1) Social Media and Anxiety: The connection between social media and anxiety in youth is becoming more and more evident. Here is an awesome TED Talk by Collin Kartchner, who recently spoke in Sammamish, on how social media is impacting our kids and how parents can start limiting the negative effects. (The good news is, it is not too late!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMb0wqTqE_4
2) Stress and Anxiety student group: The counseling department and counseling intern Tiffany Stephens will be running a stress and anxiety group for students, starting in January. The group will run for 6 weeks and students will rotate missing a class period each week. (First week, 1st period, etc.) Topics will focus on how to identify stress/anxiety triggers, coping skills, and learning from each other on ways to manage these issues. Please contact your child’s counselor if you’d like to have them participate.
3) Holiday Stress Relievers: The holiday season can be a whirlwind of fun, festivities, parties, gifts, and family and friends. It can also be a significant source of stress, anxiety, and potentially depression. As we walk into this season, here is a great resource to help increase joy and minimize anxiety: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
4) Resources for the holidays:
Holiday Gift Barn: Holiday Gift Barn provides extra help during the holiday season with gifts, stocking stuffers, and gift-wrapping for children ages newborn - 18 years living within the Issaquah School District. 2019 shopping days are Wednesday and Thursday, December 4th and 5th, at Pickering Barn.
*New this year: families are required to be active, registered clients of the food bank or provide documentation of residency within foodbank service area (98027, 98029, 98075, 98059) or documentation that their children attend an ISD school.
Turkey and Grocery Giveaway at Eastridge Church Sat Nov 23rd 9am. Free Turkey and bag of groceries, free adult and children's coats, free haircuts.
5) United Way Family Resource Exchange Night: For families experiencing instability and/or homelessness, this event will help families get connected with local housing resources, employment, financial legal services, child care assistance, a hot meal and more! When: Saturday, December 14th from 12pm to 3pm Where: Issaquah Middle School.
· Eastside Legal Assistance Program: Resources for families facing immigration challenges. They can be reached at 425-747-7274 between 10am-4pm Mon-Friday and interpreters are available.
Renton Clinic: 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:30 PM – 7:45 PM Kent Clinic: 1st Wednesday of every month from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Bellevue Clinic: 2nd & 4th Thursday
Clients can also contact one of the following organizations: