Understanding the grief of 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in varying ways. In this NPR article, experts urge against comparing experiences over acknowledging losses, big and small. As one psychologist shares, “You can have more than one feeling at the same time. You may be grateful that you have your health and still very disappointed about the losses of this year. And one doesn't cancel out the other."

Media to help ease indoor boredom
Sometimes, a little positive media distraction is all it takes to ease boredom and any anxiety associated with being stuck indoors. The team at Common Sense Media compiled this list of family-friendly media picks, from movies to video games appropriate for all ages.

Teens with poor body image may experience adult depression
A negative body image may impact mental health, according to a new study. The researchers found teens who were dissatisfied with their bodies were more likely to experience depression as adults. Girls who were unhappy about their bodies at 14 had mild, moderate and/or severe depression at 18, while boys experienced mild or moderate depression.

New Study: Do masks hide emotions?
Face-coverings are important protective measures against COVID-19, but some have questioned their impact on children’s emotional development. A recent study, however, showed that kids had no problems understanding facial expressions of individuals whose faces were partially covered. According to one of the researchers, “Kids are really resilient. They are able to adjust to the information they’re given, and it doesn’t look like wearing masks will slow down their development in this case.”

Mental health toolkit
Don’t forget to check out CHOC’s mental health toolkit to help ensure a healthy 2021. The resource covers a variety of common topics, from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder.