Wellness Balance Helpline:
859-283-3248 Extension: 38248
Boone County Schools Wellness Balance helpline has been set up and will be answered by School Counselors and School Psychologists during the regular school day.
In the case of evening or night calls the number is set up with voicemail so return calls may be made the following day.
Here are some tips for stress and anxiety management during the Coronavirus outbreak:
Here are some tips for stress and anxiety management during the Coronavirus outbreak:
1. Separate what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those. Wash your hands. Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins and eat well. Practice social distancing. Limit your consumption of news, and use accurate and reliable sources. Local Health Agencies, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization all provide accurate information.
2. Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others. Social distancing is important, but make sure you distinguish when you are isolating based on potential for sickness versus isolating because it’s part of depression.
3. Get outside in nature–even while you are avoiding crowds. It feels good to both get some fresh air. Exercise also helps both your physical and mental health.
4. Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding—you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.
5. Stay connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted family members and friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help.
1. Separate what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those. Wash your hands. Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins and eat well. Practice social distancing. Limit your consumption of news, and use accurate and reliable sources. Local Health Agencies, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization all provide accurate information.
2. Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others. Social distancing is important, but make sure you distinguish when you are isolating based on potential for sickness versus isolating because it’s part of depression.
3. Get outside in nature–even while you are avoiding crowds. It feels good to both get some fresh air. Exercise also helps both your physical and mental health.
4. Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding—you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.
5. Stay connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted family members and friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help.
