usually get in 20 minutes of work before he grows restless," she says. If Jonas wakes up while she's on a work call and begins crying, O'Donnell has trained herself to resist hanging up and rushing right in to check on him. "It hurts a little bit to listen to him," she says. "But it won't kill me -or him." Plus, she believes it's important for him to learn how to soothe himself.

Separate Mom and Business Roles

If you don't learn to keep your roles as mom and businesswoman separate, giving each your full concentration for a set amount of time, you'll never feel like you're doing either well. To separate mentally from the rest of the house, set up an office area, recommends Lauren Kohl, an attorney and mom of two in Newton, Massachusetts. She works out of a converted closet, a kid-free zone that helps her to detach from the rest of her house. If she can't see the dirty rompers in the hamper, she's less inclined to leave her desk to launder them, she says.

Plus, it helps you disengage from your job if you have a door to close. If you don't have an office, try making a list of everything you're going to do the next day, leave it in your work space, and walk away. "You're doing something to turn work off," says Durst, which helps with staying productive while working from home.

Keep Kids Entertained

Renee Belbeck, a work at home mom (WAHM) from Columbus, Ohio, and C.E.O. and founder of the National Association of W.O.M.E.N. (Women, Owners, Moms, Entrepreneurs, and Networkers), discovered a simple rule when her children were toddlers: "If I gave them a little quality time, I'd get two hours to work." She says the rule still holds true, even though her children are now 10 and 6.

Her other kid-centric tips: Set aside a few cool toys that your kids can play with, or arrange playdates or special movie viewings only during "Mommy's work time." If your children have something to look forward to, they'll be less likely to interrupt you. You can also try setting up an activity center in your home office so kids feel as if they have their own designated place to do projects while you catch up on e-mails.

Plan for Interruptions

Every WAHM has a similar horror story: She's on an important call, her toddler wants to watch Elmo or is suddenly starving, and her boss is left listening to a whining child and Mom's apologies instead of her bright ideas. Their advice? Hit the mute button during conference calls to avoid any unexpected yells of "Mommmeee!"in the background.

Give your child a nonverbal "Do not disturb" when you need quiet time. Perhaps you could wear a tiara when you're on the phone to signify that kids are not allowed to make noise or interrupt , unless there's an emergency. If you have an office door, tie a red ribbon on it when you're not to be bothered. This tactic is best for older kids; toddlers won't understand that they can't always have your undivided attention. If your toddler is fussing while you're on the phone, end the call and reschedule if you can.

Seek Extra Help If You Need It

You may think working at home means you can skip child care, but you'll have days when you need help-and that's okay (as long as you aren't under self-quarantine). When Jonas was about 6 months old, O'Donnell hired a responsible high-school student to watch him two or three hours two days a week. The teenager charged half of what an adult sitter or day care would, and it meant O'Donnell could concentrate on answering e-mails and returning phone calls.

Another way to get affordable child care: Pool your resources with several other working moms and hire one babysitter to watch all your children at the same time. Even without the sitter, you can get together with other WAHMs and let the kids play while you all work. "I found that if a child has a playdate, he or she is often amused long enough to allow you to do work that doesn't require extreme quiet," says freelance writer Melissa Dutton, of Columbus, Ohio, who also sometimes swapped child care for her two kids with another working mom a few hours a week. "I knew that she worked from home, too, so I offered to take her kid first, and it grew from there."

Your partner can also be a great source of support. When Samuelson's husband, a teacher, arrives home at 3:30 p.m., she relies on him to take over kid duty. He can ferry their two children to the park and get dinner ready, and Samuelson will emerge a few hours later feeling finished with her day's to-do list. If your partner gets home after dinner, ask him to oversee bedtime-you'll fit in at least an hour of work before the kids yell "Mom!" And once they do, you're there for the call, with no rush hour to race through.

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How to Master Working From Home-While Under Quarantine With Kids

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If the thought of working from home with your child seems frightening, you aren't alone. Kids demand around-the-clock attention-and parenting while juggling conference calls, never-ending emails, and tight deadlines is no joke. Unfortunately, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19)-the respiratory illness that originated in Wuhan, China-will make this situation a reality for many parents nationwide.

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How to Help Kids Cope With Situational Anxiety

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How to Help Kids Cope With Situational Anxiety

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By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Posted in: Grade School, Hot Topics, Parenting Concerns, Teenagers, You & Your Family

Topics: Anxiety, Coronavirus + Family Mental Health, Stress

Anxiety is a way we humans have evolved to protect ourselves.

In threatening situations, our brains release of a string of responses that result in rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, hyperventilating, and intense fear - all geared to prepare us for danger. This is the foundation for appropriate and adaptive anxiety. But when this kind of "danger" response happens enough to significantly interfere with a child or teen's social, academic, or recreational functioning, we call it a psychiatric disorder. Still yet, there are examples of when anxiety is not listed an official disorder, but can be disruptive for everyday life.

Let's look at what has been called "situational anxiety."

What is Situational Anxiety?

Situational anxiety is a normal reaction to an adverse event in our lives. It's typically unexpected or shocking, or creates sudden hardship or excessive worrying about how it might negatively affect our lives. It's often tied to feeling out of control. It can affect our kids - interrupting their busy schedules, and impairing their sleep, exercise, academics, and social life.

Some examples that send shock waves through our kids include: natural disasters ( hurricanes, mud slides, forest fires), public health crises, mass shootings, cyberbullying, or a sudden death or a loss.

How Will I Recognize Situational Anxiety My Child or Teen?

In general, anxiety may present itself by one or more of the following symptoms.

These are symptoms of panic attacks, that may be observable:

Rapid heart rate

Hyperventilation and shortness of breath

Dizziness or fainting

Sweating

Pacing

Blushing

Kids may also reveal other signs of anxiety:

Fatigue

Irritability or temper tantrums in younger kids

Isolation

Poor appetite

Poor sleep

Physical complaints: Headaches, stomach aches, chest pain

Reduced verbal responsiveness

Expressions of worry

If this is an issue of situational anxiety, you likely will also notice a rather sudden change in behavior. Your child may behave in ways that are "out of character."

8 Parent Tips to Help Children and Teens Cope

Here is some guidance for parents to consider:
1. If the Situation Also Affects You, Take Care of Yourself
We are all shaken by sudden, unexpected, and at times devastating news events. Many people are profoundly concerned about climate change, natural disasters, or mass shootings. Remember that anxiety is "contagious," and your kids will pick up on your emotional reactions. The most effective way to help them is to stay calm yourself. Here are some ways you can help diminish your own anxiety:

Talk with supports, such as a spouse, partner, friend or relative. Talking about your worries is a great way to decrease anxiety.

Take care of your physical health, including getting restful sleep and exercise.

Use the best methods you have found helpful for reducing your own anxiety, such as yoga, meditation, prayer, listening to music, reading, journaling, or watching a good TV show.

2. Initiate Conversations
Many times, your child will not approach you with their anxiety or concerns. This may be because they feel ashamed, worried that talking will make things worse, or that they will burden you. If you notice a change in your child's behavior, there is no harm in saying: "I've noticed you haven't been yourself, lately. Is anything troubling you?" Then, follow with open ended questions - ones that let them respond with more than just "Yes," "No," or "Nothing." The point of open ended questions is to get more details that allow you to explore what's going on. Examples include:

What are you worried about?

Can you tell me about your concerns?

How are you feeling?

3. Think Developmentally
School-age children (ages 7-12) may have different anxieties about a situation than a teen (ages 13-18) or young adult.

Younger children are more concerned about daily routines and activities. They also tend to see the world in concrete black and white terms. They often need simple explanations about what is going on and a clear statement that you, the parent or caregiver, will be there to protect them. They do not need to be swamped with news and information. For them, it is best to turn the TV and digital media off.

Teens and young adults think with more complexity. They can see beyond the here and now, and may worry about the impact of a situation on their life in the weeks ahead or even years from now. They may be concerned about a situation's effect on their family, friends, community, or the earth. For them, it may help to sit with them in front of the TV or computer and learn together about the situation in the news. Or if it is a local event, such as cyberbullying or a sudden death, have an in-depth conversation about what's been happening. Older children and young adults need to process a situation, and this is best done through discussions.
4. Validate Feelings and Concerns
Kids of all ages need to know that you take their anxiety seriously and acknowledge how much it means to them. Whether it is rational or irrational, it is the reality of what your child is feeling and thinking. Try to uncover their feelings and concerns, and let them know that you understand and appreciate what they are feeling. Then you can have a conversation about the situation in a way that can help reduce their anxiety.
5. Encourage Peer Support
Kids, especially teens and young adults with situational anxiety, often want to talk with friends about their concerns. Peer support has been shown to be very helpful in managing anxiety, and is often best accomplished under supervision of a trusted adult, lest the conversation escalate and increase anxiety. Ask your child if she would like to talk with her friends and a trusted adult. Then, consider which adult could best provide guidance. This might be you or another parent, a valued teacher, coach, community leader, or member of your spiritual community.
6. Help Identify Self-Care Activities
Kids as well as adults benefit from activities that promote resilience and well-being. This includes getting good amounts of sleep and exercise. For all of us, a variety of activities may be helpful, such as the ones noted above for parents. The Clay Center has videos on Self-Care for Middle School, High School and College along with a Tool Kit that may be used at home or in school to facilitate discussion.
7. Provide Perspective and Reassurance
All kids need to know that no matter the situation, there are ways to meet the challenge. For any particular situation, one strategy may naturally be better than another, but in general we want to help them feel confident that something can be done. It is often helpful to think of a family story in which a significant hardship was overcome: "Remember when Grandma died?" or "Remember when the hurricane hit us, and a tree fell on the house?" "We all stuck together, and with the help and support of our family and friends, we got through it." Narratives such as these provide a foundation for resilience and hope.
8. Seek Professional Help
There are times when many of the above measures are insufficient to quell situational anxiety. It may be that your child is struggling with other mental health problems such as depression, an anxiety disorder, or a developmental disorder that make it very hard to bounce back. Or your child may be the kind of kid who is already anxious, moody, or rigid in thinking and gets "stuck" emotionally or in certain ways of thinking.

In these cases, professional help is invaluable. Talk with your pediatrician and get a referral to a mental health professional that can do a comprehensive evaluation and suggest a treatment plan. There are many effective treatments for anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, other types of individual psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy, and medications.

The bottom line is this: at some time or another, we all face difficult situations in our communities and around the world. With thoughtful, sensitive attention to the specific worries and concerns of our kids, we can help ease their current situational anxiety, and lay an important foundation to deal with situational anxiety in the future.

Thanks for visiting the Clay Center. We are entirely funded by visitors like you. We receive no financial support from Massachusetts General Hospital or Harvard Medical School. Your support of our work helps us to continue to produce content on mental health topics that support the emotional well-being of young people everywhere.

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How to Help Kids Cope With Situational Anxiety | MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds

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By Gene Beresin, Executive Director Posted in: Grade School, Hot Topics, Parenting Concerns, Teenagers, You & Your Family Topics: Anxiety, Coronavirus + Family Mental Health, Stress Anxiety is a way we humans have evolved to protect ourselves.

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Social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 can be especially hard for teens, who may feel cut off from their friends. Many also face big letdowns as graduations, proms, sports seasons, college visits and other long-planned events are cancelled or postponed.

Here are a few ways you can help your teen through this difficult time.

Work together to create a new normal

Help your teen create a healthy and productive routine:

Stick to a schedule that works with online learning. Set a time to wake up, exercise, shower, get dressed, have breakfast, or whatever they need to start the "school day." If it helps, allow your teen to sleep in a little later than normal. Like they would be in class, phones should be off while doing schoolwork. Keep the TV off during school hours, too, and limit time watching the news. Plan mini breaks and a 1-hour lunch break.

Make dinner a transition time between the "school day" and the evening. Dinner is a great time to gather the whole family together to talk and share a meal. Try fun conversation starters, such as, "My favorite part of today was..." or "Today I am grateful for...". This may be the time your family may choose to observe a quiet moment together. Help them keep their usual sleep time routine so they are ready for learning each day.

Allow "down time." It's normal for teens to crave more privacy from their family. Give them space for some quiet time, creative time, music time, or to virtually hang out with friends. This can help ease any feelings of being isolated from their friends or difficulties with routine-change.

Communicate honestly & openly

Share information about what is happening in a calm and factual way to help ease their concerns about the virus. Discuss facts about COVID-19 and correct misinformation when you hear it. Reinforce the basics, like the importance of frequent hand washing and avoiding touching their face.

Stress that staying home saves lives. Talk about how social distancing is an important way they are helping slow the spread of the virus and protecting those most at risk. Have a strict "no cheating" rule and stress that it is NOT okay to hang out with friends in person or play outdoor sports like basketball and softball.

Help your teen look forward by helping them shift away from what was lost and identify ways to move on with plans and goals.

Stay safely connected

Reach out virtually. Allow your teen to stay connected to friends and loved ones during social distancing by phone, text, video chat, or social media. (Remind them to check their privacy settings so they are not posting too much personal information online.) Playing games online with friends can also be relaxing and enjoyable for your teen. But be sure to agree on screen time during school days.

Help others connect. Many teens have expertise in using technology and can teach parents or grandparents how to video chat or use social media. This is also an opportunity for them to bring you into their virtual world.

Support family & community

New responsibilities. Routines have changed, and your family may need extra help in caring for younger children or keeping the house clean. Talk to your teen about ways they can play a bigger role. For example, can they help plan or cook dinner? How about teaching their siblings a new dance or fun game?

Virtual guests. Ask your teen to help you come up with creative ways to stay connected with family and friends on a regular basis. Try hosting a "virtual dinner" by setting up a laptop or iPad at the table with the invited guests. Or use a video conferencing platform like Zoom to have an online party where everyone can see each other.

Family projects. Suggest your teen take the lead in projects that involve the entire family, like organizing family photos or recreating the family's history. This is a great topic for calls to grandparents, who may be able to describe challenging times in the past, and how the family coped with stress.

Declutter and donate. Encourage them to clean out their room, the basement, or declutter the garage and prepare items to donate to charity.

Volunteer within the community. Following social distancing and local regulations, suggest your teen look online for local opportunities to serve. Show acts of kindness by making someone's day better with a phone call, text, or social media post. Volunteer to help tutor children of neighbors or friends online.

​Mind and body he​alth

Help your teen find ways to keep their mind and body healthy, such as:

Go for a walk or a run outside, either by themselves or as a family. Remind them of the social distancing rules and to stay 6 feet away from others.

Read a book or visit the library online where there are thousands of e-books, audiobooks, and musical recordings. Research new hobbies or skills to learn.

Do video workouts. Many can be found online, and some park districts are offering access to virtual exercise classes, too.

Watch movies or TV shows together as a family or virtually with friends.

Create a video blog of life during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Start a scrapbook showing what it was like to be a teenager during the outbreak, or a family journal where each family member can take turns describing the day's happenings.

Take a virtual tour of a museum, or walk through the Grand Canyon with Google Earth. Challenge your teen to research 10 places they might like to visit someday and show you why.

Get plenty of sleep!

More Informati​on:

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teens and covid 19~ coronavirus and teens~ coping with social distancing~ depression in childhood and adolescence~ teens stuck at home~ signs of teen depression~ anxiety and teens

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Teens & COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities During the Outbreak

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Social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 can be especially hard for teens, who may feel cut off from their friends. Many also face big letdowns as graduations, proms, sports seasons, college visits and other long-planned events are cancelled or postponed. Here are a few ways you can help your teen through this difficult time.

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< Back to UNICEF COVID-19 portal

Being a teenager is difficult no matter what, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is making it even harder. With school closures and cancelled events, many teens are missing out on some of the biggest moments of their young lives - as well as everyday moments like chatting with friends and participating in class.

For teenagers facing life changes due to the outbreak who are feeling anxious, isolated and disappointed, know this: you are not alone. We spoke with expert adolescent psychologist, best-selling author and monthly New York Times columnist Dr. Lisa Damour about what you can do to practice self-care and look after your mental health.

1. Recognize that your anxiety is completely normal

If school closures and alarming headlines are making you feel anxious, you are not the only one. In fact, that's how you're supposed to feel. "Psychologists have long recognized that anxiety is a normal and healthy function that alerts us to threats and helps us take measures to protect ourselves," says Dr. Damour. "Your anxiety is going to help you make the decisions that you need to be making right now - not spending time with other people or in large groups, washing your hands and not touching your face." Those feelings are helping to keep not only you safe, but others too. This is "also how we take care of members of our community. We think about the people around us, too."

While anxiety around COVID-19 is completely understandable, make sure that you are using "reliable sources [such as the UNICEF and the World Health Organization's sites] to get information, or to check any information you might be getting through less reliable channels," recommends Dr. Damour.

If you are worried that you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to speak to your parents about it. "Keep in mind that illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults," says Dr. Damour. It's also important to remember, that many of the symptoms of COVID-19 can be treated. She recommends letting your parents or a trusted adult know if you're not feeling well, or if you're feeling worried about the virus, so they can help.

And remember: "There are many effective things we can do to keep ourselves and others safe and to feel in better control of our circumstances: frequently wash our hands, don't touch our faces and engage in physical distancing."
>> Read our handwashing tips
2. Create distractions

"What psychologists know is that when we are under chronically difficult conditions, it's very helpful to divide the problem into two categories: things I can do something about, and then things I can do nothing about," says Dr. Damour.

There is a lot that falls under that second category right now, and that's okay, but one thing that helps us to deal with that is creating distractions for ourselves. Dr. Damour suggests doing homework, watching a favourite movie or getting in bed with a novel as ways to seek relief and find balance in the day-to-day.

3. Find new ways to connect with your friends

If you want to spend time with friends while you're practicing physical distancing, social media is a great way to connect. "I would never underestimate the creativity of teenagers," says Dr. Damour, "My hunch is that they will find ways to [connect] with one another online that are different from how they've been doing it before."

"[But] it's not going to be a good idea to have unfettered access to screens and or social media. That's not healthy, that's not smart, it may amplify your anxiety," says Dr. Damour, recommending you work out a screen-time schedule with your parents.

4. Focus on you

Have you been wanting to learn how to do something new, start a new book or spend time practicing a musical instrument? Now is the time to do that. Focusing on yourself and finding ways to use your new-found time is a productive way to look after your mental health. "I have been making a list of all of the books I want to read and the things that I've been meaning to do," says Dr. Damour.

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How teenagers can protect their mental health during COVID-19

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6 strategies for teens facing a new (temporary) normal

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The Trevor Project is dedicated to providing support and resources to LGBTQ youth.
Call 1-866-488-7386 to speak with a trained counselor
Text START to 678678 to contact a trained counselor via text message.

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The Trevor Project | For Young LGBTQ Lives

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The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor. Free and confidential.

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Many people are currently dealing with feelings of stress, worry, and anxiety as we cope with COVID-19. Download and browse through these activities to learn some coping strategies and techniques.

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The Wellness Society | Self-Help, Therapy and Coaching Tools

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In this unprecedented period of global uncertainty, we felt it was necessary to put together a coronavirus anxiety workbook to provide our community with much needed support. This is an online version of the PDF workbook which you can download for free above.

The first thing to note right now is that it's completely normal to be experiencing a wide range of emotions. Accepting your feelings is an important first step to building resilience. The simple act of naming your emotions has been found to benefit wellbeing. So, take a moment now to tune into your body and notice how you're feeling. You may be feeling:

Remember: It's okay to feel discomfort. Accepting distress is often the quickest way to feel immediately calmer.

The terms stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably. To develop a deeper understanding of mental wellbeing, it's helpful to understand how they differ.

Stress

Kelly McGonigal, an expert in the new science of stress, offers us this definition: "Stress is what arises when something we care about is at stake". Many of us are now in positions where things that matter to us feel more uncertain, which understandably gives rise to our stress response.

Stress is best understood as manifesting in the body. It's the racing heart, sweaty palms and funny tummy we're all familiar with. Central to the experience of stress is the amygdala, the area of your brain responsible for generating your body's stress response.

Experts agree that a core component of stress is the perception of threat and danger. You've probably heard of the 'fight-or-flight' stress response as a reaction to perceived danger. In fact, we have various stress responses. For example, there is one response which encourages us to reach out for social support, named the 'tend and befriend' response.

Dr John Arden, author of several books integrating neuroscience and psychotherapy, recently put forward the term autostress for describing what happens when our body's stress response goes on for a long time. He explains:

"Like autoimmune disorders that hijack the immune system, attacking the body instead of protecting it, autostress [transforms] the stress response system into something that attacks the self rather than protecting it."

If your body is in autostress mode, you'll experience a wide range of physical stress symptoms on an ongoing basis, regardless of your situation. That's why people often reporting feeling anxious for no apparent reason. If you're suffering from high levels of distress triggered by the pandemic, you might continue to feel this way after the virus has passed.

Signs of autostress include:

Chest tightness and feeling like you can't breathe

Muscle tension, aches and pains

Headaches

Difficulty sleeping

Restlessness and an inability to relax

Heart palpitations

Digestive issues

Anxiety

Anxiety is commonly described as having both mental and physical symptoms. The distinction between mental and physical anxiety is important because different tools are required for addressing physical symptoms (what we label autostress) and mental symptoms (what we label anxiety).

Anxiety is best described as the unhelpful thinking patterns we experience when our mind fixates on threat, uncertainty and negativity.

Anxiety can occur on its own, as a response to stress, or it can trigger stress. When it occurs as a response to stress, it can intensify the stress, and, in worst cases, lead to panic attacks.

It's important to understand that you cannot control anxiety from occurring - this is your brain's automatic survival mechanism. What matters is learning how to respond to anxiety helpfully, so that you don't get carried away by it.

Here are five examples of what to look out for:

Threat Scanning

When your mind searches the environment for what you fear (consciously or subconsciously). Threat scanning is often associated with your mind assigning meaning to harmless events.

Examples

Frequently checking your body for coronavirus symptoms.

Obsessively checking the news for coronavirus updates.

Catastrophising

When your mind jumps to worst case scenarios, i.e., 'making a mountain out of a molehill'.

Examples

You feel chest tightness and your mind tells you that you have coronavirus and that your life is in danger.

Your mind gives you the mental image of losing all the people you love.

Hypothetical Worry

It's important to note that worry is completely normal. It only becomes unhelpful when you focus excessively on hypothetical worries instead of practical worries. Hypothetical worries include 'what if' thoughts and are typically about things you don't have much control over. Practical worries concern things you do have control over, and they can help you be more proactive.

If you're very uncomfortable with uncertainty, you're likely prone to hypothetical worry and spend a lot of time focused on the future instead of the present.

Examples

"I know I'm following all the guidelines, but what if I spread the virus?"

"What if someone gets too close to me at the supermarket and I catch it?"

Emotional Reasoning

When your mind tells you that your emotions reflect reality. While emotions can act as helpful messengers, they often aren't reliable.

Examples

"I feel scared, so I must be in danger."

"I feel guilty, so I must've done something wrong."

Fortune Telling

When your mind interprets predictions as facts.

Examples

"I'm going to be stuck inside for months on end."

"My mental health will keep deteriorating and I'll have to go back on meds."

Learning how to recognise and reduce anxiety is an extremely helpful life skill.
In Part One of the workbook, we introduce you to several tools for dealing with anxiety.

Part Two is designed to help you create your Stress Resilience Action Plan for preventing and reducing autostress.

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Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook | The Wellness Society | Self-Help, Therapy and Coaching Tools

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In this unprecedented period of global uncertainty, we felt it was necessary to put together a coronavirus anxiety workbook to provide our community with much needed support. This is an online version of the PDF workbook which you can download for free above.

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FUSD Social Emotional Wellness and Support

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FUSD Social Emotional Wellness and Support

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Fresno Unified School District | Fresno Unified School District

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Quick Links School DirectoryDepartment DirectoryStaff PortalBoard AgendasDistrict DataSchool CalendarsHow to Enroll Contact Main Phone: (559) 457-3000 Questions or Concerns: (559) 457-3736 Family Learning and Technology Support: (559) 457-3939 Address: 2309 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721 Popula ...

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If you or your family is in need of counseling, please see link below. Someone can help you find the right fit.

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All information entered on the Care Solace website is completely confidential and securely stored. They do not share specific user information to any third parties or even the district itself.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Email us at Call us 24x7 at (888) 515-0595 weserve@caresolace.org
We speak English, Spanish (Hablamos Español), Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Tagalog and Korean
or Video Chat

Please note, Care Solace is not an emergency response service nor mental health services provider. In the event of a life threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Hotline (800) 273-8255.

Please allow access to your camera to get connected with a Care Companion™️

We apologize, but no Care Companion™️ is available right now.

You can try again in a few minutes or in the mean time, you can email us at weserve@caresolace.org and expect a response within 15 minutes.

This call is recorded and may be reviewed for quality and training purposes.

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Fresno Unified School District : Care Match

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All information entered on the Care Solace website is completely confidential and securely stored. They do not share specific user information to any third parties or even the district itself.

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Si observa que su estudiante podría beneficiarse del apoyo social y emocional, por favor complete este formulario.

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*Due to shelter in place, please note that some of these resources, hours, services, and operations may have changed.

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Benefits.gov hosts information on over 1,000 federal and state benefits and aims to increase the ease of access to assistance programs for people in need. Considering the COVID-19 outbreak, Benefits.gov has compiled a list of resources citizens may find helpful.

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California has a new Young Child Tax Credit. When combined with the #caleitc and the federal #EITC, it could mean up to $8,000 back for families with young children. Find out if you qualify and make sure to file for FREE!

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As Californians continue to take appropriate measures to preserve health and safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, we want to ensure people are still able to file their taxes for free online and claim their cash refund. Click here to learn more.

COVID-19 & Tax Filing FAQ

What does filing my taxes have to do with receiving my federal stimulus check?

In response to the economic fallout felt by millions of Americans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is providing individuals making $75,000 or less -- or $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly -- with stimulus checks of $1,200, plus $500 for each qualifying child. Payments phase out above these income thresholds.

To determine who is eligible for these payments, the federal government will rely on information collected by the Internal Revenue Service through income tax returns.
In order to receive your stimulus check, you must have filed a tax return for either 2018 or 2019. Those who do will automatically receive a payment. If you haven't filed a tax return for either of those years, you can find online resources here to help you file safely from your home.
For those who have set up direct deposit with the IRS (in previous tax filings), the IRS will provide your stimulus check via direct deposit instead of mailing you a paper check.

If you do not have direct deposit set up with the IRS and you've moved to a new address since filing your most recent tax return, you should submit a change of address form in order to ensure that your check is mailed to the correct address.

I don't typically file a tax return. Is there any other reason that I should now?

Yes. During this time of great uncertainty, filing a tax return could help your family access significant cash back in tax credits.

In addition to economic stimulus payments in response to COVID-19, people who typically don't file a tax return because their income is below the requirement could still be eligible for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in tax credit refunds through the California and federal Earned Income Tax Credits if they file.

To find out if you qualify for cash back through the California and federal EITC, you can use our eligibility calculator .

When do I need to file my 2019 taxes?

Both the federal government and the state of California have moved their tax filing deadlines back 90 days to July 15. However, if you or your family need cash to help you weather the economic fallout from COVID-19, there's no reason to wait until July 15 to file. In order to receive your stimulus check and a cashback refund from the Earned Income Tax Credit, you must file a tax return. You can find resources to file now for free online here .

What is CalEITC?

The California Earned Income Tax Credit is a cashback tax credit that puts money back in the pocket of hardworking Californians.

In its first year, the CalEITC boosted the income of about 385,000 people, who received close to $200 million from the credit.

In 2019, more than 2 million people claimed the credit, totaling close to $395 million.

"I am so thankful to CalEITC for what it's done for me. Being that I work in a community center, it gives me the opportunity to give this information out to all my clients."

"I was able to go to more places and do more activities with my children. I'm able to save money now."

"I used to be scared to go to the doctors because I didn't have the money. CalEITC is not only helping me financially but it's helping me with my health."

You may be eligible

California residents who made less than $30,000 in 2019 may be eligible for up to $8,000 in state and federal tax credits, depending on income and family size.

Have kids under six years old? Get an extra $1,000.

The Young Child Tax Credit kicks in with the first dollar you make.

Learn more about YCTC

Don't miss out!

Get reminders for important dates and deadlines to claim your credit.

Follow along for important updates

Support your community

Due to expanded eligibility for the CalEITC in 2020, more Californians will be able to claim this credit than ever before. We have an incredible opportunity to reach them, and make sure they get the money they've earned.

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As Californians continue to take appropriate measures to preserve health and safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, we want to ensure people are still able to file their taxes for free online and claim their cash refund. Click here to learn more. What does filing my taxes have to do with receiving my federal stimulus check?

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Are you an "essential worker" in need of child care?

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Are you an "essential worker" in need of child care?

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Review this list of child care providers near you

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Internet Essentials - Affordable Internet at Home

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Internet Essentials - Affordable Internet at Home

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New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service if you apply by June 30, 2020.

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Participate in assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and others, or are enrolled or enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with Xfinity.

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Internet Essentials - Affordable Internet from Xfinity

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See if you qualify for low-cost, fast and reliable Xfinity Internet from Comcast now! low-income households benefit from access to online resources

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Explore Nature (U.S. National Park Service)

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See elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on animal cams streaming live, 24/7 from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Download Animal Cam Bingo Cards (link opens in new window). These activities are designed to engage learners of all ages in looking closely and thinking deeply about animal behavior and habitats. Welcome to the wild side of learning!

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The Zoo's animal webcams are some of the most famous on the internet. Tune in to watch the Zoo's elephants, lions and naked mole-rats - live, 24/7!

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The Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program has played an important role in the continued recovery of the southern sea otter population with our research, rescue, rehabilitation, and surrogacy work.

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With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are. Be delighted by the antics of our sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. Tune in to one of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's web cams.

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Stellarium Web is a planetarium running in your web browser. It shows a realistic star map, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.

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Virtual Field Trips Throughout the World

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Virtual Field Trips Throughout the World

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Ocean Heroes: Coastal Frontline Communities and Climate Justice
Made possible with support from the Bezos Family Foundation and Students Rebuild
The health of the oceans is suffering, and this has affected some of us more than others. Coastal communities, and those who are less-advantaged because they have less access to resources and face increased societal oppression, are more at risk from rising sea levels and storms. But there are some amazing groups working around the world to make change, educate their communities and build collective awareness. One featured partner, Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), creates K-12 content about sharks, skates and rays, the threats they face and conservation efforts to protect them. Courses include video lessons, activities, quizzes and action items.

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Our virtual field trips allow your students to travel the world and explore natural environments without leaving the classroom. Start your adventure here!

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Find services, programs, and resources available within your Zipcode

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COVID-19: Info and Resources for Immigrant Communities in the Central Valley

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COVID-19: Info and Resources for Immigrant Communities in the Central Valley

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Participate in online activities and events that include live performances and interactive workshops featuring artists, musicians, and other special guests.

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Programming

What's Happening?

WE RISE 2020: Virtual May offers a wide variety of original events - all month long, all online and all for free. We're hosting live performances, interactive workshops, theme nights and town halls featuring some of your favorite artists, musicians and other special guests. New events are being added weekly, so check back regularly to discover more ways to join us.

How Does This Work?

All events are virtual, free and open to everyone. Explore the May line-up and mark your calendar with your favorites. A few of our special workshops require an RSVP. For everything else, simply log on to your preferred platform at the event's start time. We'll be live-streaming on our social media platforms via Facebook Live, YouTube Live and Twitch. Additional details about how to join each event are provided in the daily listings below.

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WE RISE 2020: Virtual May offers a wide variety of original events - all month long, all online and all for free. We're hosting live performances, interactive workshops, theme nights and town halls featuring some of your favorite artists, musicians and other special guests.

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1 800-843-5200 call or chat on website

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Today's Youth are faced with a myriad of complex and difficult issues and often lack an adequate support system to transition successfully into adulthood. In response, The California Coalition for Youth (CCY) provides strong statewide policy leadership around issues concerning disconnected runaway and homeless youth and provides direct support to youth and families through our program, the California Youth Crisis Line.

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Today's Youth are faced with a myriad of complex and difficult issues and often lack an adequate support system to transition successfully into adulthood. In response, The California Coalition for Youth (CCY) provides strong statewide policy leadership around issues concerning disconnected runaway and homeless youth and provides direct support to youth and families through our program, the California Youth Crisis Line.

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For anyone affected by abuse or needing support call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522 available 24/7. You are not alone.

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Healthy relationships for young adults can be confusing. Love is more than just the way you feel, and we’re here to help.

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Call 1-800-799-7233 or chat 24/7

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Home | The National Domestic Violence Hotline

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National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to help victims and survivors of domestic violence. Get help for your relationship abuse today

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If you are a victim of domestic violence and need assistance our services continue to be available 24/7. Please contact our hotline at (559) 233-4357. If it is unsafe for you to call, you may also email our 24/7 crisis response team at crt@mmcenter.org

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Lisa's Story

When someone is lost in the darkness of domestic violence it takes tremendous courage to step out into the unknown. A personal investment in the Marjaree Mason Center provides safety, and so much more - a path toward healing, an opportunity to believe and a future without the fear of violence. Stories like Lisa's are why our mission to equip and empower adults and their children into a life free of violence has continued for the past 43 years. Watch Lisa's life-changing story and partner with us.
Watch Video

Belmont Country Club

Registration Starts: 8:30 am

Shotgun Start: 10:00 am

Join us in celebrating Marjaree's Legacy with live entertainment, delicious food, live & silent auction, fine wine & cocktails.

Clovis Veteran's Memorial District

Educate. Empower. Transform.

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When someone is lost in the darkness of domestic violence it takes tremendous courage to step out into the unknown. A personal investment in the Marjaree Mason Center provides safety, and so much more - a path toward healing, an opportunity to believe and a future without the fear of violence.

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Call this line for any questions regarding school closure or resources (559) 457-3395

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Advice for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

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Advice for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

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Psychologists' research offers ways to help families, caregivers and children cope during the pandemic.

Parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities ¹ are facing unique challenges as a result of COVID-19. For example, while social distancing has been widely promoted as the best strategy to avoid transmission, that advice may not be realistic for people who care for children and youth with disabilities who may require therapy or assistance with daily tasks. Meanwhile, children's clinical services and other treatments are being disrupted with the closures of schools, medical settings and caregiving agencies. Families' ability to obtain critical medical supplies can become difficult as resources become scarce ².

In addition, while children overall seem to be less likely to show symptoms of COVID-19, those with disabilities may fall into the category of "high risk" due to secondary health conditions, ³ further adding to caregiver stress related to fears of infection and contagion. Should a child with a disability become sick or need medical care during the pandemic, many parents worry about rationing ⁴ of care and supplies as another threat to their child's safety. Stressors like these intensify enacted or perceived experiences of stigma and discrimination. ⁵

Strategies to ease stressors

Research by psychologists points to several important ways parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities can cope with the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Communication is key

Stay informed, but don't overdo media. While it is important to keep up to date on the rapidly changing information on COVID-19 in your community, the oversaturation of information can add to stress. To stay informed and keep your family up to date while remaining safe, identify a few trusted sources for accurate updates and limit social media.

Talk to your children and other family members about COVID-19. Choose a safe, comfortable place and time to openly discuss the reason for the changes to their lives. Social narratives, which draw on text and pictures to talk about situations and responses, can be a useful tool (links to social narratives on COVID-19 appear below). Remember, children may have difficulty expressing their feelings in words and sometimes anxiety, fear and frustration can be expressed through challenging behaviors. Other children may express these feelings through play. Answer their questions and assure them of the shared goal to keep everyone safe. Revisit the topic periodically to be sure they understand what's happening around them.

Check-in with your child's school, teachers and therapists about how educational and therapeutic service delivery may change in the coming weeks. If schools offer distance-learning opportunities to students without disabilities, the same support should be offered to students with disabilities. Don't feel pressured to exactly replicate school and therapy at home. With flexibility, you may identify new ways to learn and grow together that would be more difficult in a typical time.

Check-in with your child's health-care provider by calling or using telehealth services if available. If your child has a chronic or acute medical condition, talking with the healthcare provider can guide decisions about how to access needed equipment, supplies, medications, etc., and whether it is best to visit a healthcare facility or stay at home.

Prioritize self-care

Stay connected with others virtually. With many people needing to shelter in place, keep up social ties with others by planning regular times to call family and friends. Self-isolation, quarantine and shelter-in-place are only temporary ways of being. Email, texting, video chatting and social media also offer ways to engage. Seek support from those around you. For example, you might ask a friend to deliver food or medicine to your home.

Be kind to yourself. Since previously available respite options may no longer be available, focus on what can help you feel restored. This might mean taking short breaks from the immediate stress of the situation. This might mean spending some time watching animal videos to give yourself a brief mental break.

Seek help. Disability or condition-specific organizations and support groups can provide helpful information, social support and reduce feelings of stigma. ⁶ Reach out to local organizations to see if they offer virtual support groups or have active email listservs that send out information and resources.

Be prepared. While difficult to consider, establish a plan of care for your child and other family members should you become ill. Typical secondary caregivers may be unavailable. Determining your plan prior to needing it provides a sense of security and reassurance at a time fraught with uncertainty.

Reassuring your child

Foster calm. In times of change, opportunities to engage in calming behaviors become especially important, so schedule coping and calming activities into a child's day and consider ways to introduce new calming behaviors.

Create routines. If previously established routines have been disrupted, create new routines for your child. This can help your child feel more secure and understand what is expected of them. This can also be an important way to introduce new behaviors - such as handwashing or behaviors in line with social distancing - into daily habits.

Be empathetic. Acknowledge that your child may not have their usual school or disability-related equipment, which may lead to added difficulties, discomfort or pain. Validate their feelings and try reaching out to therapists and other families in similar situations to brainstorm ideas to address any discomfort and/or sensory, communication, and movement challenges to the extent possible.

Show the love. Children with disabilities may internalize feelings that they and/or their care needs are burdensome to their parents. During this stressful and uncertain time in which parents may be wearing the hats of employee, teacher and caregiver, simultaneously, this feeling may be heightened. Remind your child of your unconditional love and joy of getting to spend extra time with them.

Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Children with disabilities often experience feelings of social isolation from their peers, and social distancing policies related to COVID-19 may amplify these feelings. Give your child opportunities discuss these feelings and brainstorm ways for your child to interact with others through texting, phone calls, and video chatting and other virtual platforms.

Research ⁷ suggests that the experience of raising a child with atypical development can foster strengths including flexibility in handling uncertainty, creative problem-solving and resilience. These strengths can be an asset when faced with new challenges such as COVID-19.

If your family needs help, look for local community resources and contact your area psychological association.

Additional Resources

Footnotes

¹ Feizi, A., Najmi, B., Salesi, A., Chorami, M., & Hoveidafar, R. (2014). Parenting stress among mothers of children with different physical, mental, and psychological problems. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 19(2), 145.

² Campbell, V. A., Gilyard, J. A., Sinclair, L., Sternberg, T., & Kailes, J. I. (2009). Preparing for and responding to pandemic influenza: Implications for people with disabilities. American Journal of Public Health, 99(S2), S294-S300.

³ Halfon, N., Houtrow, A., Larson, K., & Newachek, P. W. (2012). The changing landscape of disability in childhood. Future of Children, 22(1), 13-42.

⁴ National Council on Disability COVID-19 Letter to HHS OCR. (2020, March 18). Retrieved from: https://ncd.gov/publications/2020/ncd-covid-19-letter-hhs-ocr

⁵ Priestley, M. & Hemingway, L. (2006). Disability and disaster recovery: A tale of two cities? Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation, 5(3/4), 23-42.

⁶ Bogart, K. R., & Hemmesch, A. R. (2016). Benefits of support conferences for parents of and people with Moebius syndrome. Stigma and Health, 1(2), 109-121. doi: 10.1037/sah0000018

⁷ Steiner, A. M. (2011). A strength-based approach to parent education for children with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 13(3), 178-190. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300710384134

Contact APA

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Advice for Caregivers of Children With Disabilities In the Era of COVID-19

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Psychologists' research offers ways to help families, caregivers and children cope during the pandemic. Parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities 1 are facing unique challenges as a result of COVID-19.

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We offer a variety of ways for students to engage in exploration and learning academically and socially.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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​ Each grade level provides suggested schedules for each day, including time frames and content to support student learning. ​Within the suggested schedules are links to web resources and activities. Click on your child's grade below. ​​

​​​​Thank you

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and commitment to learning as we band together in the face of significant challenges! Fresno Unified School District is providing digital resources to our family community such as necessary laptops and tablet devices and is working with wireless providers to support students connecting from home during this time of distance learning. The Fresno Unified default tool to support distance learning is Microsoft Teams. With Microsoft Teams, all students and teachers are automatically connected and supported. However, your school site and teachers may use other tools that best support communicating with students and families. This site provides information and supports for c​onnecting your children to their teachers and will be updated weekly as we expand supported resources.​

Getting Start​​​ed with Distance Learning​​​​

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Get Microsoft Teams o​n All Your Devices​

​​​​

​​ Welcome Fresno Unified staff and thank you for your flexibility and innovation in support of our students and families during challenging times! As our district provides remote learning opportunities for our students, we recognize teachers and leaders may be in different stages of readiness to support students in a virtual space for distance learning. Good news: many of the strengths and assets you have in the face-to-face world translate in the virtual world! However, to support your progression, the following district webinars and resources are provided. ​

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​ ​ ​ Each grade level provides suggested schedules for each day, including time frames and content to support student learning. ​Within the suggested schedules are links to web resources and activities. Click on your child's grade below. ​​ Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and commitment to learning as we band together in the face of significant challenges!

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The Importance of Sleep - Shrinking It Down

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Michael Franti & Spearhead | I'm On Your Side (Official Music Video)

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Core beliefs are the beliefs or values that influence how we see and experience the world.

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Give these a try! You'll probably have to wait until the shelter in place is lifted to try the activities listed under "Around Town," but the others can be completed while maintaining social distancing.

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Lean into #MuseumFromHome and engage with art at a distance. We hope these resources will keep your spirits up and the inspiration flowing.

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Fostering Resilience in the Time of COVID-19

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Fostering Resilience in the Time of COVID-19

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Resilience-the ability to bounce back from a difficult situation-this isn't just something people are born with. Dr. Wendy Moss, author of Magination Press book, In this blog post, Dr. Moss offers insights and tips to help your child cope with the stress and life changes created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bounce Back: How to Be a Resilient Kid Focus On Yourself , provides kids with exercises and strategies to build resilience. During this especially challenging time, the chapters about handling decisions, disappointments, and new challenges and about coping with unchangeable situations can be useful. Support Your Child
A few months ago, most of us could not have anticipated the changes in lifestyle and the way COVID-19 could infiltrate our communities and cause fear, illness, and even death. So, how can we support children as they try to cope with staying home, not being in school or in extracurricular activities, not being able to follow their favorite sports teams, not seeing friends, and possibly knowing that all these changes are due to the presence of a dangerous virus? This blog provides strategies to help children deal with the general stresses created by the pandemic, not specific situations such as someone they know being ill with or having died from the virus.
Ease Anxiety
Children often judge whether a situation is scary, out-of-control, or manageable by watching and listening to trusted adults. As you read some of the tips to help your children, try them on yourself first so you can convey that you are able to cope with this situation that is out of your control.

Casually talk with your children about their understanding of, and feelings about, what is happening in their world. Talk to each child individually since the conversation may end up being different depending upon their age and personality. They may have inaccurate information that makes it even more scary.

Let your children know what you and your family can do and are in control of (e.g., staying home; proper hygiene) and that grown-ups have a plan to deal with the virus, even though it will take time. Just make sure that you believe what you say before reassuring your child!

Ask how your children feel about the changes in their daily activities. Some children may not be anxious because they like the extra time at home. However, some children are overwhelmed by the change in their regular routine and their fears of illness. Just being able to share these feelings can be a relief for many children.

This time at home can be an opportunity. Ask your kids to share their 'wish list' of family activities. You can also add some. Having everyone at home can be a great time to play games, teach each other about interests, tell stories about ancestors, or make up silly stories.

Since we must physically distance ourselves from each other, this is a great time to look for creative ways to connect or reconnect with friends or family. Encourage your child to mail thoughtful cards to relatives or send e-mails. Try video chatting using social media to help your child connect with others. Since children are home and separated from friends, they may feel isolated. Try to schedule times when your kids can have virtual get-togethers with friends over one of the social platforms on the internet.

While not all children are anxious, many are wondering if the virus will harm their relatives or themselves. They may worry that they won't be able to return to school or other activities. If your child experiences anxiety or even anger at COVID-19, here are some tips:

Validate feelings. Remind your child that no emotion is wrong or bad. If your child feels uncomfortable, repeat back what you heard your child say so he or she feels validated.

Manage the media. Discuss and focus on lots of topics, not just the virus. This may mean turning off the television, at times. Kids can get overwhelmed with the media coverage. You can take the news information and decide what to share, and how to share it, with your kids. Knowing your child, you can decide whether even minimal to no exposure to the news is appropriate.

Create a Routine. Try to set up a regular location to do school work and stick to a predictable routine. Print up a daily schedule. During weekdays, put into the schedule lunch, recess, snack time, then add in the academic subjects. Add in other fun times. Perhaps you can add in a 'hobby period' or a 'family game time'.

Use calming strategies. Along with your child, try these strategies:

Slow counting. Count from 1 -10 (younger children) or slowly count backward by 7's from 100 (teenagers).

Muscle tension/relaxation. Start at the top of your head and then tighten that muscle (e.g., forehead) for three seconds, then relax it before moving to the next muscle (e.g., facial cheeks). Just remind your child to only tense lightly.

Slow breathing. You can take slow, deep breaths through your nose for a few seconds. You can pretend you are breathing in the smell of your favorite food. Hold that breath for 2-3 seconds, then slowly breathe out. A child can imagine slowly moving a feather across a desk. Repeat this a few times.

Mindfulness. Focus on the present. Have kids focus on what they can see, hear, smell, touch, and even taste right then. Sometimes they may need help to focus on what's happening right now rather than thinking about 'What if's' about the future.

Positive self-talk. Focus on what can be controlled. Positive self-talk could be, "I now have time to do some of my artwork!" and "The adults are working on stopping the virus. I can work on doing my schoolwork and having fun!"

As parents, you may never again have this amount of intense family time. Take advantage of it! Communicate your excitement about part of this experience and your child may pick up on your positive energy. Maybe you can learn a new skill together over the internet, such as baking or how to juggle. Just make sure the activity is enjoyable and not frustrating for your child.

Keep the lines of communication open with your child, accept all feelings shared, and help your child deal with any anxiety that may be present. Keep to a routine. Teach positive self-talk. Explain to your child that staying home and the change of daily activities is actually doing something to combat COVID-19. If your child, however, is having persistent anxiety, sadness, irritability, or having other symptoms of stress (e.g., change of behaviors; sleep or appetite changes), it's time to consider seeking professional help to help your child to navigate through this difficult time. Even though we are necessarily physically distant, help is still available. Here's a link to help you locate a psychologist.

While supporting your child and being kind to yourself, remember to enjoy the silver lining - you have your family together and can create new and wonderful memories!

To download Chapter 5: Calming Yourself from Bounce Back, revised to reflect the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

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Fostering Resilience in the Time of COVID-19: Tips for Helping Your Child

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Resilience-the ability to bounce back from a difficult situation-this isn't just something people are born with. Dr. Wendy Moss, author of Magination Press book, Bounce Back: How to Be a Resilient Kid, provides kids with exercises and strategies to build resilience.

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11 Questions Parents May Have About COVID-19

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11 Questions Parents May Have About COVID-19

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Can I take my kid to the playground or on the subway? Should my child be tested? We asked experts.

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Credit... Levi Jacobs

As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we're working to answer the questions on many parents' minds. This is a fast-moving situation, so some information may be outdated. For the latest updates, read The New York Times's live coronavirus coverage here.
This article was last updated on March 26.
Schools across the country have closed in response to the new coronavirus and many parents have questions about how to go about their daily lives while managing their children, whose personal boundaries and hygiene levels are not always ideal.

On March 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new preliminary data on the outcomes of the first 4,226 Americans infected with the new coronavirus, finding no fatalities or admissions to intensive care units among those under 19.

Researchers from China published a study online in the journal Pediatrics in March, which examined more than 2,000 children under 18 who either had or were suspected of having Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The researchers found that while the majority of children in the study had either no symptoms, mild symptoms or moderate symptoms, nearly 6 percent became more seriously ill - particularly those under 5. However, it's unclear if the children with more serious symptoms were sick with Covid-19 or with another respiratory virus, said Dr. Sean O'Leary, M.D., an executive member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Infectious Diseases.

The situation is changing by the hour, so your best bet is to regularly check your state and local public health department websites for recommendations, Dr. O'Leary said.

But as of now, the general advice is to practice social distancing, Dr. Hotez said, which means sticking close to home and avoiding large groups of people. On March 16, the Trump administration announced new guidelines to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus, which included closing schools that were still open and avoiding bars, food courts, restaurants and groups of more than 10 people.

You can't be sure that popular public spaces like playgrounds are risk-free - the virus is estimated to survive on metal, glass and plastic surfaces for anywhere from 2 hours to nine days. New York City, for example, does not regularly clean outdoor furniture and play equipment, said Meghan Lalor, director of media relations at the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. "We have not yet committed to changing our standard operations due to coronavirus, but we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops," she said. On March 17, all New York City "recreation centers and nature centers are closed to the public until further notice," Lalor said, though city parks and playgrounds remain open.

As always, encourage hand washing when children come in from outside and before and after meals. Kids should sing "Happy Birthday" twice to know how long to wash their hands, and then make sure they are drying them thoroughly. There's some evidence that paper towels are more hygienic than hand dryers in public bathrooms. Hand washing is also more effective than hand sanitizer, though hand sanitizer can be used when hand washing is not an option.

"We're really encouraging zero play dates at this point," said Dr. O'Leary.Theoretically, he said, it might be feasible for your child to play outside with one other child if they can keep six feet apart, but the reality is that keeping younger kids from touching their friends is nearly impossible. If you have an older child who you know can absolutely stay six feet apart from his pals in a wide open space, it's fine for them to play, but monitor them closely. Always make sure they are washing hands vigorously when they come inside.

Unless your child has a history of direct contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, a history of travel to affected areas or is sick enough to be hospitalized, it is unlikely she will be tested.

If possible, grandparents should not visit their grandchildren right now. "It appears that children and young adults are an important vector for coronavirus, because they may be infectious even if they don't have symptoms," Dr. Cynthia R. Ambler, M.D., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago told Hallie Levine in a piece for the Times addressing the safety of grandparents. If grandparents are the primary caretakers of children, kids and grandparents alike should wash hands even more carefully and regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

There is little data specifically on newborns at this time, Dr. O'Leary said. Though a small study published on March 25 in JAMA Pediatrics - which assessed the outcomes of nearly three dozen babies who were born to mothers with Covid-19 in Wuhan, China - provided some initial comfort. As Apoorva Mandavilli noted in her piece for The Times, "Of 33 newborns born at the Wuhan Children's Hospital, only three had any signs of the virus, and even their symptoms were mild, the researchers reported." The study authors did not know for certain what the source of the infection was in the infants who tested positive.

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11 Questions Parents May Have About Coronavirus

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Can I take my kid to the playground or on the subway? Should my child be tested? We asked experts. As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we're working to answer the questions on many parents' minds. This is a fast-moving situation, so some information may be outdated.

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Take a break, plug in, and watch this video as you reflect on how you are feeling. Tune out from your surroundings and tune in to your body.

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The Hidden Valley: Ambient Relaxing Music for Stress Relief, Sleep & Meditation

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Our ways of thinking and thoughts can really impact the way we view situations. From here, it can affect our emotions which influence our actions and behaviors. Here are some ways of thinking you should be aware of and catch!

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Toxic Influence: An Average of 80% of Americans Have Experienced Emotional Abuse

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Toxic Influence: An Average of 80% of Americans Have Experienced Emotional Abuse

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Just like we take steps to protect and improve our physical hygiene, we should also make sure that we are practicing good emotional hygiene! Find and connect with people, hobbies, and things that bring you relief from stress.

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Getty

By now, we have all established procedures for keeping the coronavirus from entering our homes. But what about emotional toxicity? Problematic work relationships follow us home, even as we work remotely. Our daily lives are constrained by the lockdown, burdening some with isolation, others with a lack of privacy. Women, in particular, are vulnerable to toxic relationships from which they have little escape.

In the same way, as we regularly wash our hands and wipe down commonly touched surfaces, we should also be practicing good emotional hygiene. The nonprofit Mental Health America is highlighting Eliminating Toxic Influences as a key part of their message for Mental Health Awareness Month in 2020.

Emotional stress compromises our immunity and threatens our resilience. As we all cope with a world health crisis that does not promise to fade away any time soon, now is a perfect time to conduct an emotional inventory of our lives. Which relationships are feeding us? Which is draining us?

The cost of toxic relationships

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 75% of Americans say their boss is the most stressful part of their day. Employees working for such a boss are more likely to exhibit physical symptoms of stress such as high blood pressure, and emotional symptoms such as depression.

In theory, our private lives would offer us respite from workplace stress, but that is not always the case. Toxic friendships are all too common. 84% of women and 75% of men report having a toxic friend at some point.

The New York Times reports that there has been a worldwide rise in domestic abuse during the COVID-19 crisis. Movement restrictions and long periods spent together at home may exacerbate underlying tensions and give women fewer options.

Toxic traits

Mental Health America suggests being mindful of the following characteristics that may indicate a toxic relationship in your life:

· Manipulation - when someone initially seems to want to get to know you but then uses the knowledge they gain to get their way

· Making you feel bad about yourself - undermining your self-esteem, downplaying your achievements, and acting smarter than you

· Being judgmental - seeing things in black and white, and criticizing anything they do not agree with

· Negativity - never seeing the bright side of things or being able to find joy

· Passive aggression - expressing anger through sarcasm, and subtly sabotaging relationships and the efforts of other people

· Self-centered - someone concerned only with themselves, and unlikely to compromise or consider another person's point of view

A useful habit to develop that works for my clients and me is, after encountering someone, to ask yourself: Do I feel energized or drained? If it is the latter, you might want to examine the relationship more closely for signs of toxicity.

Take action: promote, demote, or terminate

As a business leader, you have to make tough decisions about which relationships serve you and your organization, and which do not. An employee's brilliance may not be enough if they are undermining morale. A combative client may be more trouble than they are worth.

It would be wise if you took such decisive action in all areas of your life. As I have written about before, it is not always necessary to cut off ties with someone who brings toxic energy into your life. Different situations call for different strategies.

Sometimes, counter-intuitively, promotion is the answer. In the case of a know-it-all employee or colleague, work with them instead of against them. Flatter them and put some goodwill in the bank you can use in the future. Similarly, with a high-maintenance customer, rise to the challenge and exceed expectations.

On the other hand, if an employee is disengaged or a friend is consistently negative, you may want to demote them and not devote as much time to the relationship. You do not necessarily need to break off with them but rather prioritize other more fruitful and productive connections.

At other times, however, termination is the wisest choice. If someone is actively undermining you in your professional or personal life, that kind of duplicity is rarely amenable to change. Better to write the relationship off as you would a bad investment. That may seem cold, but in these challenging times, you cannot afford to be weighed down by people who bring nothing but negativity to the table.

Spending time alone during this extended lockdown is forcing all of us to do some valuable soul-searching. It is an opportunity to take a hard look at what truly matters-and to decide who is bringing positive energy into our lives. A healthy diet feeds and nourishes our bodies. Healthy relationships do the same for our hearts and minds. Now is a good time to cut the junk food and toxic relationships. Practice good emotional hygiene for greater peace of mind and joy.

... Read More

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Toxic Influence: An Average Of 80% Of Americans Have Experienced Emotional Abuse

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By now, we have all established procedures for keeping the coronavirus from entering our homes. But what about emotional toxicity? Problematic work relationships follow us home, even as we work remotely. Our daily lives are constrained by the lockdown, burdening some with isolation, others with a

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While some stress is good and gets us moving, being under constant stress can be toxic and have long-term effects on not only our mental health, but also on our physical health.

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ACES AND TOXIC STRESS

Toxic Stress Changes Our Biology

What is unhealthy or "toxic" stress in children? Normal, positive stress can be anxiety associated with everyday experiences like getting frustrated, starting at a new daycare or getting shots at the doctor's. A child's body releases emergency stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which causes her heart to quicken and her eyes to dilate. Normal stress is part of a child's healthy development.

When activated occasionally, this "fight or flight" system bypasses the logical decision-making part of our brain - the prefrontal cortex - and activates the primitive reactions that can protect us from threats. In occasional situations like this, stress is helpful.

However, a problem occurs when our system is always "on" - overtaxed by repeated, intense, or chronic stress. The cascade of chemicals and reactions can go from protecting our lives to damaging our health. If left unaddressed, toxic stress can negatively affect a developing body and brain by disrupting learning, behavior, immunity, growth, and even the way DNA is read and transcribed.

Health and Behavioral Issues

Children exposed to ACEs are more likely to develop learning difficulties and other health problems like asthma or sleep disturbances. They may also have difficulty sitting still in school or controlling emotions in challenging situations. If left untreated, toxic stress can lead to lifelong health problems like heart disease or cancer. It also can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or suicide.

The Science

Current and emerging research helps us understand the effects of ACEs and toxic stress on the body and how it can increase risk for health problems, including chronic disease, mental illness, and obesity.

How ACEs Affect Health

Read answers to common questions about the effects of stress and ACEs on children and their families - and what you can do about it.

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ACES & Toxic Stress | Center for Youth Wellness

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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress put children at higher risk for behavioral issues, health problems like asthma, diabetes and obesity, and learning difficulties. As adults, the effects of a traumatic childhood increase risk for chronic disease, including heart disease and cancer.

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How stress affects your brain - Madhumita Murgia

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"Emotion and learning are positively connected." - Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond

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How Mindfulness Empowers Us: An Animation Narrated by Sharon Salzberg

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Establishing a exercise routine can have positive effects on both physical and mental health.

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Kids' and Teens' Health Healthy Eating for Kids Back-to-School Guide for Parents

What is healthy eating?

Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught at a young age. The following are some general guidelines for helping your adolescent eat healthy. It is important to discuss your adolescent's diet with his or her health care provider before making any dietary changes or placing your adolescent on a diet. Discuss the following healthy eating recommendations with your adolescent to ensure he or she is following a healthy eating plan:

Eat 3 meals a day, with healthy snacks.

Increase fiber in the diet and decrease the use of salt.

Drink water. Try to avoid drinks that are high in sugar. Fruit juice can have a lot of calories, so limit your adolescent's intake. Whole fruit is always a better choice.

Eat balanced meals.

When cooking for your adolescent, try to bake or broil instead of fry.

Make sure your adolescent watches (and decreases, if necessary) his or her sugar intake.

Eat fruit or vegetables for a snack.

Decrease the use of butter and heavy gravies.

Eat more chicken and fish. Limit red meat intake, and choose lean cuts when possible.

Making healthy food choices

The MyPlate icon is a guideline to help you and your adolescent eat a healthy diet. MyPlate can help you and your adolescent eat a variety of foods while encouraging the right amount of calories and fat.

The USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have prepared the following food plate to guide parents in selecting foods for children age 2 and older.

The MyPlate icon is divided into 5 food group categories, emphasizing the nutritional intake of the following:

Grains. Foods that are made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain are grain products. Examples include whole wheat, brown rice, and oatmeal.

Vegetables. Vary your vegetables. Choose a variety of vegetables, including dark green, red, and orange vegetables, legumes (peas and beans), and starchy vegetables.

Fruits. Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut up, or pureed.

Dairy. Milk products and many foods made from milk are considered part of this food group. Focus on fat-free or low-fat products, as well as those that are high in calcium.

Protein. Go lean on protein. Choose low-fat or lean meats and poultry. Vary your protein routine-choose more fish, nuts, seeds, peas, and beans.

Oils are not a food group, yet some, such as nut oils, contain essential nutrients and can be included in the diet. Others, such as animal fats, are solid and should be avoided.

Exercise and everyday physical activity should also be included with a healthy dietary plan.

Nutrition and activity tips

Try to control when and where your child eats by providing regular daily meal times with social interaction and demonstration of healthy eating behaviors.

Involve children in the selection and preparation of foods and teach them to make healthy choices by providing opportunities to select foods based on their nutritional value.

For children in general who eat a typical American diet, reported dietary intakes of the following are low enough to be of concern by the USDA: calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Select foods with these nutrients when possible.

Most Americans need to reduce the amount of calories they consume. When it comes to weight control, calories do count. Controlling portion sizes and eating nonprocessed foods helps limit calorie intake and increase nutrients.

Parents are encouraged to provide recommended serving sizes for children.

Parents are encouraged to limit children's video, television watching, and computer use to less than 2 hours daily and replace the sedentary activities with activities that require more movement.

Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days for maintenance of good health and fitness and for healthy weight during growth.

To prevent dehydration, encourage children to drink fluid regularly during physical activity and drink several glasses of water or other fluid after the physical activity is completed.

To find more information about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020 and to determine the appropriate dietary recommendations for your child's age, sex, and physical activity level, visit the Online Resources page for the links to ChooseMyPlate and 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines sites. Please note that the MyPlate plan is designed for people older than age 2 who do not have chronic health conditions.

Always talk with your adolescent's health care provider regarding his or her healthy diet and exercise requirements.

Healthy eating during adolescence

Healthy eating during adolescence is important as body changes during this time affect an individual's nutritional and dietary needs. Adolescents are becoming more independent and making many food decisions on their own. Many adolescents experience a growth spurt and an increase in appetite and need healthy foods to meet their growth needs. Adolescents tend to eat more meals away from home than younger children. They are also heavily influenced by their peers. Meal convenience is important to many adolescents and they may be eating too much of the wrong types of food, like soft drinks, fast-food, or processed foods.

Also, a common concern of many adolescents is dieting. Girls may feel pressure from peers to be thin and to limit what they eat. Both boys and girls may diet to "make weight" for a particular sporting or social event.

The following are some helpful considerations as you prepare meals for your adolescent:

Arrange for teens to find out about nutrition for themselves by providing teen-oriented magazines or books with food articles and by encouraging them and supporting their interest in health, cooking, or nutrition.

Take their suggestions, when possible, regarding foods to prepare at home.

Experiment with foods outside your own culture.

Have several nutritious snack foods readily available. Often, teenagers will eat whatever is convenient.

If there are foods that you do not want your teens to eat, avoid bringing them into the home.

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Kids' and Teens' Health Healthy Eating for Kids Back-to-School Guide for Parents Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught at a young age. The following are some general guidelines for helping your adolescent eat healthy.

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At some point, anxiety and stress affect everyone. They can manifest differently in different people, and the level of anxiety one experiences can vary, but there is one thing for certain: there are ways to manage anxiety, even if it feels out of control.

Of course, if anxiety is affecting your everyday life and getting in the way of your daily productivity for an extended period, please seek assistance. Find Help

Information about causes and treatment goes a long way in helping to understand anxiety and stress, but there are also some physical and mental things you can do when feeling anxious or stressed. Some coping strategies from ADAA's experts include:

Coping Strategies

Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed:

Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.

Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.

Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.

Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?

Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.

Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you're feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you're feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

Fitness Tips: Stay Healthy, Manage Anxiety and Stress

For the biggest benefits of exercise, try to include at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking) each week, 1¼ hours of a vigorous-intensity activity (such as jogging or swimming laps), or a combination of the two.

5 X 30: Jog, walk, bike, or dance three to five times a week for 30 minutes.

Set small daily goals and aim for daily consistency rather than perfect workouts. It's better to walk every day for 15-20 minutes than to wait until the weekend for a three-hour fitness marathon. Lots of scientific data suggests that frequency is most important.

Find forms of exercise that are fun or enjoyable. Extroverted people often like classes and group activities. People who are more introverted often prefer solo pursuits.

Distract yourself with an iPod or other portable media player to download audiobooks, podcasts, or music. Many people find it's more fun to exercise while listening to something they enjoy.

Recruit an "exercise buddy." It's often easier to stick to your exercise routine when you have to stay committed to a friend, partner, or colleague.

Be patient when you start a new exercise program. Most sedentary people require about four to eight weeks to feel coordinated and sufficiently in shape so that exercise feels easier.

Learn about some common anxiety myths and misconceptions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

ADAA Resources
Webinars: Blogs: Trending articles:

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Tips and Strategies to Manage Anxiety and Stress

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At some point, anxiety and stress affect everyone. They can manifest differently in different people, and the level of anxiety one experiences can vary, but there is one thing for certain: there are ways to manage anxiety, even if it feels out of control.

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Passion Planners are one of the many tools that you can use to stay organized and establish a routine. It will help keep you on track and focused on goals or priorities.