Ep 25: Supporting Kids' Mental Health: The Impact of COVID-19 On Our Kids
Updated: Mar 16, 2021
As COVID-19 numbers continue to spike, and schools extend virtual learning, our kids' mental health is being taxed. Like many adults, they struggle with anxiety, depression, and anger caused by the isolation of living through quarantine. Add to that a child who may have already been facing anxiety and depression, and you have what can quickly become a mental crisis.
We know this because our cohost, Titilayo Ellis, experienced a crisis with her daughter just as we entered the holiday season. That's why we thought it imperative to bring in a youth mental health expert to talk about the 'pandemic within a pandemic' where our children are increasingly facing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts at an alarming rate. Dr. Cherish Williams, licensed Psychologist and the Director of The Cherished Family Center, a private practice offering mental health services for families, joins us to discuss the increase in mental issues among our youth, lets us know the signs that your child may be suffering (spoiler alert: it's not what you may expect), and gives tips on how you can help your kid or teen through these trying times.
Dr. Cherish Williams is a native of North Carolina and a double Tar Heel. She received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Sociology from UNC. She also has a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Williams graduated with her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology from UNC.
Her professional interests include anxiety, insomnia, depression, racial identity development, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, and familial stressors.
She specializes in providing therapeutic services to children/adolescents and their families.
Dr. Williams offers individual therapy, family therapy, and educational consultation to families. Dr. Williams has a passion for helping children and teenagers through difficult times. She aims to help parents increase trust, communication, and understanding of the function(s) of their child's behaviors.
Parents, this episode is packed with gems to help you with parenting your child(ren) during these trying times. So grab your pen, find a quiet spot, and dig in.
Dr. Williams Mental Health Toolkit
Big Life Journal (For kids and teens) - https://biglifejournal.com/
The Virtual Hope Box (App for Teens) - Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/virtual-hope-box/id825099621; Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t2.vhb&hl=en_US&gl=US
Headspace (Mindfulness App) - https://www.headspace.com/
Calming (Mindfulness App) - https://www.calm.com/
Coloring Book Apps - Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coloring-book-for-adults-app/id1040798228; Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apalon.mandala.coloring.book&hl=en_US&gl=US
Love Language Quiz for Children (Free) - https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/child-quiz/
Love Language Quiz for Teens (Free) - https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/teen-quiz/
Reach Out!
Dr. Cherish Williams | Email: Cherishwilliamsphd@gmail.com |
Instagram: @selfcare4theblackpsychologist