Wayland Union Schools has partnered with Pine Rest to provide mental health support for students and is introducing school social worker Jessica Boss to write Facebook posts to help them through the current COVID-19 crisis.

This partnership has been finalized and Boss’ primary role will be servicing students at Wayland Union Middle School next year, but for now, she’s working to provide information to all Wayland Union students and families.

Her first entry this week is as follows:

We are all living in a world that is ever-changing and uncertain due to COVID-19. It’s leaving us with many questions left unanswered, especially wondering when things may return to “normal.” Since we don’t have those answers yet – there are many things you can do to help manage your stress and take care of yourself. In the coming weeks, more information will be posted on different topics regarding anxiety/stress management, building resiliency along with coping skills and resources. For this week, here are some things you can do to help improve your emotional well-being:
· Stay connected with your positive supports such as your family, friends or neighbors. Use technology such as Facebook, FaceTime or Zoom to video chat and “see” them regularly.
· Disconnect from social media and the news. While it is important to remain aware of what is going on around us, consuming too much news can fuel our uncertainty and anxieties.
· Try to maintain a schedule as much as possible while spending extra time at home. Create a routine that includes a balance of work, play (including exercise!), healthy meals and adequate sleep. Most of us are used to having structure in our day that is naturally built in by being at school or at work. Maintaining some consistency in our daily routines is important for kids and adults.

Here are a few more tips from the Suicide Prevention Lifeline to help keep yourself mentally well:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/…/supporting-your-emo…
covid-19-outbreak/

If you are a Wayland student and are struggling with stress or your mental health, we are here for you. If you have an established relationship with your school counselor or social worker, we encourage you to reach out to them. If you are unable to connect with them, Jessica Boss, the School Liaison from Pine Rest, can be contacted at BossJ@waylandunion.org on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, here are numbers you can call for immediate assistance:
· Allegan County residents – Allegan County Community Mental Health: (269) 673-0202
· Barry County residents – Barry County Community Mental Health: (866) 266-4781
· Kent County residents – Network180: (616) 336-3909
· Pine Rest Contact Center: 800-678-5500
· Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or there is a live-chat option available online at
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
· Call 911 if there is an emergency