And because of this, we want to support them to be healthy – mind, body, and spirit. Just as many adults have been struggling with managing their emotions and feelings so have our young people. Many have felt overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed trying to find the words to express how they are feeling. Not knowing how to define or explain their feelings and emotions, several have attempted to cope with them in not so positive ways.

Parents/caregivers, during this season of spring breaks and throughout the rest of this year, take some time to check in with your young person to make sure he/she is alright.

 

A couple of great tools to assist you with having conversations about feelings and emotions are Kings & Queens Emotions Cards created by Nia King, MSW. These cards were created to help parents and therapists teach children how to verbalize and manage their emotions. Visit www.kidonyx.com for more information. Another tool is the Pep Talk Line, a public art project by an elementary school in California. Call (707) 998-8410 to hear young people offer support if you feel mad, frustrated, or nervous (press 1), need words of encouragement and life advise (press 2), need a pep talk from kindergartners (press 3), need to hear kids laughing with delight (press 4) and for word of encouragement in Spanish (press 5). People of all ages can use both of these tools.

Children are indeed our future. Let’s help them feel and be the best they can be. Extra attention and care are needed especially in these times. If your young person needs additional support evident by exhibiting symptoms of depression or anxiety as described at www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth , please consider seeking assistance from a mental health provider. Contact your medical insurance carrier to access services. All medical insurance carriers including Medi-Cal cover mental health services. If you need assistance with direction on how to use your medical insurance to a referral for your young person or yourself, contact Bethsaida Counseling Services at (510) 544-8945 or by email at bethsaida@allen-temple.org.