The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Oct. 10 World Mental Health Day. On their website they state that their goal is for this day to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
The WHO recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. And services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted.
Yet there is cause for optimism, as the WHO states. During the World Health Assembly in May 2021, governments from around the world recognized the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels. And some countries have found new ways of providing mental health care to their populations.
San Diego County's website offers resources for families, parents & caregivers
- California Surgeon General’s Playbook: Stress Relief for Caregivers and Kids during COVID-19
- Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families during COVID-19
- A Mini Comic Book for Children Explaining the Coronavirus
- NPR Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- PBS: How to talk to Your Kids about COVID-19
- San Diego County Office of Education
- Supporting Homebound Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Taking Care of Your Family During Coronavirus and Other Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800-273-8255. Available 24 hours. Learn more
