Welcome back Norsemen,
Hello Newark and welcome back! It has been a long 6 months being distanced from school, friends, family, and staff. I am so glad we are returning to face to face learning and look forward to seeing all the students in person.
I know these past few months, and months ahead, have presented many of us with numerous challenges. With the social distancing requirements, most of us have had to limit our engagement in social relationships, and have to distanced ourselves from our everyday "normal" life. The changes throughout the last 6 months have been extreme and frequent. Not to mention fluid and ever-changing. With these changes, the unknowns and uncertainties have increased the amount of individuals experiencing depression and anxiety throughout America and worldwide.
Please note the most common symptoms of depression are:
*Change of appetite *Increase or decrease of sleep *Loss of interest in activities *Increase of Isolation
*Feelings of hopelessness/helplessness *Loss of energy or motivation *Persistent sadness without specific "trigger"
Please note the most common symptoms of anxiety are:
*Lack of sleep *Racing thoughts *Feeling excessive worry *Feeling unsafe or impending doom
*Avoidance *Heart palpitation, shaking, or sweating *Shallow breathing *Irritability, restlessness
Again, the provided symptoms are common, however this list is not all inclusive. Meaning you may be experiencing depression and/or anxiety with other symptoms, if you feel you have had a recent change in mood, or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please consider speaking to your school social worker.
Covid-19 has increased the amount of individuals suffering with depression and anxiety. We have seen tremendous loss both nationally and globally. Our communities have seen significant financial hardship, our families have lost loved ones, we have all experienced grief on some level. Whether it be the loss of a job, school, sports, the ability to freely engage in social activities. We feel restricted, unsure, and at times scared. In general, I have felt a heaviness in the air at times. Feelings of fear, anger, and anxiety. And with the restrictions put in place, we have at times been distanced from our friends and family that would often extend positive support. Please consider reaching out to the social worker for resources, support, or guidance.
Kindly,
Alyssa Olin, MSW, LCSW
School Social Worker
NCHS
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