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Crisis Support Services of Alameda County

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And so I wait. I wait for time to heal the pain and raise me to me feet once again - so that I can start a new path, my own path, the one that will make me whole again.
- Jack Canfield, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II

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General Bereavement | Crisis Support Services of Alameda County

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And so I wait. I wait for time to heal the pain and raise me to me feet once again - so that I can start a new path, my own path, the one that will make me whole again. - Jack Canfield, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II

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Coronavirus information To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines, visit our vaccine information page. For questions about how COVID-19 may affect your VA health care and benefit services, visit our Coronavirus FAQs or read VA's public health response.

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find ways to better communicate with your parents/caregiver

learn to build healthy relationships (with parents and siblings, romantic relationships, friendships, etc.)

manage stress and other difficult emotions

work through difficult times and more!

Here are what some of our clients said about their experience:

"Feel more responsible and mature in the way I think about my career, life, and next steps in the future..."

"Changed for the good... [learned] skills and practices to help train my brain muscles to go through the world more happy..."

"Felt more positive...talking about my problems made me feel less stressful and now I have more motivation to do the things I want..."

"Better in telling people about my mental health and knowing what it is and explaining it and realizing that I'm not just weird, [that] there's something wrong with me..."

"Better at recognizing my emotions... don't feel so guilty about having these emotions..."

"Definitely happier...feel better about myself and learned to take care of myself. Before, when I had a problem, I wouldn't take a break. Now, I know how to navigate a problem and know what to do..."

"I grew more. I'm more confrontational to myself about my problems. I feel things are different now. Over the course of our counseling, I had lost friendships. I realized I had to lose them because they were bad for me. And it's ok to feel what I'm feeling now [and] giving myself the time to grieve..."

If you are interested, please fill out the form below and we will reach out to you as soon as we can!

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find ways to better communicate with your parents/caregiver learn to build healthy relationships (with parents and siblings, romantic relationships, friendships, etc.) manage stress and other difficult emotions work through difficult times and more! Here are what some of our clients said about their experience: "Feel more responsible and mature in the way I think about my career, life, and next steps in the future..."

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Common Sense Media editors help you choose Apps to Help with Mental Health. Though not a replacement for professional help, these apps might help with common mental health issues.

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Inner Explorer is the world leader in the delivery of MBSR formatted daily mindfulness practice in schools, currently reaching more than 1,000,000 students and over 35,000 teachers.

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welcome to inner explorer | mindfulness for schools

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Inner Explorer | Changing the world, one student at a time...

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Inner Explorer's daily classroom mindfulness practices reduce student stress, help strengthen self-regulation skills and improve academic performance. Teachers in pre-K through 12th grade classrooms simply log on and press 'play'.

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Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

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View the latest from the world of psychology: from behavioral research to practical guidance on relationships, mental health and addiction. Find help from our directory of therapists, psychologists and counselors.

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Affordable Counseling | Affordable Therapy | Open Path Collective

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Open Path connects clients in need with mental health professionals who offer affordable therapy for $30-50 per session. If you're seeking affordable counseling, Open Path can help.

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Relive your childhood by squeezing into a car and staying up too late to watch questionably appropriate movies at the Alameda County Fairground drive-in movies.

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The IWAY (Improving the Wellness of Asian Youth) Project is a collaboration between the Public Health Institute and Asian Health Services that provides mental health and wellness services and education to the Asian youth living in the Alameda county. IWAY was created out of a need to engage the Asian community in addressing mental health and emotional well-being - a topic that has long been silenced in our communities due to stigma.

IWAY strives to make our programs and services as accessible as possible and remove the barriers that prevent Asian youth from seeking and receiving mental health support. To achieve this, all our programs and services are free and some are even incentivized (youth can earn up to $60 in gift cards). Youth who seek out IWAY services do not need insurance or parental consent. Additionally, we also offer programs and services at schools.

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The IWAY (Improving the Wellness of Asian Youth) Project is a collaboration between the Public Health Institute and Asian Health Services that provides mental health and wellness services and education to the Asian youth living in the Alameda county.

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Sometimes life can be overwhelming and it can be hard to work through difficult times. This Virtual Calming Room was designed to assist in identifying different strategies for managing emotions. We hope these tools will provide helpful outlets and practices for when life gets tough.
Disclaimer: The following resources are curated using information and links from a variety of local and national organizations. This information is purely for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition nor intended as psychological interventions or as a substitute for psychological treatment. If you are in need of psychological help you should seek the consultation of a licensed mental health professional.

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Virtual Calming Room - Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan ISD 196

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Virtual Calming Room - Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan ISD 196

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Penguin Cam presented by Alaska Airlines

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Polar Bear Cubs Camera - Live Zoo Cam | Explore.org

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This live camera at the Ouwehand Zoo in The Netherlands shows two baby polar bear cubs and their mother.

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Side by Side is a community-based, non-profit organization serving at-risk young people and their families.

Side by Side's offices will be operating virtually as much as possible during the COVID-19 outbreak. Go to SidebySideYouth.org/coronavirus for information on program-specific closures and services.

Our Programs

Side by Side operates across the Bay Area, providing young people ages 5-26 and family members with critical services that span behavioral and mental health, early intervention in schools, LGBTQ support, transitional housing, and special education.

Our Programs

When a group of civic-minded women started an orphanage in San Anselmo in 1895, they couldn't possibly have imagined the vital and diverse agency this organization has become. From an orphanage that served 100 children in Marin County, we now reach over 2,500 youth and their families across the Bay Area.

Those founders may very well have helped what was then the San Francisco Presbyterian Orphanage and Farm (yes, our original name!) through the 1918 influenza pandemic, so they would probably have sympathy for the challenges that we face today. Managing through times of crisis is in Side by Side's DNA.

We meet our young people exactly where they are. We work with them to heal from trauma they may have suffered previously and provide coping strategies to handle the additional stress that our youth currently face. That's been our job for 125 years...and hopefully for another 125 years to come.

Learn more about our history

Reach for the Stars Gala

Side by Side's 2020 Gala will be held both virtually and in-person in September. Whether you can be with us physically or not, we hope you'll join us in celebrating 125 years of coming together for the Bay Area's young people.

VIRTUALLY: Thursday, September 17 - Saturday, September 19, 2020
IN-PERSON: Saturday, September 19, 2020

This event is being planned in accordance with the latest Marin County guidelines and the utmost care is being taken to ensure guest safety. More details available on the event webpage.

BUY TICKETS OR SPONSOR THE EVENT

We are committed to supporting the successful life transitions of homeless and disconnected youth, and see the Real Alternatives program as an invaluable partner in accomplishing our mission to improve the lives of our young people.

Charles Kallgren, , President, Five Bridges Foundation

Search Left Angle Up Angle Down Angle Right Angle Left Arrow Right Arrow Email User Play Pause Fullscreen Exit Fullscreen Unmute Mute Close Gallery Arrow Gallery Youtube Facebook Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Google + Flickr Yelp Trip Advisor

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Side by Side is a community-based, non-profit organization serving at-risk young people and their families. Side by Side's offices will be operating virtually as much as possible during the COVID-19 outbreak. Go to SidebySideYouth.org/coronavirus for information on program-specific closures and services.

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COVID-19 Wellbeing Tips for Teens with Dr Watson Clinical Psychologist

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Sports & Rec Programs | ACDSAL - Alameda County Sheriffs' Activites...

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Helping Alameda County neighborhoods become places where people can thrive. Our Sports & Rec programs offered can include Soccer, Basketball, Boxing, Fitness, Weight Training, Gym, Dance, Outdoor Rec, Muevete, Drumline, Urban Farming, and more!

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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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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Footnotes

¹ Fever may be subjective or confirmed

² Close contact is defined as-

a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case

b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)

If such contact occurs while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection), criteria for PUI consideration are met"

See CDC's updated Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Persons Under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Data to inform the definition of close contact are limited. Considerations when assessing close contact include the duration of exposure (e.g., longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk) and the clinical symptoms of the person with COVID-19 (e.g., coughing likely increases exposure risk as does exposure to a severely ill patient). Special consideration should be given to those exposed in health care settings.

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Footnotes 1 Fever may be subjective or confirmed 2 Close contact is defined as- a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or

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Get Moving

Mason Plumlee Gets Moving

Wide Open School Exclusive:
NBA Denver Nuggets player Mason Plumlee shares his stuck-at-home workout, plus some fun games you can set up with ordinary household items.

Bike Ride

Get on your bike and go somewhere. Feel the breeze and let your mind wander.

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Mason Plumlee Gets Moving Wide Open School Exclusive:NBA Denver Nuggets player Mason Plumlee shares his stuck-at-home workout, plus some fun games you can set up with ordinary household items. Bike Ride Get on your bike and go somewhere. Feel the breeze and let your mind wander.

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Our Kids Count Smiling Mind Generation Our app At school At home Create A Mindful Home About us Our mission Our Research Mental Wellbeing Index Partnerships & Supporters Creativity and Mindfulness Smiling Mind Creek Resilient Families Program Children's Books Mental Fitness Smiling Mind in Primary Schools Programs For Educators Feeling It - Secondary School Resources Benefits Of Mindfulness Smiling Mind Spaces Mindfulness Shop

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How artists explore identity | Modern Art & Ideas

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How to manage responsibilities during a crisis (Mental Health Check)

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Emotional Well-Being

Reach Out and Connect

Wave to your neighbors. Write a letter. Make a call. Schedule some special time with a friend or family member to maintain that crucial connection with loved ones.

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Reach Out and Connect Wave to your neighbors. Write a letter. Make a call. Schedule some special time with a friend or family member to maintain that crucial connection with loved ones.

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Informizely customer feedback surveys

It's Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you, teachers everywhere!

Field Trip

Stonehenge Street View

Get up close and personal with this mysterious landmark. Then, read about some of the theories about why it was built. What do you think?

The Guggenheim

Take a walk through the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York featuring contemporary art. (Warning: some art pieces contain mature content)

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Informizely customer feedback surveys It's Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you, teachers everywhere! Stonehenge Street View Get up close and personal with this mysterious landmark. Then, read about some of the theories about why it was built. What do you think? The Guggenheim Take a walk through the Solomon R.

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Crisis Support Services of Alameda County

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Get Help Now - Crisis Support Services of Alameda County

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As a student, you have rights at school. Stop the pushout of California students and STAND UP for your RIGHTS.

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5 ways to deal with Coronavirus induced anxiety

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The fear of threat, or anxiety, is like a strong gust of wind. It drags you in and makes you want to fight it or run away.

Instead, face your fear with the free Clear Fear app and learn to reduce the physical responses to threat as well as changing thoughts and behaviours and releasing emotions.

Anxiety is a natural response to fear, threat and apprehension. However, when anxiety is extreme or goes on for a long time, or the response to a threat is disproportionately large and affects a person negatively, it may become an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and respond very well to a form of treatment called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT.
When you face your fear, you will reduce the threat and glide.

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Clear Fear is the latest app from award-winning teenage mental health charity stem4.

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Calm is the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety.

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Understanding COVID-19 Through Comics

The coronavirus is a newly discovered virus. It causes a disease called COVID-19. In some parts of the world it has made people very sick. Click here to read a comic about the coronavirus.

The Toolbox Project

The Toolbox Project is a program that teaches kids important life skills like resiliency, self-mastery, and empathy. Grab your parent or guardian and click here to explore your own Toolbox!

SOURCE: The Toolbox Project

Coping with the Coronavirus

Things are changing day-to-day, and there's a lot we don't know and can't control. Try some activities below to help deal with some new emotions you may be feeling:

Label you feelings

Acknowledge what you can't control

Make a plan to solve problems

Do something fun

Move your body

SOURCE: Coping Skills for Kids

Calming Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion that usually involves worry & fear. It can affect our thoughts, behaviors & physical reactions in our body. When you feel anxiety, try the following activities to calm down:

Think of your favorite place or things

Name animals alphabetically

Drink a cold glass of water

Give yourself a hug - squeeze tight!

Take some deep breaths SOURCE:

Coping Skills for Kids

Self Management

Self-management involves controlling your thoughts, behaviors, and even stress. Here are 6 ways to manage stress:

1. Get more sleep

2. Get active

3. Write down 3 good things before bed

4. Talk to a friend about your feelings

5. Stay calm and practice relaxation

6. Make a schedule and protect your time

SOURCE: Lessons for SEL

Self Esteem Sentence Completion

When you are not feeling your best, finish these sentences!

I was really happy when...

Something that my friends like about me is...

I am proud of...

My family was happy when I...

In school I am good at...

Something that makes me unique is...

SOURCE: Therapist Aid LLC

Worrying Coping Cards

When you are worried, pull out these coping cards to help you calm down. They describe activities like taking deep breaths, listening, drawing your worry, thinking of a favorite place, journaling, writing a happy ending, talking about it, moving, listening to music, practicing a hobby, and thinking about what it is.

SOURCE: Therapist Aid LLC

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Understanding COVID-19 Through Comics The coronavirus is a newly discovered virus. It causes a disease called COVID-19. In some parts of the world it has made people very sick. Click here to read a comic about the coronavirus. SOURCE: NPR Learn More The Toolbox Project The Toolbox Project is a program that teaches kids important life skills like resiliency, self-mastery, and empathy.

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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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To give people ideas of ways they can play, and places they can go online to play and connect with others, I wrote a blog post over on Encourage Play with awesome play ideas for families at home. I'm going to continue to update it as I find new helpful online resources.

"Play and unscheduled downtime are central to our emotional well-being throughout our lives." - Play = Learning
edited by Dorothy G. Singer, Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

Do some Movement

People always talk about exercise as a central pillar of mental health. Why? First of all, the human body is fantastic. It allows you to think, move, and interact with the world. It allows you to express yourself. How your body feels can have an impact on how you are emotionally feeling.

Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins. These "feel-good chemicals" trigger positive feelings in your brain. So by releasing endorphins, you are tapping into a natural way to improve your state of mind. After a long run or an exercise class, your body might be tired, but your endorphins are running high. You don't have to run a 5k to get it, either. Any type of movement will do this.

You can take a walk around your neighborhood while you practice social distancing. You can do some stretches at your house. You can do a GoNoodle indoor recess video. You can play video games that involve moving like Just Dance or Arms. Keep yourself active even during this time.
Before you start any exercise routine, please check with your doctor to get recommendations about what to do and what to avoid, based on your own body and medical needs.
Practice gratitude

There's a lot of research around gratitude, which shows that being grateful can improve psychological health, reduce toxic emotions, and increase empathy.

You can take a few minutes and write down a few things you are thankful for. If you find it challenging at first, focus on just 2 or 3 things. It doesn't have to be significant. It could be that you're grateful for how the sun feels on your skin, or that your friend makes you laugh, or that your mom made your favorite breakfast.

Or it could be big things like you're grateful for your family, people who love you, or your support system. You can write them on a slip of paper and put them in a jar. That way, you can physically see them all. Or you could take strips of paper and make a paper chain of gratitude that you hang in your room. Or you can write it in a journal.

The coping skills I shared earlier are ones that you can do too. There's a lot on you now. Constant caregiving is a challenge on good days. This is a tough, exhausting time. For you, figuring out self-care strategies when you are surrounded by others is a challenge. But here are some ideas that may help you:

Talk to other adults about how you're feeling

You may be having a ton of emotions and thoughts about this whole situation. You may be worried about your parents or grandparents, or concerned about someone in your life with a compromised immune system. Please talk to someone. Call or text your friends. If you don't have anyone at your home, there are online communities you can join. There are Facebook groups for everything. Here are some of my favorite online parenting communities.

AT Parenting Community with Natasha Daniels, LCSW, Child Therapist & Author - specifically for parents of kids with anxiety and OCD

We Turned Out Okay Parent Coaching Community with Karen Lock Kolp, MEd - especially for parents of little kids

Growing Up Confident Community with Kim Lange, Child & Adolescent Therapist - Focused on the emotional lives of children.

The Neighborhood at Imperfect Families from Nicole Schwarz, Parent Coach and LMFT focused on a positive parenting approach.

The Village from Happily Family - Run by Cecilia & Jason Hilkey with a focus on mindful parenting.

Take a quick walk or go outside for a few moments if you can

If you can just take a moment for yourself, because that's all you have, do it. Take a few deep breaths. If you have a partner, try to tag team, and make sure you each get breaks. If you don't, put on a new show for your kids and have tea in the other room for a moment. Here's a great post about self-care for people who don't have time for self-care.

I'm having Nutella & wine, what are you going to have?

As for me, I'm also going to indulge a little bit. I made chocolate chip muffins the other day, and they were terrific! I'm supporting my local wine store by ordering delivery. I have some of my favorite treats in the house, like Nutella, of course. And my husband got ice cream. We're not going to go crazy and eat dessert for dinner all the time. But it will happen 🙂

I've been collecting great resources from my colleagues who are recording videos and sharing their thoughts and strategies on coping with COVID-19. I will continue to update this list as I find more things.
How To Cope with Anxiety about Coronavirus
VIDEO Natasha Daniels: What is the Coronavirus for Kids and Teens and here are some more resources from Natasha (scroll down to see them).

VIDEO Renee Jain and Laura Markham talking about Coronavirus

Tina Payne Bryson about talking to children about coronavirus

Talking to kids with Anxiety & ADHD about Coronavirus from Additudemag
Foldable comic about Coronavirus for kids Social Story for Kids about Coronavirus
Resources for Supporting Families During the Coronavirus from the Child Mind Institute

SOME Resources from Coping Skills for Kids

Right now, I'm offering my Coping Skills Family Activity e-book for 50% off

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Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Coping Skills for Kids

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To give people ideas of ways they can play, and places they can go online to play and connect with others, I wrote a blog post over on Encourage Play with awesome play ideas for families at home. I'm going to continue to update it as I find new helpful online resources.

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For over 10 years, we've been on a mission to help young people overcome the issues that affect them the most. Whether that's bullying, mental health, relationships, identity or the tough stuff in-between, we're here. We provide digital safe spaces, direct support, education, campaigns and world-class research.

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Kindness From a Distance - Doing Good Together™

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"Seniors and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 - and we must all do our part to protect them at this time. While nothing replaces in-person visits with family members and friends, residents and staff would benefit greatly from knowing individuals from around the country were thinking about them and offering their support."

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Seven years ago, I sat at the top of the stairs, my knees pulled into my chest, wanting nothing more than to cry but being unable to. I was too tired to cry. I was too tired to lie to my mom when she asked if I had made myself throw up after dinner. I was too tired to stop the connections I saw forming in her brain as she added up all the "stomach aches," missed dinners, obsessive running, "I already ate"-s, and declining grades.

Seven years ago, I was too tired for anything. With the last ounce of strength I thought I had, I told my mom I didn't want to do it anymore. I did the closest thing I could manage to ask for help, and at that time, asking meant not denying.

For months I went through hell to heal. Prozac; talk therapy; the humiliation as I sat in front of my guidance counselor as my mom explained my eating disorder; the frustration of being monitored all the time; the peer positive image group in school - day by day, piece by piece, I was made to face my Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. It was a label that I hated because it made me feel as if, even in mental illness, I had fallen short. Day by day, and piece by piece, my parents, my therapist, my doctors, my friends, and my family worked to let the girl they used to know - the girl I used to know - resurface. But for months, I remained without change.

Finally, my therapist, Tonya, asked me, "Do you want to live?"

Did I want to live? What the hell did that mean? Of course I wanted to live. I just wanted to live skinny. Beautiful. In control. What was so wrong about that?

"She's jealous," I decided. "She's jealous because she's not as skinny. She wants me to stop so she can win. I'm not going to die. I'm seventeen. Seventeen-year-olds don't just die."

But that question stuck with me. It stuck with me as I packed lunch in the morning, knowing I would just throw it away. It stuck with me as I forced myself to still go running, despite a bad upper respiratory infection. It stuck with me as I spent hours searching for weight loss tips and diet plans instead of resting or getting homework done. And it stuck with me as I watched my parents watch me with worry, wanting to say something but forcing themselves to be quiet.

Did I really want to live?

Months after Tonya had asked, I walked into my therapy session and said, "I do. I do want to live. Help me."

I thought that getting to the point where I accepted help would be the hardest part of recovery. It wasn't. Recovery itself was a thousand times harder. It was like trying to start a fire on a windy day with wet matches: every time there was a spark, I had to fight like hell to keep it from being blown out. And even then, sometimes it would get blown out anyway. I would backslide, sometimes one or two steps, sometimes 50. Every day I reminded myself that I wanted to live, no matter how hard it was. I wanted to be able to go on a date and eat. I wanted to enjoy my mom's cooking again. I wanted to eat my grandma's tamales at Christmastime and not be worried about the fact that every tamale recipe is different and there was no surefire way of knowing how many calories were in each one.

I clawed my way back to recovery over months. And finally, Tonya looked at me and said, "I think that this might be our last appointment. What do you think?"

Every siren in my head went off. "I thought you wanted me to live! Why are you giving up on me?"

"I'm not giving up on you. You're ready for this. You're ready to not give up on you. And most importantly, you want to live. So go live. And if you need me, I am here."

I thought that realizing I wanted to live and learning how to manage my eating disorder was the whole of the battle. Now I'm learning how to manage that disorder and grow in my independence at the same time. When I was in therapy, I never failed alone. Now, though I can reach for help, in the end I am solely responsible for my recovery, for my life, and for my story.

When I was in therapy, my parents helped me monitor what and when I ate. Now I have to monitor myself. When I miss a meal I have to ask myself, "Why did you skip lunch? Were you just too busy? Not hungry? Or are you backsliding?" When I was in therapy, Tonya helped me regulate my responses to daily stress in a positive outlet. Now I have to find my voice at work, in relationships, in life, and be able to say, "I am feeling overwhelmed, tired, stressed, sad, frustrated and I need a minute to process." Now I remind myself that I am human, prone to error, and I have to forgive myself.

Now I remind myself that part of my role as a survivor is education of others.

What I have learned in the past seven years is:

I am responsible for my peer situations and I have to advocate for myself.

It's okay to choose recovery over friends, work, relationships and other instances. If I have been upfront and honest, and those situations are still jeopardizing my recovery, there is nothing wrong with walking away. In fact, there's everything right with it.

I am only as sick as my secrets. I give my eating disorder power when I hide it. I have to be willing to tell the necessary people that I have an eating disorder and ask for their support when I need it.

Ask for help. If I'm starting to struggle, or I know a particularly stressful situation is approaching, I'll reach out to my friends and ask them to help me help myself. Whether it's a text reminder at mealtimes, an invitation at mealtimes or just a check-in, it helps me stay on track.

Relapses happen. When they do, I try not to get so caught up on feeling bad about it. Instead, I ivest that energy on working through it and continuing to commit to my healthiest, happiest self.

Keep fighting for recovery. It is an everyday commitment, even after treatment ends.

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Seven years ago, I sat at the top of the stairs, my knees pulled into my chest, wanting nothing more than to cry but being unable to. I was too tired to cry. I was too tired to lie to my mom when she asked if I had made myself throw up after dinner.

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Updated on March 16 at 1:56 p.m. ET. This comic has been updated. Click here for the newest version.
Kids, this comic is for you.

It's based on a radio story that NPR education reporter Cory Turner did. He asked some experts what kids might want to know about the new coronavirus discovered in China.

To make this comic, we've used his interviews with Tara Powell at the University of Illinois School of Social Work, Joy Osofsky at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Krystal Lewis at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Print and fold a zine version of this comic here. Here are directions on how to fold it. To read this comic in Chinese, click here.To read it in Spanish, click here.

Malaka Gharib is an NPR editor and the author and illustrator of I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir, about being first-generation Filipino Egyptian American.

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Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

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You may have heard the word "coronavirus" online or on TV. You probably have a lot of questions. Check out our comic to get some answers - and print out a zine version at home.

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Yoga for Transitions | Yoga With Adriene

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Thresholds are beautiful... but change can be uncomfortable. Can we remember to trust the process and utilize our tools? There is nothing like times of transition to remind us of the importance of residing in the present moment so join me for this 23 minute Yoga For Transitions.

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Find a Geocache near you

There are millions of geocaches around the world-there are probably even some near you right now. Watch the video for a few geocaching tips, then search for nearby geocaches.

Find Geocaches Nearby

Get the Official Geocaching® App

Find More Geocaches with Geocaching Premium

Upgrade to Geocaching Premium for premium-only geocaches and to unlock more features in the Geocaching® App.

Premium vs. Basic

Learn More

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There are millions of geocaches around the world-there are probably even some near you right now. Watch the video for a few geocaching tips, then search for nearby geocaches. Find Geocaches Nearby Upgrade to Geocaching Premium for premium-only geocaches and to unlock more features in the Geocaching® App. Learn More

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Clear your mind in 60 seconds

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Clear Your Mind in 60 Seconds - Pixel Thoughts

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Type a stressful thought into a star and watch it shrink and dissolve in 60 seconds. A free meditation tool to clear your mind, right in your browser. No account, no ads.

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COVID-19 has heavily impacted communities globally, with many individuals experiencing worsening mental health symptoms as a result...

Try not to feel guilty about where you are right now. There can be so much pressure in life. It can come from every direction. We...

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COVID-19 has heavily impacted communities globally, with many individuals experiencing worsening mental health symptoms as a result... Try not to feel guilty about where you are right now. There can be so much pressure in life. It can come from every direction. We...

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes it feels as though your struggle is being underestimated by your age. But we hear you, and help is available.

How To Take Care Of Yourself

Ask for help. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and trusted adults in your life for support. You can also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time - calls are confidential.

Family conflicts, relationship hardships, school pressures, and discovering your identity can feel overwhelming and impossible to deal with alone. Losing relationships and important people in our lives can also feel overwhelming. Seeking out support can make these changes manageable.

Love and friendship are all about respect. Toxic or unhealthy relationships can negatively affect you. Whether you're dating or building new friendships, remember your rights. If you're being bullied, help is also available.

How To Help

Never dismiss what your loved one is saying. If your child/adolescent, friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and give them support.

Listen with empathy and provide support. A fight or breakup might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Empathize and listen. Don't minimize their feelings, it can affect how they reach out for support in the future.

Learn the warning signs. Friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, changes in behavior may show that someone is struggling. For more guidance on steps you can take to help someone thinking of suicide, visit www.bethe1to.org.

Don't keep suicide a secret. If your friend is considering suicide, don't promise to keep it a secret. Tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people, like a trusted adult. Neither of you have to face this alone.

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

Read Stories Of Hope & Recovery
Get stories from people who have been through a crisis and found hope.

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes it feels as though your struggle is being underestimated by your age. But we hear you, and help is available. Ask for help. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and trusted adults in your life for support.

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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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Find Local Support

RAINN partners with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country that can provide support in your local community.

DoD Safe Helpline

DoD Safe Helpline provides live, one-on-one support to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones within the Department of Defense community.

Additional Support

If someone touches you in a way that's not okay, or shows you something that makes you feel like you are not safe, you don't have to keep it a secret. It's not right, and it's not your fault.

Learn More

Whether it happened recently or years ago, self care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault.

Learn More

There are many ways that you can help a friend or family member who has been affected by sexual violence.

Learn More

When you call 800.656.HOPE (4673), you'll to be routed to a local sexual assault service provider in your area. Trained staff can provide confidential support and connect you to resources in your area.

Read more

Chat one-on-one with a support specialist, any time 24/7. The Online Hotline is confidential and anonymous. RAINN does not log IP addresses or save chat transcripts.

Read more

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la línea de ayuda nacional del asalto sexual

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RAINN partners with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country that can provide support in your local community. DoD Safe Helpline provides live, one-on-one support to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones within the Department of Defense community.

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You can help us keep the Regional Parks open by cooperating with the statewide shelter-in-place order and park rules. Observe the 6-foot social distancing, keep dogs on leash, and carry out all trash. Notice
COVID-19 Park Closures & Parking Restrictions to Limit Overcrowding, Address Public & Staff Safety
More details...Parks to People: Bringing Our Parks into Homes, Classes, and Communities
Learn about the natural resources, wildlife, and history of the Regional Parks. Take virtual reality tours of selected parks. Watch cool videos of storytelling and singing by park naturalists. Start learning now!

Park Finder Map

The Park Finder map below shows all regional parks or find parks listed by city.

These park-lands help to ensure preservation of the natural beauty that makes the Bay Area such a desirable place to live. They provide habitat for wildlife, including many rare and endangered species. They also enhance the region's quality of life, resulting in tangible economic benefits as well as aesthetic values. The Park District offers an extraordinary choice of recreational and educational activities. Whether you enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, nature programs, golf, other active pastimes, or just relaxing in beautiful natural surroundings, there is a park for you. Please refer to our Public Transit page for numerous resources in assisting you in your travels to your Regional Parks.

Print Maps

Browse our selection of District Park Maps

Discover Activities, Events, and Facilities

Park Notices

Park Rules and Regulations

Click the map image below to see an enlarged version.

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You can help us keep the Regional Parks open by cooperating with the statewide shelter-in-place order and park rules. Observe the 6-foot social distancing, keep dogs on leash, and carry out all trash. Notice COVID-19 Park Closures & Parking Restrictions to Limit Overcrowding, Address Public & Staff Safety More details...

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Introduction

When stress and pressure become too intense or overwhelming - or last too long - it can become a problem for your physical and emotional health, disrupt your daily life and have an impact on academic or work performance.

Here are some signs that the stress and pressure are having an impact on your wellness:

You can't sleep, or are sleeping too much

You have no appetite or are eating too much even when you are not hungry

You're experiencing more headaches, muscle aches/tightness, more frequent colds and minor illnesses

You keep taking deep breaths and feel slightly light headed when you think about everything you need to get done or think about a situation you can't control

You are frequently irritable, frustrated, angry, impatient and/or anxious

You often find you can't concentrate and therefore you can't study, pay attention in class or get things done as effectively or as easily as you used to

You often have the feeling that time is pressuring you

The feeling of overwhelming stress lasts more than a few days

Again, it is important to remember that stress is a normal part of life, which can be full of problems and pressures. However, when you can't relieve the stress and pressure you are experiencing and you feel like it's more than the normal stress and pressure that goes with living life and being a student, there are many things you can do to help yourself and improve your frame of mind.

Next are things that you can do to help manage stress.

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Managing stress - The Jed Foundation (JED)

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When stress and pressure become too intense or overwhelming - or last too long - it can become a problem for your physical and emotional health, disrupt your daily life and have an impact on academic or work performance.

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If at any time you feel you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, pause and contact emergency services. This tool cannot take that step for you.Take that urge seriously by getting outside help. Do not act on those urges.

Some other signs of increased risk include:

Talking about hurting oneself or ending one's life

Feelings of hopelessness, feeling burdensome to others, feeling trapped

Isolation from friends and family

Increased use of drugs (including alcohol)

Difficulty sleeping

Searching for methods online

Visiting or calling others to say goodbye

Giving away pets or prized posessions

Depression, including loss of interest in activities

Anxiety, irritability, or agitation

Shame or humiliation

Sudden feeling of relief or lifting of mood

If you recognize these risk factors in yourself or someone close to you, seek the help of a qualified professional for assessment.

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If at any time you feel you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, pause and contact emergency services. This tool cannot take that step for you.Take that urge seriously by getting outside help. Do not act on those urges.

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The Fuente Wellness Center is a youth designed, youth planned cutting edge full service teen clinic, located within the newly constructed REACH Ashland Youth Center complex serving Alameda County youth and young adults ages 11-24. Fuente is unique in that every service provided at the wellness center has a youth leadership/mentorship component which informs the provision of clinic services as well as provides support, education and guidance to youth who desire the opportunity to explore careers in health and wellness.

16335 East 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94578

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30am - 6:00pm

Departments
All Locations

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The Fuente Wellness Center is a youth designed, youth planned cutting edge full service teen clinic, located within the newly constructed REACH Ashland Youth Center complex serving Alameda County youth and young adults ages 11-24.

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Tapping for Kids with Alison - What is Tapping?

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Free Meditations | Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety

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Recenter during these uncertain times with a free short meditation.

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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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It is a time full of unknowns and disappointments.

Schools are closed, events are canceled, the news is scary, and the what-ifs are troubling. This is an unprecedented time, and we need unprecedented kindness.

How can you be kind and still protect yourself and your family? Here are some ideas:

5 Ways to Be Kind to Your Community During Coronavirus / COVID-19

Be a good neighbor. Check in with your neighbors to make sure they have what they need and to let them know they have people that care. Be especially aware of elderly neighbors and people that live alone. You know all that technology we have - let's use it like never before to truly connect.

Support local businesses. Order takeout or buy gift cards for later use. Send a Facebook message to remind them that very soon, we will all be back out and about again to visit their business. Keep your memberships going. Continue to give to your church and area nonprofits and give more if you can.

Remember the caretakers. Find a way to say thank you to health professionals and first responders. Post word of encouragement on their social media channels. If you have to go to the doctor's office or hospital, practice grace and understanding if they are short on time, resources, or answers.

Be generous. Don't take more than you need when it comes to groceries and supplies. Or if you do buy extra, drop them off at police stations, fire stations, and emergency rooms. If you eat out, leave a bigger tip than usual.

Help people. From hungry kids that are missing school lunch to people in demand-shifted jobs like restaurant workers and event custodians, there will be people all over our communities that will be struggling. If you know them, think of what help could look like and reach out. If no one comes to mind, give to your local United Way or food bank; the needs these organizations will be addressing will be fierce.

5 Ways to Be Kind to Your Friends and Family During Coronavirus

Be goofy. Listen to music - loud. Sing along - in funny voices. Have a dance party - in costumes. Laugh and then laugh some more. Then FaceTime some best friends and get them to join in virtually.

Eat and drink well. Open the old cookbooks that just sit on your shelf. Cook a creative meal with the entire family. Open that bottle of wine you have been saving. Let the kids drink an extra soda.

Have family time. Play the board games that your kids always want to play, but you never really play. Have a basketball goal? Play a family game of HORSE. Actually use the fire pit you put in years ago.

Reconnect. Write emails to childhood or college friends that you haven't heard from in a long time. Detail what has been happening in your life and ask questions about what is going on with them. Tag them in an old photo.

Pick up the phone. Call grandma, your favorite aunt, your best friend. Use FaceTime to see the face of someone you love or at least just call them to hear their voice. We are going to need to do better than merely texting right now.

5 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself During Coronavirus

Organize. View this extra time at home as an opportunity to finally declutter. Clean out the closets and reorganize the drawers. How about all the photos trapped on your devices? Get them on a computer and sorted into folders. Use this time to clear your house and mind - and smile, laugh, and cry at the memories that come up as you go through your home.

Get outside. Take a hike, go fishing, breathe in the fresh air, enjoy our world. The grandness of our world, combined with its attention to detail, has a way of making everything else seem like it will all be ok.

Stay calm. Meditate and take deep breaths, anything to practice some mindfulness, and reduce anxiety. Take this time to rest and restore your mind, body, and soul. Oh yeah, Netflix and chill, and don't feel guilty about it.

Read. Go through your bookshelf and open up a book that you keep meaning to start but haven't gotten around to it. Gather a pile of books that you need to pass on to others because if you are honest with yourself, you'll never actually read them.

Feel your emotions. If the trip you have been saving for is canceled, it's ok to be disappointed. If social distancing gets you down, it's ok to be lonely. Feel the sadness. Cry and yell for a minute. Then intentionally find joy and be grateful for all that you have. Have faith that we will get through this. And then pass it on, because faith and joy are just as contagious as fear and panic.

Stay well, and be kind, friends. We need it now more than ever.

Articles You May Also Like:

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15 Kindness Ideas COVID-19/Coronavirus | Be Kind | Inspire Kindness

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It is a time full of unknowns and disappointments. Schools are closed, events are canceled, the news is scary, and the what-ifs are troubling. This is an unprecedented time, and we need unprecedented kindness. How can you be kind and still protect yourself and your family? Here are some ideas: Be a good neighbor.

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Looking for kind but safe things for your kids to do while staying at home.

Here are 20 ideas for kind acts to give your children:
Click here to download a printable checklist.
1. Call your grandparents.

2. Plan a bear hunt in your neighborhood by asking people to put stuffed bears in their windows. Download printable poster and social media post.

3. Add encouraging messages to your sidewalks using chalk.

4. Paint a rock with a kind message and leave it for someone to find.

5. FaceTime a friend from school that you don't talk to often to say hello.

6. Write a note to a parent to let them know they are doing a good job being your parent.

7. Make your parents breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

8. Don't fight with your siblings.

9. Color pictures for people you love and then put them in the mail.

10. Leave a note and a small gift for delivery drivers.

11. Write a letter or make a card for a relative.

12. Do your chores without being asked and without complaining.

13. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people, even your grandparents.

14. Pick weeds from your flower beds and gardens.

15. Tell each of your family members one thing you love about them.

16. Lead a prayer before dinner asking for this virus to go away.

17. Call your cousins.

18. Give a parent a big hug out of the blue.

19. Host a virtual game night with friends.

20. Place large signs with kind messages in your windows so people can be inspired as they drive or walk by.
Click here to download a printable checklist.
What are your ideas for kids to spread kindness? Let us know by emailing social@inspirekindness.com.
Articles You May Also Like:

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20 COVID-19/Coronavirus Kids Acts of Kindness Ideas | Inspire Kindness

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Looking for kind but safe things for your kids to do while staying at home. Click here to download a printable checklist. 1. Call your grandparents. 2. Plan a bear hunt in your neighborhood by asking people to put stuffed bears in their windows. Download printable poster and social media post.