Mental Health Resources to Support Response and Recovery During COVID-19

Head Start and child care programs can use these tip sheets and resources with families and staff affected by a crisis or tragic event. Find materials on mental health and wellness, short- and long-term recovery, and caring for yourself during recovery. The resources on this page and throughout the Mental Health topic area may be helpful as programs respond to COVID-19.

Webinars

Talking About Substance Use: COVID-19, Racial Equity, and Stigma

Watch this webinar to explore the impact of COVID-19 on substance use, with a focus on issues related to equity and stigma.

Stress and Trauma: Pandemic-related Struggles and Lessons Learned

This webinar recording provides a foundational understanding of trauma and highlights the pandemic's place on a continuum of stress and trauma. Explore racial and economic disparities in the context of COVID-19.

Stress and Trauma: Buffering the Impact of the Pandemic

This second webinar recording builds on the first part of the Stress and Trauma series. Discover strategies to reduce the negative impact of the pandemic in Head Start settings and children’s homes.

Mental Health Is Integral to Addressing COVID-19: Posters

Print and display this poster to help everyone understand how COVID-19 can affect the mental health of children, families, and staff.

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Short-term Recovery

Find short-term recovery resources that support coping and healing in the days and weeks after an event.

Children's Responses to Crises and Tragic Events
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children who experience a tragic event may show changes in their behaviors. Learn more about the important role staff play in supporting children after tragic events.

Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
Adult support and reassurance are key to helping children and youth through a traumatic time. This tip sheet will help parents, caregivers, and teachers learn some common reactions, respond in a helpful way, and know when to seek support.

Helping Your Child Cope After a Disaster
Learn effective strategies families can use to help their children cope during the recovery process. Children can cope more effectively with a disaster when they feel they understand what is happening and what they can do. Providing basic, non-alarming information can help.

Psychological First Aid
Psychological First Aid is an evidence-informed approach for assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families in the aftermath of disaster and terrorism. This collection of resources includes a field operations guide and handouts that can be used for survivors in the immediate aftermath.

Long-term Recovery

This resource may be used months after a crisis or emergency to ensure families are healing and building resilience.

Back to School Trauma-related Resources for Educators
Explore this resource list for information about a range of trauma topics that impact children.

Caring for Yourself During Recovery

Learn more about common reactions and best practices for self-care after an emergency.

Self-care for Educators
Anyone working with children and families impacted by trauma are vulnerable to the effects of trauma or compassion fatigue. Learn more about preventing compassion fatigue and caring for yourself.

Crisis recovery, Staff Mental Health

, Mental Health

Resource Type: Article

Last Updated: September 13, 2023

Mental Health