Concerns of Depression in Teens and Children

As the Covid-19 virus continues to preclude our normal comings and goings, we need to be watchful for signs of depression in our teens and children, as well as in ourselves. Feeling unhappy in this time of forced isolation and constant uncertainty is unavoidable, and most of us are struggling to stay positive. But depression is more than just feeling sad or having bad days. An individual who seems to be stuck in a negative mood — feeling hopeless and not able to enjoy anything — may have depression and may need help to bounce back. Read more.

Statement on Intolerance

The Safe Community Coalition firmly condemns racism, intolerance and injustice. We stand with those who are speaking out against the systemic racism that has marginalized and oppressed black people in the United States. Read more.

WeCoach: Student2Student

The Safe Community Coalition is sponsoring a summer pilot of a program designed by and for students. The WeCoach: Student2Student (S2S) Pilot will train 10 high school and college students to facilitate circles with four or five of their peers.  Ten peer circles will launch in mid-July and run through early August. The circles will use a proven, structured peer coaching method to help circle members with current challenges, questions, or priorities. Read more.

Quaranteens

Our Youth Advisory Committee members have been chatting online together about their experiences being stuck at home and answering some questions. Check them out HERE to get the “teen perspective” on the stay at home orders. More questions and answers will be added weekly!

Tips and Advice from Our Mental Health Advisory Committee

Members of our Mental Health Advisory Committee are concerned about the toll that the stress of distance learning, social isolation, economic concerns, the inability to plan for the near future have taken on adults and kids. They’ve created videos on a variety of topics:

Finding A Counselor: Tips and Advice

Grounding Techniques to Help Cope with Uncertainty

How To Meet Kids’ Three Basic Needs: Competence, Connection, and Autonomy

Healthy Coping Strategies During Uncertain Times

Staying Positive

5 Tips to Engage Your Children More Successfully During This Corona Virus Time

Note: The contents of this site are for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing found on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Reliance on any information provided by Safe Community Coalition or by any person or professional appearing on our website is solely at your own risk. The Safe Community Coalition is not liable for any advice or information provided on the site, all of which is provided on an “as-is” basis. No warranties, either express or implied, are made on the information we provide.

Kids, Teens, and Screens: Finding Balance, featuring Ana Homayoun

We are working on rescheduling Ana for the fall. If you’ve purchased tickets, please contact us at info@mcleanscc.org to get a refund. Recognizing that finding our screen time and social media balance has become even more difficult, we encourage everyone to read Ana’s books. Perhaps we’ll all have more to add to our book talks in the fall! Read more here.

Tips from Fairfax County and FCPS

FCPS Healthy Minds: Keeping your children occupied while schools are closed.