Experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness and uncertainty are normal during a pandemic. People can become more distressed if they see repeated images or hear repeated reports about the COVID-19 outbreak in the media. Fortunately, being proactive about your mental health can help to keep both your mind and body stronger.

Children model behaviour as to what they observe and learn from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

Even if school is shut, keep up your usual routine, maintaining structure to your days will help you feel in control. Routine is comforting. Schedule activities to help distract you from the boredom and to keep you connected with your friends. If you need to practice social distancing, you can still connect with others virtually. We have compiled helpful tips and a list of things one can do during quarantine, feel free to check our website for the same, you can read more at  https://www.manotsav.com/things-to-do-during-quarantine/

Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19
Only consult legitimate sources, like the government site for any information about COVID-19
Call your mental health care provider if stress reactions interfere with your daily activities for several days in a row
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep
Make time to unwind and remember that strong feelings will fade
Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member
We have identified several helpful resources and tips to help you and others, feel free to check our website for the same.
https://www.manotsav.com/donations/mental-health-in-crisis-called-corona-digital-campaign/

We have identified several helpful resources and tips to help you and others, feel free to check our website for the same.
https://www.manotsav.com/donations/mental-health-in-crisis-called-corona-digital-campaign/

Limit your screen time.
Get some exercise or do yoga.
Draw, write in a journal or use music to express your thoughts and feelings.
Do things that make you feel good.
Plan the things you can do.
Reach out to your friends and family virtually.
Make sure you get enough sleep and stick to your pre-quarantine routine as much as you can.

As the popular quote goes, you cannot serve from an empty vessel. It is important to attend to oneself while providing care for others. Taking care of a family member who is affected by an illness or shows symptoms in addition to a pre-existing condition can be taxing for the caregiver’s own mental and physical health. We have compiled several helpful tips for caregivers, feel free to check our website for the same.
https://www.manotsav.com/putting-on-your-own-oxygen-mask-first-mental-health-for-caregivers-during-the-pandemic/

3 months:

No smiles while interacting

No response to loud noises

6 months:

Not making eye contact while talking

No reaching for toys or objects

12 months:

Says little or no words

No actions like pointing or waving

16 months

Becomes fixated with one toy or a part of the toy

Prefer being alone. Hesitant and uninterested while interacting with parents as well

• Be patient while talking to them. if they don't respond to you don't push it.
• They take things literally, hence use simple words
• Do not jump from one topic to another.
• Do not expect them to understand body language ques.

• Lack of awareness about the disorder, which leads to delayed diagnosis
• Lack of resources in education and trained professionals that can cater to the needs of the children stress among parents as to what will happen to the child when they are no longer
• Lack of awareness about government policies and provisions that can be availed
• Lack of institution that can cater to the needs of adults with ASD (Harman, 2014)
• Limited Access to resources and services

• The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities
• GHARAUNDA (Group Home And Rehabilitation Activities for Disabled Adults)
• Niramaya (Health Insurance Scheme)
• VIKAAS Day Care
• Income Tax concessions
• Hotel Discounts

For more information on these schemes visit. https://vikaspedia.in/health/mental-health/autism-1/autism-government-schemes-and-programmes

You can expect to have discussions, reflections and sharing of experiences and tips on various areas that the support group focuses on.

In our support group series for students experiencing distress, we have designed it to help you feel safe and comfortable through some easy activities, followed by discussion and sharing your experiences on various topics and themes of distress. It is led by a mental health professional and in-training psychology interns who help assist the facilitation. Sometimes, we even share some tips and strategies.

Support groups generally are tailored to specific people or common issues experienced by people or their loved ones.

In the support group for -students feeling distressed, you can expect to find college students, young adults, likely within the age bracket of 18 to 22 years. However, if you are a student or anyone in the age-group who relates to the experiences, you are welcome to join us and check it out.

You will never be forced or pressured to talk or share in a support group. You are free to speak when you feel ready to or if you wish to.  Although, we do encourage that you try to participate in any way possible. It not only helps you and gives you a better experience from the support group, but you might even benefit others with your contribution.

All group members and participants are expected to respect and maintain confidentiality, regarding all and any kind of information or personal experiences shared within the support group. Please be polite, respectful, sensitive and mindful of others’ comfort and general decorum within the group sessions. Let’s ensure that we create a safe and positive space for everyone to share and find support.

If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy at any point, do let the facilitator know (on chat in case of online meeting). You can explain your concerns or they might help you with alternatives, if possible. You can also excuse yourself, after making them aware. Your privacy is always respected, but informing helps identify any issues or prepare for future meetings, in case of a virtual set-up.

If you’ve been feeling distressed or are experiencing any of the related concerns, you can join the support group. You can also try participating and see if you would like to continue.

The support group for students, is tailored to benefit students or youngsters. So, they might find it more relevant, and find similar peers. There are no specific restrictions or criteria as to who can be support group members or attendees. Maintaining confidentiality, politeness, sensitivity and respect towards other members are basically the most important values.

For the Student support group, you don’t need to have a clinical diagnoses or symptoms to attend. It is open to all peers who may find it relatable, helpful or relevant.

Most support groups run through course of meetings consistently and most members try to attend them regularly. However, in today’s online setting, we understand situations can be different. So, you can choose to typically attend the full support group or pick one or few of the sessions that you are interested in. Often people like to look at areas that are bothering them the most, or ones they will find most helpful. Then they can choose which topics or themes of the support group sessions align best.

We are also trying to understand which of the concerns are most common and assess the need for specific support groups in future.