COVID-19 & War
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted us significantly. For the past year and a half, we have canceled plans, been isolated from our loved ones, worked from home, closed schools, transitioned to virtual learning, we’ve dealt with grief, and much more. Oh, and we can’t forget the vaccine saga: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. The stress and anxiety levels that we continue to experience have caused a rollercoaster of emotions. Throughout the pandemic, depression and sleep disruptions and thoughts of suicide have increased, especially among young adults. In addition, many people across the country have experienced job loss, and children have been affected by food insecurity. Thus, the pandemic has both short and long-term implications for mental health, and we must be prepared to address shortcomings in the months and years to come. Even after the novel coronavirus is in our rearview mirror, we will still have to deal with the emotional toll the invisible virus took on young and old. This section has a variety of resources that will help you with the ongoing pandemic.
Helpings Students Needing Extra Help with Reading
The pandemic has impacted some students in the early grades, and the ability to read aloud quickly and accurately – largely came to a halt in March 2020, after the abrupt school closures brought on by COVID-19. Students’ development of phonic, oral reading, and comprehension have all been affected. Reading is a fundamental academic development, and students who struggle with reading will have difficulty in other subjects. The question that many teachers are asking is, how can we help struggling students catch up? Controlled Phonetic Reading (CPR) is an Orton-Gillingham-based curriculum that includes a variety of HANDS-ON, MULTI-SENSORY, word-for-word teaching lessons specifically designed for EARLY readers, STRUGGLING readers, or students diagnosed with DYSLEXIA.
To learn more about this resource watch an interview with the author of CPR, Melissa Hanson, and teacher Ruth Davis who has piloted this program for two years in her classroom. Also, visit the Creative Products 4 Reading website for more details.
Interview with Melissa Hanson and Ruth Davis
School Resource
Websites
Children and Adolescents
- Impact of COVID-19 and Lockdown on Mental Health of Children and Adolescents: A narrative review with, US National Library of Medicine with recommendations☆,
- Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support, Healthy Children.org
- New Findings About Children’s Mental Health During COVID-19, Psychiatric Times
- The Coronavirus Seems to Spare Most Kids From Illness, but Its Effect on Their Mental Health Is Deepening, TIME
- Mental Health Effects of COVID-19 on Children, Kaplan
- 7 Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Kids, Children’s Hospital Association
- Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review, SAGE Journals
- Signs of Depression in Children During COVID-19, VeryWell Family
Early Childhood
Elementary & High School
College/University
Teachers
Families
Books for Children
How to Talk to Children about War
Articles
Video Clips for Adults about talking with children about the Russia/Ukraine War
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
General Resources
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Teachers are such an essential part of our education system. Tending to the needs of the children/students, staff, parents, and local constituent members are just a few of the responsibilities in their job description. To help support the mental health of students and faculty, and staff, we have collected mental health resources, such as videos, suggested books, and websites, and mental health organizations to get you started on this mental health journey. Don’t forget to enroll in the North American Division Mental Health Training Course and Strategies for Educators.
Adventist Possibility Ministries
AU International Center for Trauma Education & Care
- Website
- Instagram: au_traumacenter
- https://www.facebook.com/andrewsuniversitytraumacare
North American Division REACH Website
North American Division Office of Education Webinars
North American Division One Team Mental Health
Youth Alive
Social Media and Mental Health
Social-Emotional Resources
- I Have so Many Feelings by Markita Staples and Julie Kaufmann
- My Sister’s Super Skills: Introducing Kid-Friendly Social and Emotional Skills by Laureen Mosback (Ages 4-9)
- Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning Grades PreK–K by Katia S. Petersen, Ph.D.
- Merrell’s Strong Start—Pre-K: A Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum, Second Edition by Sara A. Whitcomb, PhD. & Danielle M. Parisi Damico, Ph.D.
- 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning for Kindergarten by Jodene Smith & Brenda Van Dixhorn (Ages 5-6)
- 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning for First Grade by Kris Hinrichsen & Kayse Hinrichsen (Ages 6-7)
- 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning for Second Grade by Kris Hinrichsen (Ages 7-8)
- 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning for Third Grade by Kristin Kemp (Ages 8-9)
- 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning for Fourth Grade by Kristin Kemp (Ages 9-10)
- 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning for Fifth Grade by Kayse Hinrichsen (Ages 10-11)
- 180 Days of Social-Emotional Learning for Sixth Grade by Jennifer Edgerton (Ages 11-12)
- Feelings and Emotions Flash Cards Bundle – 100 Emotion Development Educational Photo Cards – 7 Starter Learning Games for the Classroom, Therapy, Speech Therapy Materials & Special Education Supplies
- Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning: Research and Practice by Joseph A. Durlak, Celene E. Domitrovich, Roger P. Weissber & Thomas P. Gullotta
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Workbook, Sean Covey
- Mini Habits for Teens: Small Changes to Help You Navigate Life’s Challenges by Kate Gladdin
- Social Skills for Teens: How to Build Self-Esteem, Confidence, and Become Your Best Self by Discover Presss
- ON THE EDGE: Help & hope for parenting children with mental illness by Andrea Berryman Childreth
- God Loves Me and All My Feelings by Tara J. VinCross, DMin
- All About Feelings by Falicity Brooks
- What are Feelings? by Usborne
- Expression Puzzle Building Blocks – Preschool Puzzle Game by SEZN
Books
- Managing the Inner World of Teaching: Emotions, Interpretations, and Actions by Robert J. Marzano and Jana S. Marzano
- Coaching for Educator Wellness: A Guide to Supporting New and Experienced Teachers by Tina H. Boogreen
- I Am Not Sick I don’t Need Help! How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment by Xavier Amador, Ph.D.
- Understanding Mental Illness: A Comprehensive Guide to Mental Health Disorders for Family and Friends by Carlin Barnes, MD
- Mental Toughness: A Simple Guide to Managing Stress and Overcoming Adversity by Edward Langway
- The Awkward Armadillo: A Mental Health Memoir by Aimee Laron
- Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Loves of Christians with Mental Health Challenges by John Swinton
- Are You Really OK?: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters by Debra Fileta
- Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness by Matthew S. Stanford
- Switch On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health by Dr. Caroline Leaf
- Walking on Water When You Feel Like You’re Drowning: Finding Hope in Life’s Darkest Moments by Tommy Nelson
- Seeing Beautiful Again: 50 Devotions to Find Redemption in Every Part of Your Story by Lysa Terkeurst
- Christ on the Psych Ward by David Finnegan-Hosey
- Breathwork: A 3-Week Breathing Program to Gain Clarity, Calm, and Better Health by Valarie Moselle
Articles
Sermons
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for Educators
- Youth Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First “is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.” It teaches to identify, understand, and respond. www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Disruptive Disorders – (ODD/CD/ADHD)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Children and youth all demonstrate disruptive behaviors, triggered by an inability to control their emotions. However, when the behaviors are extreme, there is cause for concern. Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) refers to a group of disorders that include Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD). ODD usually begins during the early childhood years; some of the typical behaviors are physical aggression, temper tantrums, and constant arguing. Unfortunately, ODD is not detected until it starts to impact learning and relationships in the later years. Conduct Disorder (CD) is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviors, where social rules are ignored. CD usually involves severe aggression towards adults, fighting, bullying, vandalism, intimidating peers, running away from home, and stealing. Early intervention for children and youth with disruptive behavior disorders is crucial. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder seen in children, teens, and adults. Those who struggle with ADHD have difficulties staying on task, planning, and prioritizing. Children with ADHD might have trouble taking turns, losing things, daydreaming, getting along with others, and controlling impulsive behaviors. Younger children may have a hard time sitting still while eating meals or doing homework. ADHD can last into adulthood. This section has a variety of resources that will help you better understand disruptive disorders.
Books
Links to Articles
Disruptive Behavior Disorder
ADHD
- The effect of ADHD on the life of an individual, their family, and community from preschool to adult life, BMJ Journals
- What’s ADHD (and What’s Not) in the Classroom, Child Mind Institute
- What to know about ADHD, Medical News Today
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, National Institute of Mental Health
- ADD vs. ADHD Symptoms: What’s the Difference?, Additude Inside the ADHD Mind
- ADHD, Healthy Children.org
- What Is ADHD?, American Psychiatric Association
- Protecting the Health of Children with ADHD, Centers for Diease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Video Links
Games
Books for Children
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Trauma and Learning
Adverse Childhood Experiences, (ACEs) a study of 17,000 middle-class Americans documented how the experiences in a person’s early childhood years can significantly impact their adult physical and mental health. Some of these experiences may include – families dealing with food insecurity, the death of a loved one, abuse and neglect, a natural disaster, and more. Unfortunately, these are all real things that occur in many children’s lives, and we can’t undo what has happened to them. These events can affect children’s learning and cause them to struggle academically. In addition, children who have experienced ACEs will bring their pain and fears into the classroom. However, by putting on a trauma-informed lens, educators can help all children feel safe and secure in their classroom and reduce the negative impact of traumatic experiences on learning.
Webinar
Putting on Your Trauma Lens: Responding to Childhood Adversity, Dr. Heather Forkey | ALC
Books
Links to Articles
Other Resources
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Psychosis
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
Psychosis is an extreme mental disorder where a person is disconnected from reality, which results in disrupted thinking. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that over 100,000 young people experience psychosis annually. Psychosis may occur because of a psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia and occurs in episodes known as psychotic episodes. Psychosis can also be triggered by a health condition or substance abuse. Childhood psychosis is rare, however, psychiatric illnesses in children and youth have increased and are usually accompanied by other mental health challenges such as depression and bipolar disorder. Some of the early signs of psychosis include believing things that others don’t exist, trouble thinking clearly, withdrawal from family, decline in hygiene, hearing voices, and more. It is believed that psychosis is triggered by trauma, substance use, brain injury, schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Early intervention is critical and shows the best outcome. This section has a variety of resources that will help you better understand psychosis.
Books
Articles
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
- Supporting Students Experiencing Early Psychosis in Middle School and High School, Jason Schiffman, Ph.D., Sharon A. Hoover, Ph.d., Caroline Romer, M.Sc., Samantha Redman, M.A., and Jeff Q Bostic, M.D., Ed.D.
- Watching for Signs of Psychosis in Teens, Child Mind Institute
- Psychotic Depression, Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD
- Quick Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Child Mind Institute
- Psychosis (Schizophrenia) In Children And Youth, Mental Health America
COLLEGE
Videos
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Substance Use
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Substance use disorder is a disease that affects the brain. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, a complex condition in which a person cannot control the abuse of illegal/legal drugs, prescribed medications (like opioids), alcohol, recreational drugs, and nicotine. When a person has a substance use disorder, their body craves substances, and they are unable to stay away from them or stop the addictive behavior. The most common addiction is drugs (such as pain relievers, nicotine, and opioids) and alcohol. One in 10 Americans has an addiction to both. The common signs of substance abuse disorder include increased secrecy, memory loss, tiredness due to lack of sleep, personality changes, significant adverse changes in established relationships. Seeking early intervention from a qualified professional is critical in minimizing physical, emotional, and psychological damage from substance use disorder and will also start the road to recovery. This section has a variety of resources that will help you better understand substance use.
Books for Adults
Links to Articles
- Top 8 Reasons Why Teens Try Alcohol and Drugs, Partnership to End Addiction
- Responding to Students With Addiction, Edutopia
- Teachers: Classroom Resources on Drug Effects, National Institue on Drug Abuse
- Why is Teenage Drug Abuse on the Rise?, Sierra by the Sea
- Teen Substance Use & Risks, Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Article on Drug Addiction and Youth, The Pathway Program
- Teenage Drug Abuse And Addiction, Addiciton Center
- Addiction Resources for Children, Teens, Parents and the Community, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
- Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Use, Child Mind Institute
Video Links
Books for Children
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Suicide/Self-Injury/Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
“HE HEALS the BROKENHEARTED and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
For a variety of reasons, many students are overwhelmed and start to slip into a state of depression. It is important to understand that some of these students are also dealing with traumatic events from their past, and it’s not unusual for children and youth struggling with trauma and pain to engage in self-harm to reduce pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-harm as “an act with non-fatal outcome…” Which means that it is a deliberate action causing pain. Suicide ideation refers to contemplating or planning to self-injure or planning suicide, which is on the rise. Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among high school and college students. Stress and depression have been linked to suicide attempts/suicide. However, there are ways to help such students. Many colleges and universities are beginning to offer social support to assist students in managing stress and anxiety and have even incorporated mental health counseling services and suicide and depression awareness programs. During these transition years, students need to have a robust campus support system in place. This section has a variety of resources that will help you better understand suicide/self-injury and non-suicidal self-injury.
Adventist Possibiliy Ministries
Books
Links to Articles
General
Elementary
Middle Grades & High School
College
- Non-Suicidal Self-Injury on College Campuses, Higher Education Today
- Who self-injures?, American Psycological Association
- Self-Injuries Behaviors in College Population, Janis Whitlock, PhD, MPH, John Eckenrode, PhD, Daniel Silverman, MD, MPA
- Predicting the Incidence of Non-suicidal self-injury in College Students, Cambridge University Press
- College and Teen suicide Statistics, Verywell Mind
For Parents
Videos
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Anxiety
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phillippians 4:6
Everyone will struggle with fear, anxiety, or stress at some point in their lives. However, people with anxiety disorders, which are frequently caused by traumatic events, deal with excessive worry and continuous fear. These overwhelming feelings of anxiety often interfere with the daily routines and can prevent people from living fruitful and productive lives. The three common anxiety disorders are social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can include nervousness, restlessness, sweating, trouble sleeping, feeling weak, having stomach problems, trembling, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and constant worrying. Anxiety disorders do not typically resolve on their own, so people with this disorder need to seek help from a mental health provider. This section has a variety of resources that will help you better understand anxiety disorders.
Books for Adults
- Untangle Your Anxiety: A Guidee To Overcoming An Anxiety Disorder by Joshua Fletcher and Dean Stott
- Anxiety Reelief for Teens by Regine Galanti by PhD
- Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
- Coping Skills for Kids Activity Books: Processing Feelings by Janine Halloran and Meg Garcia
- Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry by Susannah Mars, Catherine M. Pittman, PhD, et al.
- Managing Negative Emotions: How to Deal with Anger, Anxiety, and Irritation Anywhere and Anytime by Byron Neal
- Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking by Caroline Leaf
- Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (Mental and Emotional Abundance) by Nick Trenton
- The Teenage Mind: A Complete Guide for Parents to Raise Teens With Anxiety, Teaching Them How to Control Anger and Manage Emotions by Laurel Nash
Links to Articles
- Anxiety, Child Mind Institute
- I Want to Learn More, Anxiety in the Classroom
- A Child Therapist’s Favorite Resources for Calming Anxiety in Children, Coping Skills for Kids
- 8 Activities for Treating Anxiety in Children, Theraphy Source
- Studies Show Normal Children Today Report More Anxiety than Child Psychiatric Patients in the 1950’s, American Psychology Association
- How Teachers Can Help Students Cope with General Anxiety in the Classroom, Edmentum Blog
- 10 Ways to Help Students Who Struggle With Anxiety, We Are Teachers
- Follow These Steps to Ease Student Anxiety in Your Classroom, WGU
- How Technology Is Causing Anxiety, Bentley Unviersity
- Can Technology Cause Anxiety and Depression?, Interesting Engineering
- Feeling More Stress and Anxiety? Your Smartphone May Be to Blame, Healthline
- As Teen Stress Increases, Teachers Look for Answers, Eutopia
Videos Links
Games and Activities
Books for Children
Books for Teens
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Depression
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
Depression is the most common childhood mental illness and nearly two million children and teens battle depression in the United States. Depression is a mood disorder distinguished by persistent feelings of sadness. Depression can affect both adults and children of all ages, including infants. Yes, you read correctly, even infants. While each child and adult experience symptoms differently, some of the most common include feeling of sadness; having low self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts, frequent headaches, stomach aches, and even fatigue. While the exact cause of depression is not known, research has linked genetics and environmental factors as the common reasons for depression. Depression can have severe consequences and should require medical attention and treatments like talk therapy. If persistent signs of depression are detected in children and teens, parents should talk to their child’s pediatrician and get the appropriate help. Early intervention can make a difference in the lives of children and teens battling depression. This section has a variety of resources that will help you better understand depression.
Books for Adults
Links to Articles
Video Links
Activities
- Have the child/student do as many push-ups in one minute. Adult can count out loud.
- Have the child/student go outside and run several laps around the house or school. Fresh air and exercise stimulate the brain.
- Have the child/student give themselves a big hug or a pat on the arm while telling themselves what a great job they are doing.
- Have the child/student play the game ‘Operation’. (Ages 5 and up)
- Have the child/student play the game ‘Don’t Spill the Beans’. (Ages 5 and up)
- Have the child/student play the game ‘Jenga’.
- Have the child/student stand on one foot will focusing on something straight ahead. Time to see how long they can balance themselves. (Ages 5 and up)
- Using a pinwheel have the child/student blow short, quick breaths. Then have them repeat the exercise using long deep breaths. Discuss how the different breaths made them feel. (Age 4 and up)
- Have the child/student breath in for four seconds, then have them hold the breath for four seconds. Now breath out to the count of four. Then wait four seconds before starting again. (Age 4 and up)
Books for Children
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Eating Disorders
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:14
The American Psychiatric Association defines eating disorders as “behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be severe conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function.” Eating disorders are serious but treatable physical and mental illnesses that can affect people of any gender, age, body shape, and weight. Eating disorders are prevalent in adolescents and are associated with significant medical and psychiatric problems. Types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, pica, rumination disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorders. Many people with an eating disorder struggle in secret for years before even reaching out for help. While no one thing causes eating disorders, here are some factors that may contribute to the problem: genetics, physiological issues, culture, environment, and biochemistry. This section has a variety of resources that will help you better understand eating disorders.
Books for Adults
Articles
- Eating disorders in adolescents, Journal of Adolescent Health
- Understanding Eating Disorders in Teens, WebMD
- Eating Disorders During Adolescence and the Risk for Physical and Mental Disorders During Early Adulthood, JAMA Psychiatry
- Teen, Children and Adolescent Eating Disorders, Eating Disorder Hope
- About Eating Disorders, The Healthy Teen Project
- Eating disorders and adolescents, Better Health Channel
- Identification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents, American Academy of Pediatrics
- Treatment of eating disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry, Wolters Kluwer | Current Opinion in Psychiatry
- Eating Disorders in Adolescence & Teens, Break Binge Eating
- Tween and teen health, Mayo Clinic
- Did You Choose Your Eating Disorder?, Magnolia Creek Treatment Center for Eating Disorders
Video Links
Games
Books for Children
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
