Area Resources for COVID-19 Response
With growing concern regarding COVID 19, we know this is a time for a great uncertainty for all of us and our community.
The Waterloo Community School District has listed a number of resources available to you and your family. The resources list below are informational as well, as how to access services if need.
Physical Health Resources for Caregivers
Corona viruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in people.
Local area COVID Medical Information and How to Access Care
Where To Go for Care COVID – 19 UnityPoint
Blackhawk County – COVID-19 resources
Mercyone Health and Wellness Covid 19
For Parents and Caregivers:
Young children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them.
When parents and caregivers deal with COVID-19, calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children.
Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
This infographic from Mental Health America can help identify your concerns, what you can and cannot control, what to look for, tips for managing anxiety, and when and when to get help.
-Watch for behavior changes in your child
-Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way.
-Some common changes to watch for include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Excessive crying or irritation in younger children;
-Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (Exs: toileting accidents or bedwetting);
-Excessive worry or sadness;
-Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits;
-Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens;
-Poor school performance or avoiding school;
-Difficulty with attention and concentration;
-Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past;
-Unexplained headaches or body pain; and,
-Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Ways to support your child:
–Talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak.
-Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
-Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
-Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
-Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
-Be a role model.Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
-Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Mental Health
Common Mental Health Warning Signs
Mental health is not simply the presence or absence of symptoms. Mental health includes generally feeling and functioning well and resiliently when faced with setbacks.1
Adolescents may have different symptoms than adults with the same mental health disorder and symptoms may vary from person to person. Some adolescents only experience one or two symptoms while others experience more.
Furthermore, adolescents may experience symptoms only once or infrequently, in which case they may be just experiencing emotions that are common at this age.
These variations can make identification and diagnosis of mental health disorders challenging.2
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a child or teen might need help if they:
-Often feel very angry or very worried;
-Have difficulty sleeping or eating;
-Lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy;
-Isolate themselves and avoid social interactions;
-Feel grief for a long time after a loss or death;
-Use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs;
-Obsessively exercise, diet, and/or binge eat;
-Hurt other people or destroy property;
-Have low or no energy;
-Feel like they can’t control their emotions;
-Have thoughts of suicide;
-Harm themselves (e.g., burning or cutting their skin);
-Think their mind is being controlled or is out of control; and,
-Hear voices.
In crisis or life-threatening situations, call 911 immediately, or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Various Crisis Lines-
–This is a comprehensive referral and information system;
-Family Crisis Intervention Services 24/7 LSI: (319) 859-3512; and,
-National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
Crisis Text Line: Available 24/7: Text “HOME” to 741741
-The Trevor Project for LGBTQ 1-866-488-7386;
-Trans LifeLine- 877-565-8860; and,
-Eating Disorder Help Line- 800-931-2237.
Getting Help
If you or your child is having a difficult time coping with the outbreak and want to seek help, contact your medical provider, utilize one of the resource lines, or reach out to one of our community mental health providers.
Cedar Valley Mental Health Connections
Waterloo Community Schools District Mental Health Support
Waterloo Community School District offers school based mental health services through a contract with Success Street – Black Hawk Grundy Mental Health Center.
Our school-based therapists are available to provide mental health sessions during our school closure.
After the initial intake at the Black Hawk Grundy office on-going services can be provided in person or on the phone.
A school-based mental health program provides many of the same services that can be found in community agencies. Success Street school-based therapists offer a full range of comprehensive mental health services.
The school-based mental health professionals work collaboratively with parents, school staff, and other professionals in order to surround each student with quality care.
If you feel your child could benefit from mental health services through our school-based program you can contract you child’s school counselor to initiate a referral to services.
Below are some helpful articles on talking to your children about the viral outbreak
How to Talk with Kids and Teens about COVID-19
The outbreak of COVID-19 can result in stress, especially for students who may be struggling to process fear and anxiety related to the disease.
How to Talk with Kids and Teens about COVID-19
Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from Covid 19
How to Talk with Your Child about Covid 19
Coping with Stress
Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks.
30 Activities for Mental Health
