Charlotte therapist providing free webinar about importance of mental health care during COVID-19

While the outbreak of the coronavirus may be stressful for some people, fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming for children. Rwenshaun Miller, executive director of Eustress, Inc., believes coping properly with stress will make the community stronger.

On Friday, Miller will offer a free webinar: 4 Quarters: A Design for Mental Health. It is designed to be a lesson in the importance of self-care to help people maintain their mental wellness during these intense times.

“Uncertainty about the future is the No. 1 stressor for many during this type of outbreak,” Miller said. “It is often coupled with fear of acquiring the disease. In short, people panic.”

When moved to the height of a pandemic, stressors tend to intensify, especially with situations like parents having to double as employees and teachers with their kids at home.

Miller advises not to allow this panic, and other accompanying emotions, to feed our mind and body. However, look for and remain focused on the positives.

Because fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children, Miller said there are many ways to navigate children through these times.

“Be mindful that children often learn emotions and behaviors from their parents, therefore stay tuned in about how you react in front of them,” he said. “They tend to take their cues on how to respond from the behavior of their parents.”

Miller said to take into consideration that this sudden change in routine for children can create a lot of anxiety. One of the most important things parents can do is to create structure, incorporate educational activities similar to school and sustain a routine. Finally, keep your children informed about what is happening and why so that they remain safe and cautious.

Some children will withdraw, or become distant, while others may be overly excited or throw tantrums. The bottom line, if your child is acting "out of character" -- what you know to be their norm -- it is most likely due to the sudden, drastic changes that have taken place in their lives.

“Again, be urged to talk to them about what is happening and offer understanding and surety based on the safe measures being taken, but make sure you're being honest,” Miller said.

This is an unprecedented time that can easily transcend into losing self-awareness. With so many unknown variables, to maintain positive well-being, incorporate daily activities that you enjoy and that your kids enjoy. Be sure to do something for yourself. This is a good time to read that book you've been longing to read, continue exercising, call to check on friends and family you haven't been in touch with or meditate.

Miller founded Eustress, Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps raise mental health awareness through training, workshops and other events to create an atmosphere where it is OK to talk about mental health challenges.

Finally, Miller said to plan activities to do together with the children such as play board games, cook and color.

“The bottom line is to not let the day go by and all that has transpired are school lessons and work,” he said.

The goal of the webinar is to encourage all participants to incorporate a plan of self-care and remain cognizant of their mental wellbeing.

CLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE FREE MENTAL HEALTH WEBINAR.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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