COVID-19 and Mental Health in Schools
Current response in schools to COVID-19 health and subsequent mental health crisis and inability of social workers to provide resources to students.
Peer-reviewed studies on the impact COVID has had on mental health of children and adolescents:
- COVID-19 and the Impact on Children’s Mental Health
- Mental health implications of COVID-19 on children with disabilities
- Evidence suggests children are being left behind in COVID-19 mental health research
- Children and Coping During COVID-19: A Scoping Review of Bio-Psycho-Social Factors
- Why we need longitudinal mental health research with children and youth during (and after) the COVID-19 pandemic
- Mental Health–Related Emergency Department Visits Among Children Aged <18 Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, January 1–October 17, 2020
Resources that discuss various viewpoints and issues related to social workers in educational roles during COVID:
- SSWAA’s response to COVID
- The Role of Social Workers During COVID, July 2020 peer-reviewed
- School and Mental Health Partnerships Improving School and Community Outcomes For Children and Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges April 2018
Other Resources/Articles:
- A ‘second wave’ of mental health devastation due to Covid-19 is imminent, experts say Source: Thomas, N & Romano, S. 10/12/2020. CNN Health
- COVID Harmed Kids’ Mental Health–And Schools Are Feeling It. Source: Vestal, Christine. 11/9/2021. PEW: Stateline
- Disastershock: How to Cope with the Emotional Stress of a Major Disaster. FREE. 45 pages full of practical information and resources for practitioners and parents including step by step activities to help children relax and cope, after or during a crisis including this pandemic.
- Healthy Young Minds Back to School Issue—Articles contributed by NYSSSWA and other New York Specialized Instructional Support Personnel associations. A definite read. Check it out! Source: August, 2020, Issue 13, Mental Health Association in New York State
- Helping Children with Traumatic Separation or Traumatic Grief Related to COVID-19 (2 page) Source: 2020. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
- How Teens Use Downtime to Connect, Distract, or Reflect Source: Damour, Lisa 12/3/2020. New York Times
- Managing Worry and Anxiety in a Pandemic World. “If you’re suffering from anxiety during COVID-19, you’re not alone. This link will take you to a free download* of a 1 hour video slide show with Coach Margaret Wehrenberg. *This is a completely free download, no strings attached. You will need access to Google Drive to access the download. If you’d like to fast-forward, Margaret starts the presentation at around 2:22.”
- Mental Health Disorders Related to COVID Deaths. “Of central concern is the transformation of normal grief and distress into prolonged grief and major depressive disorder and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. ” Source: Simon, N. Saxe, G. & Marmar, C. 10/12/2020 JAMA
- Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic Scroll down to highlighted points. Scroll further for links to activities and other resources. Source: Bartlett, J, Griffin, J. & Thomson, D. 3/19/2020. Child Trends
- Schools, Not Teachers, Must Reduce Stress and Burnout–Here’s How Source: Gonser, S. 2/11/2021. Edutopia
- Stress & Coping During COVID-19. Source: Center for Disease Control.
- What You Need to Know About Coronavirus and Grief Source: Allison Jame. March 13, 2020. The Grief Recovery Method
- With School Buildings Closed, Children’s Mental Health Is Suffering Source: 5/14/2020 Kamenetz, Anya. NPR.