Normalizing COVID-19 Stress, Big Feelings & Grief

On behalf of the Brookings County Child Protection Team, I asked about writing this blog to normalize some of the symptoms associated with this adjustment. Symptoms such as stress, big feelings, grief associated with changes are normal. Part of building resiliency through moments of adversity is acknowledging it is normal to struggle through the adversity, through the adjustment. Acknowledging you are not failing, you are not “over-reacting,” and you are not a bad person for feeling how you feel about this current COVID-19 crisis.

The Brookings County Child Protection Team is a group of multiple community stakeholders that work together to support strong and thriving individuals and families in the Brookings area to prevent child abuse. April is child abuse prevention month. One in two individuals experiences a type of childhood adversity, and one in four individuals experiences more than one type of childhood adversity. COVID-19 and the major adjustments it brings are a type of ‘adversity’ we are all faced with today.

During this time with COVID-19, it is normal to need extra support due to normal responses to such a large life altering experience. You can find local area resources through the Brookings Mental Health Resource Guide with 211. Call 211 or go to the website: helplinecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/HLCRD-Brookings-Area-Mental-Health-Guide.pdf

Please learn about this month’s CAPM activities that are being offered for free by going to The Brookings Area United Way website and clicking on their “Community Calendar” tab brookingsunitedway.org/get-involved/#calendar  or follow “Brookings County Child Protection Team” on Facebook for events and resources.

The Brookings County Child Protection Team wants Brookings area parents and guardians to know that we are here for you.

Nikki Eining CSW-PIP, QMHP

Co-Chair of Brookings County Child Protection Team

Outpatient Mental Health Therapist – Avera Brookings Behavioral Health