CHOC Mental Health Update | February 2022
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Thank you Friend,
for being a champion for kids with mental illness in your community. In observance of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 21-27) this issue of our Mental Health Update provides education and resources to help children and teens suffering from eating disorders. Visit our Mental Health Toolkit for resources to support pediatric mental illness.
Managing Anxiety About Omicron
The highly contagious omicron COVID-19 variant, coupled with a return to school after the winter break and a delay in the approval of a COVID vaccine for kids under 5, has many parents worried about their children's physical and mental health and safety. Here are 11 tips to help you cope.
 
How the Pandemic is Fueling Eating Disorders in Adolescents 
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals saw a surge in admissions for eating disorders in young people. Meanwhile, barriers to treatment became more pronounced. Learn how parents can help.
Recognize the Warning Signs of Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders are serious but treatable illnesses that have unfortunately grown in frequency among kids and teens during the pandemic. In this CHOC blog, director of pediatric psychiatry, Dr. Wayne Nguyen, and division chief of adolescent medicine, Dr. Alexandra Roche, discuss the warning signs of eating disorders and ways to help. Read the blog or Listen to their podcast.
 
How to Help Someone with an Eating Disorder
It can be challenging to figure out how to help someone struggling with an eating disorder. While approaching the subject is never easy, your support can make all the difference. Follow this advice from an expert.
 
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers online chat, phone, and text support.
 
Anxiety and Stress Relief Video Series
From breathing techniques to journaling, there are simple practices children can do in daily life to help them cope with their anxiety and stress. Our pediatric mental health experts have developed a video library to help teach children these exercises. Watch our anxiety and stress relief video series. 
 
 
Upcoming Mental Health Education Sessions
CHOC's Spring Mental Health Education Program (MHEP) Webinar Series just launched! Come join us at our March sessions and visit our mental health events page to view all our educational sessions happening this spring.
 
Thursday, March 3: 5:00-6:00p (PST)
STRATEGIES FOR PARENTING STRONG-WILLED CHILDREN
Learn strategies to take a positive approach when your children push back.
 
Wednesday, March 23: 5:00-6:00p (PST)
PREVENTING BURNOUT: SELF-CARE TIPS
Identify the less obvious signs of burnout and learn tips for self-care. 
 

 

Is your child struggling with mental health?

Here's a list of Mental Health Resources.

This email is intended to share news and information about the need for pediatric mental health services in Orange County and CHOC’s role in meeting those needs.

This email is not intended to replace the relationship you have with a physician or another healthcare practitioner. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. This email includes links to other websites which provide additional information that is consistent with the intended purpose of the CHOC Mental Health newsletter. Linking to a non-CHOC site does not constitute an endorsement by CHOC of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site.
    
Long Live Childhood