There is high anxiety entering the 2021-2022 school year. The Delta variant is making its way through our community with children aged 12 and under left vulnerable because they can’t get vaccinated. Mandatory mask mandates in schools continue to be a heavily debated issue as students, parents, and teachers try to navigate through another school year during the pandemic.
Gifford’s Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Erika Schleif, noticed anxiety with some students but says there was a sense of relief once those students were back in the classroom.
“We have schools in person for a reason,” Schleif said. “Kids get to see their friends at lunchtime. They can see their teachers and teachers can see them.”
When kids do see their friends and teachers this year, most, if not all, will be wearing masks. Children are in the middle of the mask debate, but most of the kids Schleif has spoken with are wearing their masks because they say it makes sense. She says they’re not sure why adults are fighting about the issue.
“I get it because you can’t see the emotion on the kid’s face. It deters socialization,” Schleif said. “We have to hear both sides, but for safety purposes, kids hear from medical professionals that they need to wear a mask.”
Because mental health counselors are overbooked and understaffed, parents and guardians have been called upon to support the mental health of their children. It’s another big ask for parents during the pandemic, but Schleif suggests parents maintaining an open dialogue with their kids will go a long way. Schleif also recommends having contingency plans to deal with the “what-ifs” and manage expectations.
“We’re asking parents to step up and be the councilor for their children,” Schleif said. “That doesn’t make the most sense. The child needs a safe space to talk about issues.”
Parents in our community don’t have to go it alone. At Gifford, creative approaches are being used to get people the care they need, including the formation of support groups. Regardless of the situation, there is always someone who will answer the phone at Gifford.
“Sometimes, that’s all someone needs,” Schleif said. “Just to know that we’re here and they’re not being forgotten.”
Gifford patients can get a mental health referral through primary care. Others can call Gifford Social Worker, Emily Pizzale at 802-728-2795.
