The pandemic was a shock to our mental health in so many ways. We weren't prepared for something of this magnitude that would impact all aspects of our lives. 

To explore this in this week's episode of the Weekend Wellness Hour show, I discussed the impact of the pandemic on our mental health with licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, and Level II EMDR-certified therapist, Carron Montgomery.

Carron shared with us the various psychological stages of the pandemic over the past year and how each stage has influenced the mental health of children of all ages.  She explained how children who were already seeking mental health assistance had skills that other children did not have and were able to thrive on a more positive level.

We discussed young adults and the struggles they have faced with not being around their peers in this critical time of their lives.  Carron also touches on college students and young adults who are coping and trying to navigate the social, emotional, and financial implications of the pandemic.

Carron then shared some helpful tips for parents and adults on how to process and deal with the pandemic.  She explained how beneficial it is for parents and adults to be open with their feelings of uncertainty regarding the pandemic and to allow children to express their own thoughts. 

She gave several book recommendations for parents and adults to help them work with their children to help ease their anxiety, panic and stress.  She recommended various apps, being out in nature and breathwork as additional tools to help with coping.

Carron co-owns Aster Counseling in Kansas City and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and grief and loss. She has also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma and their parents or caregiver.  She now presents at churches, schools and various other organizations to address the mass mental suffering that arose from the pandemic.

Please join us to learn some strategies for your mental health in this pandemic world!

To reach Carron Montgomery, please visit www.astercounseling.org or email her at [email protected].

-Dr. Amy

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