Lexington, SC – Lexington County School District One’s Superintendent Dr. Greg Little reached out to the parents and students of the District Monday with a message that concerns the mental health of students and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In it, he gave some tips about how to keep yourself mentally fit and some resources for those who may need some assistance in that area during these challenging times.
In his message, Dr. Little said that during this time that students are eLearning from home, many feel scared, anxious, and maybe even a little sad. Although those feelings are normal, for some people those feelings can become overwhelming.
He continued by saying the district cares about each of their students and parents and encourages them to make their mental health a top priority. Little said, “Safeguarding your mental health is as vital as safeguarding your physical health.”
Some good ways to cope with stress include:
Taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic over and over compounds our anxiety.
Eating healthy, well-balanced meals.
Exercising regularly.
Taking deep breaths, meditate, or stretch.
Getting plenty of sleep.
Avoiding overusing alcohol.
Making time to unwind and get outside.
Trying to do some activities you enjoy each day.
Connecting with others.
Talking with people you trust about your concerns and your feelings.
Since school is not in session, and since the district is honoring Governor McMaster’s social distancing order, they are providing counseling differently than usual. If you feel that your child needs help, you (or your child) are welcome to email your child’s counselor. Counselors are monitoring their emails while working from home and will respond quickly, according to Dr. Little. In addition, your child’s counseling department, who reached out to parents and students earlier providing additional contact information and resources, can resend those if you did not receive or save these from your earlier email.
The Military Education Coalition is also offering parents/students free access to on-line training modules dealing with issues and challenges during this time. The modules include information about responding to changes in routine, addressing anxiety, maintaining connections and relationships, making behavior management positive, etc. You can access those here by clicking on this LINK.
Remember, too, that children look to the adults in their lives. He suggested you watch how you handle situations because they take their cues from you.
To support the district’s students, families, and staff, Lexington District One created a webpage with a list of free resources to help you safeguard your mental health. You can find that webpage by simple clicking on this LINK.
Dr. Little completed his message by saying, “This is a trying time for our community. As we help each other, we become stronger. I miss seeing your faces and look forward to the day we can return to a more normal way of life. Until then, please stay well.”
