By Elysse James
In support of parents and students and in honor of May being Mental Health Month, Capistrano Unified and Hoag Hospital held a webinar question-and-answer session to respond to concerns and provide ways to support students during this difficult time.
“This has been an unbelievable time for us as a school district and as a community,” said Capistrano Unified Superintendent Kirsten Vital. “We felt this was a great topic to share with families as we work together to support our young people in these very challenging circumstances. I know there’s a lot of anxiety, grief, a sense of loss, as we move towards the last day of the school year. Our students are feeling all of this and so are we.”
When Capistrano Unified officials met with school Parent-Teacher Organizations/Associations, much of the feedback was regarding the stresses and anxieties they and their children are experiencing, Chief Communications Officer Ryan Burris said.
“A situation like this has really put our resiliency as human beings to the test,” said Prerna Rao, marriage and family therapist and ASPIRE clinical program manager. “For the parents, you really are doing the best that you can… Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
Watch the webinar with Rao, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sina Safahieh, and marriage and family therapist Ammar Altowaiji to hear more about anxiety and depression help, routines they suggest, and tips and support for parents and children.